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PPILKINGTON RETIRREMENT INFORMATIONI AND SUSPPORT MAGAZINE •M www.pilkingtonfamilytrust.com

Andrew’s Mill at mission centre

Andrew’s Mill is a maize mill under construction in Right: Andrew Ekwendeni Mission Station in Malawi, being Connell and wife Pat. formally named on completion, after Pilkington Family Trust beneficiary, Andrew Connell. Andrew worked for 12 years at Barr forward to making use of their new & Stroud, retiring in 1991 at age 62. mill. Ekwendeni was originally started Andrew always told Pat, it was the in 1889 by Walter Angus Elmslie a happiest place he had ever worked. Scottish missionary. It has one of the oldest churches in Malawi, belonging Sadly Andrew passed away in 2015, to the Church of Central Africa, however his memory is being kept Presbyterian, which is the local alive in Ekwendeni where, thanks to equivalent of the Church of Scotland. his wife’s generosity, the Maize Mill is being constructed in his name in the Andrew and Pat’s interest in grounds of the Mission Station. Ekwendeni started from their involvement in their local church, Maize is a staple food in Malawi, Giffnock South Parish Church, where currently the locals have a Glasgow. (By the time this magazine Andrew’s Mill. 10 -mile round trip on foot to get their goes to press it is hoped that maize to the nearest mill for grinding. Andrew’s Mill will be fully The local community is looking constructed and in use.)

Glen Nightingale Glen will be familiar to Glen became Chief Glass join the Charity Trustee body Glen’s successor many of you having served Technologist followed by and agreed. He succeeded Glen is succeeded in the 37 years with Pilkington in a Production Director in 1986. Ken Appleton as Chair of role as Chairman of Trustees variety of roles. Glen joined Trustees in February 2006 Glen then assumed the by David Bricknell (pictured Pilkington in 1962 as a and held this post until his prestigious role of Chairman below) who was previously Development Chemist on the of Pilkington Glass Ltd, recent retirement. In total relatively new float Pilkington Company which led to being appointed that means that Glen has process. In 1966 Glen was Secretary - as you can see to the Group main Board in devoted an astounding 52 seconded to Scarborough we like to keep things in the 1987. Glen’s final role was years to actively serving the plant in Canada as Works “family” and rightly so as company and its retirees, an Chemist for the start-up of that of Group Technical we perpetuate the Pilkington achievement not many can the Group’s first overseas Director, which he held from name through our work. match. His fellow Trustees It is with a degree of float line SC2. 1994 until his retirement in sadness that we 1999. Throughout his career and the Executive Glen returned to the UK in announce the retirement Glen was actively involved management team of PRSL 1969 and undertook a would like to extend a huge of Glen Nightingale as variety of technical and as Trustee on the PSS vote of thanks for his Chairman of the Trustee production appointments, Pension Scheme. wisdom and support over body of the Pilkington including Manager of the Shortly after his retirement the years. Family Trust. Rolled Plate factory. In 1979 in 2002, Glen was invited to

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES AS IT WAS .... STRICTLY COME DANCING 2 William and Beryl celebrate 65 years of marriage 3 A fascinating glimpse of Pilkington 5 Spectacular performances at the Day Centre history 65th Wedding Anniversary Celebration EDITOR’S NOTES Congratulations go to Can you believe we are already halfway William and Beryl through 2017! And so much has Rimmer who happened, in particular the terrible terrorist atrocities in and celebrated their 65th Manchester, the heartbreaking London Wedding Anniversary tower block fire as well as an unexpected General Election – events that have on 29th March 2017. changed our country in so many ways.

