Retired SUMMER 2014 Employees’ News

Budget update Times past Summer outings Focus on Pension Remember the big Dates and venue Credit and Attendance news from Team Spirit post codes for the Allowance. in 1964 and 1989? annual events. Maincont eNntewss

CONTENTS Low-level negotiations There is new life in our household with the arrival of Main news 3-6 Nibble and Smudge. Don’t worry, they are not children but Round up of top stories from the Company dwarf lop-eared rabbits. including projects across various sectors Still, I am not quite sure how it happened. My eldest Reunion 7 daughter carefully timed her initial push for a pet Engineers and architects’ annual reunion report whilst I was distracted. Having skilfully drawn me into a conversation I did not want to have about owning a pet Team Spirit Past 8-11 she was joined by her younger sister. At this point I knew I Snippets of news from 25 and 50 years ago was in trouble - the classic pincer movement. Photo competition 12-14 My youngest has an altogether less rational approach to A great selection of snaps to look at and details negotiations. She immediately stated that they wanted a of how to enter this year pet - and they wanted a leopard. There followed a Dutch auction which negotiated its way down past dogs and cats Historic projects in the limelight 15 - by way of a llama - to the rabbits. Decades on, John Laing buildings still going strong and attracting great interest Strangely enough two very cute adoption rabbits had just arrived at the local pet shop. What a coincidence. The rest Readers’ news 16-17 is history - we’ve now got two very happy rabbits. Familiar faces and some surprising recollections Cute though they are, they have not diverted me from from Bunns Lane the magazine which is packed with information and news. There is plenty of business activity within John Club news 18-19 Laing on the next few pages including the 2013 results. Events diary and round up of club news We have included an item on Attendance Allowance Your anniversaries 20-21 (page 22) which differs from other benefits available as Special anniversaries it is not means tested. News for the Third Age 22 There are photo competition results (pages 12-14) and In Memoriam 23 a reminder to keep your cameras handy for this year’s competition. On pages 18-19 there is all the club news including the correct information for this year’s summer outings, as we mixed up a couple of dates in the last Pensioner Publishing issue’s listings! Thank you to everyone who has sent in pictures from Please address news stories/queries to: their own collections of friends and colleagues from Pensioner Publishing decades past (page 17). 5 Harpenden Close, Bedford, Beds MK41 9RG Anyway, news recently reached me that an elderly Tel: 01234 313055 Mob: 07774 259542 woman in her 80s was up before magistrates accused of Email: [email protected] stealing a tin of peaches.

Please address other correspondence to: The magistrate told the woman that, in spite of her age, John Laing Welfare Dept, 33 Bunns Lane she must be punished. He then asked her: “How many peaches were in the tin?” The woman said that there London NW7 2DX. Tel: 020 8959 9683 were four peaches in the tin and the magistrate replied: “In that case I will sentence you to four days in prison so Printed by: White Hart Press, Bedford. you can think about your crime.” Suddenly a man in the public gallery stood up and said: COVER: The Old Bailey in London, among one of the contracts which came to John Laing when the “I know this highly irregular, but I am the accused’s Company acquired Holloway Bros in 1964. husband and wondered if I might say a few words?” See page 9. The magistrate agreed and the husband said: “She also stole a tin of peas.” DEADLINE NEXT ISSUE: July 30, 2014 Alex Finkenrath