And there have been changes also at the The couple met at the old Pilkington Family Trust with the recent Co-op Dance Hall in St Helens. retirement of PRISM’s Editor, Mike At the time Bill (as he likes to be Horton. Mike was the Trust’s Welfare known) worked for Burtonwood Programme Manager and, after 27 years Engineering Company and Beryl service, we wish him well in his worked for Pilkington at City retirement. Also, there is a new Chair of Road in the offices. Trustees with existing Trustee David Beryl later worked at the gas Bricknell taking on the role following Glen board for a while and then Nightingale’s recent retirement from the eventually returned to Pilkington When they both eventually adorn the walls of their home. Chair and Trustee Board. For many years working at Head Office and retired they enjoyed walking in Pilkington Family Trust sends Glen has brought much experience and Fibreglass. Bill started his own the Lakes and Wales, and taking their best wishes to the couple wise counsel which will be greatly missed . engineering company, Wilber their dog for long walks. Beryl and look forward to reporting Engineering, (the name came loved knitting and making their next momentous Change is a theme in this issue – from the first three letters of tapestries and some of her anniversary in 2022. particularly in Pilkington history; changing their names). beautiful embroidered pictures from horses to power-driven vehicles, and a very old photograph illustrating what we believe to be a very early Pilkington Many happy returns laboratory. Where is it? We don’t know to Mrs Wilburn who yet but hope some reader will have the celebrated her answer! And for new readers whose life momentus 103rd has changed through retirement welcome birthday in March Special to new beginnings. Other readers share 2017. their thoughts with us about helping you enjoy your retirement through activities such as the University of the Third Age as well as sharing their personal experiences on taking care of yourself in retirement. Celebrations

Readers also share with us their special stories – some light-hearted and some very moving like the maize mill being built in memory and honour of a Birthday wishes go to Congratulations go to Olive Harrison Pilkington pensioner. Please keep your Miss Nicholson from MBE, who celebrated her 100th stories coming – they are amazing. St Helens who birthday at home in St Helens. celebrated her 102nd There’s no doubt by the time the next Birthday on 12th edition of PRISM drops through your letterbox there will have been even more January 2017. change – as yet unknown. Change is inevitable and perhaps in difficult changing times this well known quote might help - “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”!

Jackie Mafi Interim Editor Congratulations go to Sophia Pape who celebrated her 100th birthday on 11th April 2017 at her home in For details of how to Stockport. She received a beautiful birthday card from contact us see page 6 the Queen which she has had framed.

2 AS IT WAS .... In this edition we would like to share with you a fascinating glimpse of Pilkington history as extracted from old news journals - known as Cullet. In winter 1949 the Pilkington Brothers Cullet edition mourned the passing of the use of the horse by “the Firm”.

“Towards the end of October the last horse left the Firm and went into honourable retirement. Picture taken from an old Cullet magazine - a time when St Helens This was not a great event - indeed very few people would even have known of it - but it was full of horses and when each Works had its own stables. completes a long chapter in the history of the whether weight had been lost or gained - very years ago with his highly polished steamer. Firm. This chapter opened with the Firm and has few lost weight. Quite apart from the draught horses, the taken until the present time to close. That a carriage horse also played his part in the history modern industry should only now, in the days of The May Show of the Firm. Two horses were kept at Head Office complete mechanisation, dispense with the horse The May Show was the greatest event of the and their job was to convey the Directors to and is nothing short of amazing. year and long hours were spent grooming horses from work. Horses had their strict period of duty; Talking to Mr “Bill” Howard of the Transport and polishing harnesses. A cup and prizes went there was a morning and afternoon horse and in Department, I was taken back almost half a to the smartest and best turned out horse and between periods of carriage duty they had to century to the time when St Helens was full of cart. Mr Guy and Lee Pilkington as well as Mr stand by in case of a fire when they were used to horses and when each Works had its stables. In Norman Pilkington bred horses for the Works. draw the engine. the Sheet Works, 100 horses were stabled on the Four years before the horses were replaced by Another team of horses was used by the site of No. 6 Tank and Liverpool, Bradford, power driven vehicles, Mr Howard had learned to Medical Officer to visit his patients who were not Newcastle, in fact all the Depots, had their drive a “steamer”, but his heart was always with able to get to the Works Surgery. Two ponies quota, usually four, for local carting. Each Works his first love, horses. As he says, a Diesel lorry were used to run a regular message service employed a full-time Veterinary Surgeon. cannot show any affection. The steamers and first between Head Office, Plate Works and In those days Mr. “Bill” Howard told me the petrol wagons were a little faster than horses, but Ravenhead. Each Friday morning a trip was made St Helens/Liverpool trip took from two to two and with a trailer they could carry up to 12 tons of to St Helens Colliery and at night to Rainford a half-hours with a cart loaded with 30 cwt of glass. The law prohibited a speed of greater than Sandwash. glass. The carter was also responsible for looking 10 m.p.h. so journeys took a long time; for And so the horse (as far as the Firm is after the horse, cleaning harness, cart and stable. example, a Leeds trip meant booking in at 1 or 2 concerned) passes, but many people will always The day started at 6 a.m. with giving the horse o’clock in the morning. remember them as faithful animals who did a job his breakfast of hay and oats. The first Monday of The May Shows still continued when the horses well before it could be done more quickly by each month every horse was weighed to see had gone and Mr. Howard won the Silver Cup 20 machines. “He made way gracefully for progress”.