2 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS COMPANY News Financial close for John Laing’s giant UK railways programme In April John Laing announced financial close for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) one of the largest in the rail industry. The Department for Transport (DfT) and Agility Trains East (with its shareholders Hitachi Rail Europe and John Laing Investments) confirmed all financing is in place to deliver the East Coast Main Line fleet of trains for the scheme. The programme covers the finance, design, manufacture, delivery into daily service and maintenance over 27.5 years of Artist’s impression of one of the new trains a fleet of 122 state-of-the-art Super Express trains for the Great both the DfT and the financial is a great milestone in the Western Main Line and the East community. John Laing is proud delivery of this transformational Coast Main Line. to be part of this ground-breaking rail project. Hitachi and John The scheme brings guaranteed programme, one of the largest in Laing have formed a strong and availability of the trains to the the rail industry that will improve enduring partnership which has operating company. The trains, transport, employment and successfully steered the project offering significantly increased economic development in the UK.” to financial close with the capacity and higher service levels The Agility Trains consortium was Department for Transport. compared to the current fleet, will awarded the contract for an initial “The new company we have be manufactured by Hitachi Rail fleet of 92 trains for both phases formed, Agility Trains East, will Europe in a new UK factory and (East Coast and Great Western) of work with Hitachi Rail Europe maintained in facilities around the IEP in July 2012, at the same time to deliver, bring into service and country. as financial close was reached for maintain a fleet of 65 state of the Derek Potts, Managing Director the Great Western Main Line route. art Hitachi Class 800 and Class for Primary Investments for John Furthermore, in July 2013, 801 trains.” Laing, said: “This financial close is the Department for Transport All work is on schedule and proof that Agility Trains’ vision and confirmed a follow-on orderthe trains are expected to enter innovative proposals for this fleet for a further 30 electric trains. passenger service in 2017 on the and maintenance programme Ali Dormer, Hitachi Rail Global Great Western Main Line and in have secured the confidence of CEO of Hitachi Ltd, said: “This 2018 on the East Coast Main Line. Environmental group is launched on stock exchange John Laing Environmental opportunities. Assets Group Limited (JLEN) John Laing Investments Ltd has successfully closed its initial subscribed for 39.7% of the JLEN public offering of ordinary shares IPO and will be a cornerstone on March 31. investor following the fund’s JLEN’s diversified portfolio Admission to trading on the of operational environmental on building on its significant London Stock Exchange on 31 infrastructure projects, including portfolio of projects in the March 2014. six assets being sold to JLEN by environmental infrastructure JLEN will have a right of first John Laing, has clearly proven sector in the UK and Northern offer over certain environmental attractive to investors. Europe and looks forward to infrastructure assets held by John Laing remains focused providing JLEN with further John Laing.

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 3 COMPANY News

Responsibility award received On track to create a John Laing has again been recognised in new sports stadium Business in the Community’s A John Laing consortium has been annual benchmark named preferred bidder for a new of responsible business, the sports stadium in Perth, Australia. Corporate Responsibility The contract to design, build, Index (CR Index). finance and maintain the new Perth Since 2002, the CR Index Stadium and Sports Precinct has has provided unique insight reached an important milestone into how businesses are with the naming of WESTADIUM, driving responsible business a consortium led by Brookfield practice. Financial and John Laing, as the As a three-star company John Preferred Respondent. Brookfield Artist’s impression of the stadium Laing showed it: Multiplex will be builder and n has developed and Brookfield Johnson Controls will “The quality and breadth of the bid implemented procedures to be facilities manager for the project. responses reflects the stature of ensure that its employees live Western Australia Premier Colin this project and the appetite from up to company standards of Barnett said each of the three the international stadia industry to business behaviour shortlisted private sector consortia be part of delivering a world-class n links remuneration or submitted world-class bids. venue,” Mr Waldron said. bonus systems to senior “The State’s evaluation team spent Physical pre-construction site managers and Board the past four months rigorously works were recently completed six members’ CR objectives and evaluating each bid and ultimately weeks ahead of schedule. The site targets determined that WESTADIUM is now being left to settle under n takes into account social represented the best overall 740,000 tonnes of sand surcharge and environmental issues value for money for the design to ensure it is fully prepared for when making strategic and construction phase plus the construction to begin at the end business decisions contract’s 25-year maintenance of 2014. The new Perth Stadium is n provides relevant CR period,” he added. scheduled to open in time for the training for employees, senior “We expect the contract will start of the 2018 AFL season. managers and be awarded mid-year - which is Further information and updates n has developed specific and when we can reveal the successful on the project are available at: measurable targets for some design.” www.perthstadium.com.au but not all performance areas Following approval of WESTADIUM n can demonstrate 1-2 years as the Preferred Respondent by Quick facts... of performance improvement Cabinet, the State will now enter across several performance into exclusive negotiations, seeking The new Perth Stadium will be impact areas. to reach final agreement on all of open for the 2018 AFL (Australian Stephen Howard, Chief the terms and conditions to design, Rules Football) season. Executive, Business in build, finance and maintain the new It will be multi-purpose venue the Community said: “I Perth Stadium. capable of hosting AFL, rugby, congratulate John Laing Cabinet also approved appointment football (soccer), cricket and for achieving a 3 star rating of the Confidem consortium as the entertainment events. because it demonstrates Reserve Respondent, in the event Initially there is planned to be a a clear commitment to an that the State cannot successfully 60,000-seat capacity. integrated approach to being conclude negotiations with a responsible business. We There is a ‘fans first’ approach to WESTADIUM. design and technology. look forward to working Sport and Recreation Minister Terry with John Laing to challenge Waldron thanked the three consortia It will be constructed with an and support them towards for the significant investment and integrated public transport creating a fairer society and a approach that includes rail, bus time that they had taken to develop and pedestrian solutions. more sustainable future.” their bids.

4 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS COMPANY News

Mayor looks at Croydon project plan Top innovation in Planning permission has been The project, will include a food granted for redevelopment of store (due to be leased to Waitrose), hospital funding the Lion Green Road Car Park in an adjacent health centre, around The new Alder Hey in the Park Coulsdon, Croydon. 200 car parking spaces for Hospital has won two industry Part of the Croydon Council Urban shoppers and town centre use and awards which recognise projects Regeneration Vehicle (CCURV), new accommodation for the 1st that have made a significant a partnership between Croydon Coulsdon Scouts Group. impact on the financing of global Council and John Laing, the Construction on the project, infrastructure. application will now be considered which is CCURV’s third scheme for The project won the Social by the London Mayor because it is a the borough, is planned to start Infrastructure ‘Deal of the Year’ strategic application. this Summer. and overall ‘Deal of the Year’ at the 2014 Infrastructure Journal (IJ) Awards. The Alder Hey (Special Purpose Company results show Vehicle) Ltd consortium comprising John Laing, Laing O’Rourke and Interserve was more growth in 2013 praised for the innovative John Laing plc announced another Chairman financing structure that was set of strong results and growth of John specifically developed for for the year ended 31 December Laing plc the project. This involved 2013. Phil Nolan M&G Investments, the asset Financial Highlights: management arm of Prudential, n Portfolio valuation increased to provide two separate tranches £684.4m (2012 restated: £574.7m) of debt totalling £67 million n Investment commitments of – the first time in the UK that £112.4m on ten projects (2012: an institutional investor has £146.1m on seven projects) lent directly. The PFI project also enabled the European n PBT increased to £125.8m (2012: are encouraged by the continuing Investment bank to lend £54.5 £80.9m) strong demand for new privately n PBT of £104.6m excluding gain financed infrastructure – and the million to the project, with the on sale of John Laing Integrated investment opportunities that cost spread across the next Services (JLIS) result from this. 30 years post construction n £110.5m proceeds raised from “In the year under review, the completion. sale of investments in five Private Board took the decision to sell Public Partnership (PPP) projects John Laing Integrated Services More wind in Proceeds from investment (JLIS), the Group’s facilities realisation in 2012 include £44.5 management business. The sale Company’s sails million from sales of JLIF shares. of JLIS completed in October 2013 Phil Nolan, Chairman of John and we wish all its staff well under Financial close has been Laing, said: “The business has their new ownership. achieved for the Dungavel delivered a strong financial “Since the year end, we have onshore wind farm in South performance across the full announced the retirement of our Lanarkshire, South West range of its activities in Primary Chief Executive, Adrian Ewer, and Scotland. John Laing is the sole Investment, Secondary Investment the appointment of Olivier Brousse investor in the facility, which and Asset Management. to succeed him. We are delighted was acquired by the Company “We successfully extended our to have attracted someone of from E.ON in October 2013. business model several years ago Olivier’s calibre and the Board Once completed, Dungavel from our original PPP market in believes he brings with him the will have an installed capacity the UK to other geographies and necessary drive and experience to of 26MW generated by 13 adjacent infrastructure sectors ensure we are well placed for the Vestas turbines capable of and established ourselves as a future.” producing enough renewable leading infrastructure investor You can view the full set of results energy to power over 20,000 and asset manager. In each of by going to www.laing.com and homes. Balance of plant our principal markets of Europe, clicking on ‘Financials’ and then works will be carried out by RJ North America and Asia Pacific, we ‘Annual reports and accounts’. McLeod.