Anniversaries

Congratulations are sent to the following couples who have or are about to celebrate their Pension special anniversaries. queries DIAMOND WEDDING (60TH) Mr Thomas & Mrs Grace Lawson, Glasgow – 29/7/17 Mr Glyn & Mrs Kath Owen, Rhyl – Dec 16 Mr Hector & Mrs Helen Peters, St Helens – 3/8/17 Please note that ALL Mr Peter & Mrs Ana Wood, Chippenham – 15/12/2016 Mr Keith & Mrs Anne Thomas, St Helens – 12/8/17 Mr Jack & Mrs Brenda Smart, Towyn – 22/12/16 Mr Keith & Mrs Jean Hodson, St Helens 31/8/17 pension queries Mr Stanley & Mrs Joan Baker, Prestatyn – 22/12/16 Mr Robert & Kathleen Bride, Bath – 10/9/17 Mr Roy Herbert & Mrs Joan Martin, St Helens – 2/3/17 Mr & Mrs T Blanchard, Doncaster 23/9/17 should be sent to: Mr James & Mrs Sheila Lofthouse, St Helens – 16/3/17 Mr Bernard and Mrs Renee Cunningham, 5/10/17. Mrs Freda & Mr Edward Rigby, Legal Dept, H/O, Prescot – NSG European 23/3/17 GOLDEN W EDDING (50TH) Mr Lol & Mrs Muriel Amison, Doncaster - 30/3/17 Mr Ronnie & Mrs Joan Hull, – 3/2/17 Technical Centre, Mr Gratton & Mrs Ann Bottell, St Helens – 30/03/17 Mr David & Mrs Zandra Howard, St Helens – 18/3/17 Pensions Dept, 2nd Mr & Mrs Douglas Twist, Birmingham – 7/4/16 Mr R&e Mmres mKabtehrle, einf yBoauile wy, oSut lHde leiknes –y o1u8r/ 3G/1o7lden or Mr & Mrs H Deakes, Doncaster - 25/5/17 Mr DTihaomaosn d& MWresd Gdriancge LAanwnsiovne,r Gsalarsyg omwe –n t2i9o/n7e/1d7 in Floor Small Scale, Mr John & Mrs Ann Glover, Doncaster – 6/7/17 Mr PTorniys m& M, rpsl Cearsoele i Bnlfaonrcmha yrdo,u Dro Wncealsftaerre– O23ff/i9c/e2r0 1o7 r Mr Kenneth & Mrs Doreen Griffiths, Nantwich – 8/6/17 telephone the Welfare Centre on 01744 457929. Hall Lane, Lathom . Mr & Mrs R Leese, Doncaster 15/6/17 L40 5UF Telephone: 01695 54000 3 Saints cafe launched Saints Community Development Foundation has launched a Reminiscence Café at the , St Helens for those living with dementia and their carers. The first event saw , Saints’ Mental Health Ambassador, introduce club legend and Foundation Ambassador to discuss his memories and thoughts on the 1999 Grand Final win. After lunch the attendees, including Trust beneficiaries, had a walk around the lower tier of Ina and Les Bullock. the stadium taking in the changing rooms and pitch side. Since the first session they have been holding bi-monthly events which have been growing week on week. Love & marriage go together Each session sees a club legend visiting and having a quick chat with Eddie and answering a few questions from the Café’s attendees. like a horse and quad bike! Up to now they have been visited by Tommy Martyn, Eric Chisnall, Billy Benyon, , Getting round your garden by quad bike is not the normal method for most Ade Gardner, Harry Pinner, Peter Harvey and Chris couples who have recently celebrated 63 years of marriage! But for Ina and Arkwright. Les Bullock, now living in Flyford Favell, Worcester, quad bike riding until very recently was a regular activity due to the isolated location of their previous home at Buckeridge, Kidderminster.