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 5 MainCOMPA NNewsY NEWS

Green light in Cambridge Planning permission has been achieved on the £120million Forum development at Cambridge Biomedical Campus - the first major project of its kind in the NHS. Forum Cambridge LLP, a joint venture between Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) and John Laing will incorporate the 360,000sq ft facility on the Addenbrooke’s site, at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC). It will bring together under one roof a post- graduate medical New York offices bid to education centre; a 90-bed private hospital; a 198 bed Crowne Plaza Hotel; a expand USA business 900-delegate conference centre and supporting John Laing announced that it is worldwide in just over 40 years, more social accommodation. strengthening its team and opening a than 50 of which have been secured in CBC users will have New York City office as it expands in the the past 10 years. access to a social hub to US market. “With these credentials, we believe Anthony Phillips, currently Head of Asia we have the skills and expertise to encourage interaction Pacific for John Laing, is moving to New help US authorities deliver high-quality with academics, grow York in order to take on the role of Head public infrastructure in a cost-effective Cambridge’s reputation as of North America. and timely fashion, particularly in an international venue for At the same time, John Laing will also transportation.” biomedical conferences, recruit locally based staff for the new John Laing’s new presence in the training and specialist office in order to address the growing US underlines the company’s strategy healthcare and create number of opportunities in the many of international growth and builds on income for NHS services states that have passed Public Private existing offices in Canada, Australia, New at CUH. Partnerships (PPP) legislation and Zealand, the Netherlands as well as the It is the first major project are increasingly using PPP to deliver UK. of its kind in the National projects. Anthony Phillips will take over his new Health Service (NHS). CUH The Company is already part of the role in the summer from David Rushton, will receive an annual Denver Transit Partners consortium, who has decided to move back to the UK which is delivering new commuter rail and will join the John Laing headquarters income and a share of the lines in the Denver Metropolitan area. It in London. profits over the life of the has also recently been selected as part Anthony has been with John Laing for project, all of which will go of the I4 Mobility Partners consortium to nine years and held senior positions in towards delivering patient deliver the I4 Ultimate highway-widening London and Singapore before taking care at Addenbrooke’s and project in Florida. responsibility for Asia Pacific. Justin the Rosie hospitals. Olivier Brousse, John Laing Chief Bailey, who has been with John Laing for The development Executive, said: “The US is a key market over three years and has over 15 years’ will create over 300 for John Laing and has the potential experience of the Australian PPP market, construction jobs and to offer a significant number of PPP will become Head of Asia Pacific. more than 500 people investment opportunities in the future. The Company will retain its office will be employed in the “John Laing has developed and invested in Toronto to continue to pursue completed facility. in over 100 infrastructure projects developments in the Canadian market.

6 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS ARCHITECTS AND EMainNGIN NEERSews

David Harrison, Henry Macejewski, Gordon Jeavons, Brian Collins, Mervyn Richards, Kingsley Smith, Alan Coakley, John Vignoles, Brian Starkey, Chris Wilsher