The size of their grounds meant not only was a many romances had blossomed in the Company. sit on lawn mower needed, but also a quad bike. Les worked for Chance Brothers, Smethwick, Sadly, like many people in retirement, there comes whilst Ina worked at Firhill, the Glasgow plant. a time when downsizing becomes necessary and Starting in 1944 as an apprentice engineer, Les Ina and Les have now moved from the cottage eventually became Assistant Works Manager at they called home for 40 years. Opening of the Saints Community Development Reminiscence the Rolled Plate factory in Firhill before taking cafe. Eddie Cunningham is introducing the event. This isn’t the first time that Ina and Les have over the toughening operation at Eccleston Works. featured in a Pilkington publication. As part of Several moves between Glasgow and Birmingham Also on the day they show footage of St Helens decluttering in preparation for their move to took place with a brief spell in . Having and the club throughout their history, and have a Flyford Favell, Ina and Les discovered an old married Ina in 1954, Les’s job took him all over short quiz with a prize for the winner. Pilkington News. This featured an article about the world to India, Mexico, South Africa, America, They have loads of old photographs to browse themselves entitled “A Fine Romance” detailing Germany, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Belgium through and even have some time for a few chair the story of how they met through working for making many friends in the process with whom exercises to work off lunch. Pilkington. The article was illustrating just how they still keep in touch. Foundation Manager Steve Leonard said: “This idea has been with me for quite a while, but it was the introduction of Eddie Cunningham as the 1,387 years’ collective service Foundation’s Mental Health ambassador that got the wheels in motion. It is fantastic to see the people who come along The article in our last edition 1387 YEARS have so much fun and also for their carers to have COLLECTIVE SERVICE generated a response some respite. Friends of the Foundation donations from some of our readers. help make programmes like this one possible. Also the Saints club themselves for providing such Margaret Scott (nee Trantum) recognised her grandfather, tremendous facilities for us to enjoy.” Richard Trantum in the photograph on far left of front row. Mrs Scott’s father, Harry Trantum, who was in his 20’s when PFT Beneficiaries have been supporting the this photograph was taken, also worked at Pilkington as a glasscutter. Some years later Mrs Scott’s sessions every month from the start. Around 15 to brother, also called Harry, was taken on by Pilkington as an apprentice beveller, and just to keep it in 20 beneficiaries and their carers living with the family, Mrs Scott’s husband Billy, worked as an apprentice beveller as well! Two of Mrs Scott’s dementia attend the sessions and come back each sons, Tony and Geoffrey both started as apprentice bevellers and Geoffrey is still employed at Alexander month. They enjoy the history videos and the Works. So when people used to say that Pilkington was a family firm, it truly was. Mr Gwynne Roberts humour Eddie brings to the group, not forgetting the of Portmadog also wrote in to say that many ex-employees will remember Sammy Pickett (in middle lovely sandwiches and cookies provided with tea row), a foreman in the Flat Drawn Department at Sheet Works. He believes Sammy was involved in the and coffee at lunch. introduction of the vertical drawn PPG (Pittsburgh Plate Glass) Process from 1936.

44 Creative living in retirement

It is with regret that we announce that the above Ruskin Lodge Group has been disbanded due to a falling number of members and the unfortunate passing of the Creative Living Chairman, Ron Taylor. The group was founded in 1994 by David Pilkington and started with 50 members. Their first big project was to obtain a folding screen and collect pictures and articles of notable events. These were glued to the screen and when finished it was varnished and is still now on display at Picture blast from the past Ruskin Lodge. Their next project was to convert a piece of derelict land This photograph was taken approx equipment relating to combustion. This between the tennis courts and Ruskin Lodge into a 1911 at Watson Street Laboratory we could have been something called an Millennium Garden, suitable for disabled and wheelchair believe. Written on the back of the ORSAT apparatus which measures levels of visitors. In 2000 it was also decided to place a time photograph are their names: C. Wood, oxygen, carbon dioxide and carbon capsule in the garden to be opened in a 100 years’ time. F. White, J. Gee, J. Waring, W. Bate, monoxide. The sample of atmosphere in An acid free box was filled with various photographs and J. Dunnett, A. Sherlock and Robinson. the glass tank would have been taken newspapers dating from the 1800’s, the complete works of Do you recognise any of your relatives? using a silica tube and a set of bellows, Shakespeare, a bible and various decimal coins. Many other The employees look quite young, but in which would then have been connected up projects were undertaken over the years, and the group those days children left school at 11 or 12 to the ORSAT apparatus and the analysis made many items for Ruskin Lodge and for general sale years of age, depending on how many carried out. including, large dominos, magazine racks, bird boxes, hours schooling they had completed. This analysis would then be used to model aeroplanes, greetings cards, scrabble boards, the list check the optimum combustion settings for is endless! When Jackie Mafi showed Austin the glass tank. This has been a very happy, friendly, and talented group Griffiths, Welfare Officer, the photograph of of individuals and the Family Trust wish all the remaining the laboratory, his immediate reaction was: Laboratories of today use more up-to- members well for their future and thank them for all their “That takes me back a long time and date technology to do the work and it is of efforts over the years. before you ask, I did not wear those starch a higher level of accuracy.” collars when I started at Pilkington. Looking through some old Cullet I actually started work at Pilkington as a magazines the ‘new’ Research Laboratories trainee lab technician and worked at (Central Analytical Laboratory) opened in Lathom, Ravenhead and Fibreglass, in the St Helens in 1938. The same year Works laboratory and Technical Pilkington Brothers Ltd joined Chance Development, before moving to the Family Brothers Ltd forming Glass Fibres Ltd. Trust some 20-odd years ago. Eccleston Grange Analytical Laboratories What is apparent, is that when this opened on 8th March 1949 and 50 staff photograph was taken, laboratories in moved from Watson Street to the new Pilkington would have carried out a range Laboratories. The property consisted of a of work from analysis of raw materials three-storey building with basements and used in glass making to water analysis of large conservatory with outbuildings, set in cooling water on the glass tanks and three acres of gardens. Eccleston Grange checking the atmosphere of the glass was the former home of Mr Austin tanks. Pilkington. A new wing was added to the In the right of the photograph is some property in August 1958.

Margaret Pennington, Jim Cairns, Margaret Cairns and Rose Harrup. Westend ballroom

This photo taken at Dance in the ‘Westend Ballroom’ was featured in the last edition of Prism. Ruskin Lodge Day Centre’s Strictly Come Dancing Show Thanks go to reader Doug Twist, who has identified the The dining room was well decorated and the tables were dressed in black and people pictured. white, which looked very elegant. Standing left to right: Mrs Jean Cartwright; Mr Mike The guests had been sent invitations to the event so that they could get dressed up and Jinman; Mr Doug Twist; Mr Bill Gorden. on the day it was nice to see how many people had arrived very smartly dressed. The show Seated left to right: Mrs Chris Jinman; Mrs Wendy Twist; performance was spectacular, costumes were dazzling and the show dancers invited guests Mrs Gorden; Mr Arthur Smallwood; Mr John Powell. to join in some of the dancing.

5 Deaths Below are lists of retirements and deaths for the period December 2016 to June 2017 inclusive

It is with regret that we report the death COWLEY HILL Lawrence Furlong Arthur Fearnley ST ASAPH of the following employees Bessie Brownbill Edward Glover John Addy Berwyn Williams GREENGATE Harry Grimes John Parr Gordon Elliott Mark Kelly Eric Finney Charles Parrott TRIPLEX ECCLESTON Jean Dixon HEAD OFFICE James Dean George Campbell PUKL SALFORD Terence McLoughlin Alan Oldham David Roberts Christopher Pagandam Bernard Heywood William Lawrenson Christopher France Saleh Hussain Keith Goodier William Anders John Pickard Alfred O'Sullivan Jack Marsh It is with regret that we report the deaths Allen Cathcart Leonard Cook Hugh Taylor Paul Poulton of the following pensioners. Denis Ruane Patricia Littler Francis E Devine Wilfred Kelly James Clayton Margaret Kay John Dorning ANDREWARTHA Betty Brooker PILKINGTON PLYGLASS Agnes Mercer William Smale William Dean Peter Dolan Ben Harling John Brudenell James Fisher AUTOMOTIVE KINGS NORTON Daniel Johnstone Ronald Humphreys Samuel Wilson Joseph Eden PILKINGTON SPECIAL GLASS Peter Gleave Michael Rossborough Brian Weldon David Hughes Horace Bonehill John Archer Harry Taylor Christine Brown Richard Roberts TRIPLEX KINGS NORTON Sheila Deville Charles Williams BP ENGINEERING Annie Kinsella PILKINGTON TECHNICAL Anthony Bebe CP ST ASAPH Jean Rigby Audrey Surtees MIRRORS John Griffiths BUILDING PRODUCTS UK Gwyneth Williams Michael Wilson Norman Royles KINGS NORTON Ronald Reading Anthony Houghton Clive Tompkins PPE ST ASAPH Doreen Cox CHANCE BROTHERS DIRECTOR Dennis Griffiths Derek Cook LATHOM TRIPLEX LARKHALL Stanley Jones Kenneth Litherland John Bishop Robert MacDonald Frank Leslie Gould DONCASTER Jamie Snowdon John Kirby Thomas Riddell Betty Nock Patricia Thorley Peter Mulligan PRL WATSON STREET James Peakman David Turner James Bradshaw Albert Platt Jean Morgan Brenda Peace Robert Wilson Michael Casey Clifford McIntosh Michael Turner Robert Sephton PRL STIRLING Peter Frodsham Alan John Hepworth David Morrison Kenneth Dixon CHANCE PILKINGTON OPTRONICS Geoffrey Tatlock David Weeks FIBREGLASS John Speakman PUKL Robert Bannerman Edwin Green Charles Abrahams Rita Price Keith Johnson William Richards John Glover PIL RAVENHEAD Joan Steele Harold Phillips Jean Barnes Derrick Pimblett Joseph Dullard June Dyson George Glover Mary Hoskins Gerald Shaw WELDALL Keith Polding QUEENSFERRY Reginald Butler CHANCE PROPPER FIBREGLASS RAVENHEAD Thomas Cross Arthur Smith Patrick Flood PILKINGTON (AGR) Johanna Mather RAVENHEAD Eric Smallwood Richard Williams Anthony Edwards Henry Palmer Brenda Macdona Horace Ruddick PILKINGTON GROUP LIMITED Robert Ashcroft Apologies for an error in CITY ROAD FIBREGLASS WREXHAM Leslie Stretch David Fallon the Winter edition for Mr Malcolm Taberner Thomas Smith Dennis Hughes Frederick Smith Alan Todd who had been Archie Cooledge Agnes Twist incorrectly printed as Henry Johnson GREENGATE Joan Biggs SHEETWORKS Thomas King Lucy Grice Robert Lathom Todd Alan. Francis Smith

Retirements List of retirements since last issue. The number of years’ service are as shown.

ARCHITECTURAL Alfred Johansen 30 LATHOM WATSON STREET Karen Marsh 21 Kathleen Cannon 36 Reza Ghaemi 14 John W A Worrall 46 CUMBERNAULD Steven Hunt 37 John Nodwell 37 GREENGATE Brian Pilling 17 Archibald Pearson 19 William Arnold 45 Graham Grimshaw 20

Ê Contact us… Name, address and telephone number of sender: By telephone: 01744 457929 In writing: The Pilkington Family Trust Units 16-20 Nature of enquiry: Chalon Way Business Park Chalon Way East St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1AU e–mail: [email protected] If you prefer you may wish to complete the slip and return it to the Every effort is made to ensure that details and information in the magazine are correct at the above address, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. time of going to press. Produced by: LBW Communications Ltd. Email: [email protected]; Tel: 01295 690074 • Mob: 07917 548589

6 The financial year to 31st March 2017 Throughout the financial year to 31st March 2017 The Trustees, Board Members, Management and Staff have continued to work together to use the resources of the

Trust in the most effective way 5% to provide care and support 7% n Ruskin Lodge to the beneficiaries where 4% 2% Visiting it is needed. 34% n A snapshot of how the income in n Support in the Home the financial year to 31st March 2017 n Willowbrook Hospice was spent is shown in the chart. The income continues to be n Day Centres 29% generated largely by investments (97%). n Support costs Donations from the Pilkington Charitable 19% Fund to support some services and n Overseas In March 2017, the volunteers from Ruskin Lodge had a lovely day out donations are also received from NSG Pilkington to the Paddock Cafe in Derby House, Wrightington, Wigan, for coffees to assist the Dementia Service and the Rainford Trust to support the funding of food parcels in and a look around the farmer’s market. Later they went to the Corner South Africa. House, Wrightington, for a delicious three-course lunch: the food and service were excellent and everybody really enjoyed it. The total amount spent in the year to 31st March 2017, on services to beneficiaries, was £3,245,000

Often beneficiaries write in to ask if they can share information with readers Beneficiaries tell us...... they think will be of interest to them and would like others to benefit. Sometimes this is due to personal experience. n Jack Brettle of Ormskirk, Lancashire would like to tell everyone about the benefits of the University of the Third Age – especially if you are lonely and are looking for some social or “educational” activities. Jack says “don’t be put off by the University of the Third Age title. It is for everyone and no exams! It is an organisation for people who have retired and want to keep their mind active. There are U3A groups around the country.” Jack recently gave a talk to a meeting of the “Science is for Everyone Group” at the St Helens U3A. To find out if there is a U3A near you go to www.u3a.org.uk, or contact the National U3A Office on 0208 466 6139. n An Anonymous beneficiary believes that taking part in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme over the last few years has been invaluable. The Programme provides a testing kit for people of a certain age to be used regularly at home to help pick up early signs of bowel cancer. The kit, in this case, was able to pick up a potential problem, which was quickly followed up by further tests showing the cancer to be fairly localised with no evidence of it having spread. Having benefited from the Programme the beneficiary wanted to make others aware of the help that is available. To find out more go to www.nhs.uk/Conditions/bowel-cancer-screening or ask your GP.

What’s on Please ring 01744 457 909 for further details

DONCASTER WEST MIDLANDS Thursday Haydock Silver Leaf Club : 2.00pm-4.00pm. Sourbridge/Weldall Group meet for coffee mornings Chi Kung: 10.30am-11.30am. St James Church, Church Road, Haydock. 2nd 2nd Thursday in the month at Pilkington on Fridays every 3 months at Age Concern. Tai Chi: 11.45am-12.45pm. Wednesday of each month 10.30am-12 noon. Recreation Club, Kirk Sandall. All Pensioners and ST HELENS WELFARE LEISURE CENTRE Indoor Bowling – winter months: Burscough Ormskirk Social Group Non-Pilkington Friends. Membership fee applies, Monday 1.00pm - 6.30pm. Older People’s Club, Lord Street. £10 per annum. Sewing Group: 9.30am - 12.30pm (Patchwork 3rd Tuesday of the month, 2.00pm-4.00pm Friday theatre once every two months Fridays quilting etc). Alternate Fridays St Ann’s Social Group Day Club: 10.00am-3.00pm, Wednesdays every Ladies dominoes, 6.00pm-9pm Companions: 2.00pm. TV Lounge and Games St Ann’s Millennium Centre View Road, Rainhill, week at Pilkington Recreation Club, Kirk Sandall. Men’s snooker group, Monday, Wednesday and Room for darts, dominoes, cards (always 2nd Monday of the month 10.30am-12 noon Housebound only fee applies - £5.50 with lunch Friday afternoons available), and bingo. served. Moss Bank Social Group Tuesday Women’s Bowling: 6:00pm -9.00pm. Moss Bank Mission, Moss Bank Road., St Helens. NORTH WALES Art Group: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month. Indoor bowling - winter months Last Tuesday of the month St Asaph Self-Help Group : Meets 1st Tuesday 50+ Ladies Keep Fit: 2.00pm-3.00pm SELF-HELP GROUPS 10.30am-12 noon every month at Rhuddlan Community Centre at Pilkington Choir: 7.45pm There are eight geographically dedicated groups in 2.00pm. More information: Mr G Jones on and around St Helens. Each group meets once a Thatto Heath Wednesday 01745 332 517. month and participates in a varied programme of St John’s Church, Crossley Road, Thatto Heath. Rambler’s Coffee Morning: 10.30am (1st Monday Club: 11.00am-2.00pm. First and third events. Third Thursday of the month, 1.30pm-3.00pm Wednesday in every month). Monday each month. Community Hall, Rhuddlan. Water Colour Painting: Contact: Peter Greulich 01745 814 341 Sutton (2nd & 4th Wednesday in every month) 9.30am The Blue Room, Shining Light, SOUTH WALES inc. Beginners Section. Sutton Manor Primary School, Self-Help Group: Fortnightly (Wednesdays) Snooker and dominoes, 1.00pm Forest Road, Sutton. between 2.00pm-4.00pm PILCS Social Club, 1st Wednesday of each month Ladies Crown Green Bowling Practice Night: New Road, New Inn, Pontypool. 10.30am-12 noon. 6.30pm Day Club : Meets monthly on a Friday 11.00am-3.00pm at ‘Widdershins’ East Avenue, Eccleston off Greenhill Road, Sebastopol. St Luke’s Church, , Eccleston. 1st Contact: Sally Lewis on 07788 956 439. Thursday of each month 10.30am-12 noon.

7 50 years of float in Canada Managing Director Paul Morgan, on a recent overseas visit to Pilkington Family Trust beneficiaries, arrived in Canada just in time to be told that Lewis Hamilton had won the Canadian Grand Prix - so that was a good start for an Englishman landing on foreign soil!

Paul says: “The thing is though there are so memories, but everyone I encountered on many expats resident in Canada you never feel far my journey enjoyed recalling the many away from home. In fact Christine Clinton, who is happy long hours they spent fighting to Winnipeg Retirees with the Trust’s Scheme Coordinator, was born in produce perfect glass and the minor Paul Morgan and Christine Scotland. Just as in the UK a magazine is glitches along the way. Clinton. produced in Canada - it is called Reflections. In My journey started with a flight to the most recent edition there is an article by Toronto and then a connection to Montreal where we met our group for lunch. Most of our beneficiaries started work for Charlebois who We flew directly from the meal to Winnipeg to were then bought by Glavebel and then Pilkington meet the people that worked at the fabrication plant and then by a succession of other glass makers. All and enjoyed their company whilst reminiscing with agreed the happiest days of their career were spent the former plant manager Gordon Heard who with Pilkington. recalled his days in the Royal Canadian Airforce and the 47½ years he spent with Pilkington. The difficulty in Montreal is that the first language is a form of French and whilst a lot of people do After the meal we flew directly to Vancouver where speak English it can be a challenge joining in we met with a small group, which should have conversations over lunch. contained our ex-voluntary visitor Bill Youdes, who Tor luncheon Canada. celebrated his 100th birthday in February. Bill was From Montreal we flew back to Toronto to meet originally from Liverpool and I was looking forward to with our largest group from the old Scarborough reminiscing about my home town and bringing Bill plant. The group show the very diverse cultural up to date on the many changes. Sadly Bill was Brian Oxley. Brian is originally from St Helens makeup of Canada with beneficiaries from all over unwell on the day and unable to attend. and went out to Scarborough to start up the the globe. In fact Canada is celebrating its 150th I very much enjoyed my hectic visit and, as ever, I “new” float line 50 years ago. He was birthday this year; that was the time the various was greeted with the famous Pilkington hospitality accompanied by many other Brits who are still provinces confederated to form Canada as we know that exists around the world.” resident. Brian recalled the many challenges it today. The room was decorated and themed to presented in the early years whilst refining the reflect the landmark and 135 people enjoyed a very process. Now, 50 years later, they are distant pleasant lunch. Paul Morgan Mike Horton Designed to thrill Following his recent retirement, former Designed to thrill the Pilkington Family senses, the new Aston Trust’s Welfare Martin DB 11 is Programme Manager, already set to achieve an iconic status - and a Mike Horton says: dedicated manufacturing team “I absolutely loved working for the Pilkington from Kings Norton Family Trust for what was has been instrumental the majority of my working in its success. life – where on earth did As well as the vehicle glass the years go? During that being manufactured at NSG time I had the privilege to meet and work with so many Group plants in Germany and wonderful people, which made going to work such a Poland, all its VA (Value pleasure. I really did have some fantastic times at the Added) items are applied in From left to right: Kings Norton’s Stuart Clarke, Darren Gilchrist, Pilkington Family Trust, filled with generous amounts of Kings Norton and the team has Phil Baxter and Sarah Chamberlain. laughter and enjoyment. I wonder how many people faced and overcome many are fortunate enough to say that at the end of their challenges integral to the car's fearless design The vehicle, which starts at just under working life? philosophy. The 5.21tr, V12 engined, 447KW £155,000, includes a striking new grille Thank you so much for all your support over the years horse powered DB11, is the most powerful DB clamshell bonnet and an innovative Aston and for making my time at the Family Trust so rewarding production model in Aston Martin's history and Martin airflow management system that flows and pleasurable. I will miss you all.” with acceleration from zero to 62 mph in 3.95 air through the DB11's bodywork. seconds it is clearly no slouch.

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