John Taylor, Ian Jarvis, David Scott, Dave Betterton, Bob Dunkley, Chris Reunion celebrates a Chiverrell, Dave Airey, Steve Cunliffe, Debbie Dix love of round numbers The Laing Architects and Engineers each year. Once again the Scots Reunion once again took place Currency notes were mischievously at the Rowley Lane Sports Club presented at the door as entrance, with 50 attendees - a nice round made more poignant in this year number. for the “independence vote” It may I will now avoid numbering be passports next year! paragraphs, a habit to which Again the Macabbi London Brady engineers are prone. Recreational Trust kindly hosted Like on these annual reunions, the event under the auspices of there never seems a lack of stories Marta Ghermandi with the food Eddy Blackburn and Alec Luxon and reminiscences from all who being prepared and presented by come – a mix of attendees each Velia Stoyanova. A great spread. year. The diversity of interests We also recognised the recent sad within this reunion group is quite loss of two of our great characters, extraordinary. John Bailey and Oster Bayne. Some wish to share their If anyone would wish to receive organisational/technical skills to an invite to this occasion e.g. know the betterment of the communities a number of the attendees and around them, and additionally would like to meet up, whether or there are those who love to develop not an engineer or architect, don’t their leisure interests in the hesitate to contact John Clark world around them. Of course we email: [email protected] Andy Smith, Bernie Ainsworth, wouldn’t want to overlook those The date for the next reunion will Mike Hooper, Rod Wooderson, Terry who are still working and make be March 19, 2015. Pendril, John Sharp. Standing, Neil a particular effort to be with us John Clark Kitchener and Nick Cook

John Stevens , Ron Pearce, John Tarbox, John Wehrle, John Peter Allcroft, Ken Stroud, Don Hussey, Les Frost, Keeton, Geoff Mead, Alex Mendosa , Martin Chapman, John Maurice Gatfield, Ann Lyons, John Eggle, Ron Brooks, Davis, Mel Stanley Malcolm Tucker, Wally Paterson.

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 7 Mainteam Nspiriewst 50 years ago - 1964

The Eggborough Power Station in Yorkshire’s West Riding was a massive undertaking. It included a 77-foot high control building adjoining the turbine hall, coal handling plant, 400kv switch house, pump house, bridges and many other buildings. The Company even built a social club or ‘local’ for the workers, alongside the camp.

Pictured are cooling water cluverts inside the turbine hall. Inset are the general foremen, from the left: Jack Brennan, ‘Chick’ Duncan, John Philpot, Jeff Jenner, Tom Speakman, George Collyer and George Reynolds.

The Company introduced a open the Bull Ring Shopping this is not a ‘News of The World Life Assurance scheme for Centre in Birmingham. The event Championship’. It is open to regular employees who were was scheduled for May 29 and anyone who can throw a dart and not members of the John Laing a feature of the day would be we have seen some surprising Superannuation Fund (‘whose a large boat show held in the games by members who have just members are already adequately Centre Court. The exhibition entered for the fun of it.” insured for death benefits’). would last for two weeks and The scheme was payable to include ‘cabin cruisers, yachts and The Queen Mother officially employees with one year’s displays of ships’ chandlery and opened the Lanarkshire County continuous employment with fishing tackle’. There would be Buildings in Hamilton on Tuesday the Company and still with the a full report of the opening with April 14. There was a 17-storey Company at the time of death. The pictures in a later issue of Team office tower block with glazed amount of benefit was set at £200, Spirit. elevations and white mosaic- increased by £100 if there was a clad marble gable walls, linked surviving widow and by a further The Lowther Cup darts walkways and a circular Council £50 for each child of school age. competition had to be cancelled Chamber. This followed on from after a ‘disappointing and the opening - one month earlier - There was an interesting ‘History disheartening response’ to of the new Carlisle Civic buildings of a Hammer’ from joiner J notices carried in Team Spirit. handed over by the Company. (See Hardon. He called his first ‘proper The article went on: “...after all, article on page 15). joiner’s hammer’ Sydney which he had bought out of his apprentice’s pay of ten bob a week. That had been 35 years earlier, and during the war years ‘Sydney lay submerged among a lifetime’s collection of miscellaneous joiners’ tools and other weird instruments’. When it came to getting Sydney out again, Mr Hardon noticed that ‘his case- hardened face was chipped and pock marked... he was beginning to slip off nail heads at the first light tap...’ Sadly he had to be Thermalite was big news for John Laing during this period - and it replaced and ended up in the required big transports. Pictured is a 115ft autoclave being transported garden shed. with police escort around 130miles to the Thermalite Ytong Factory at Birmingham. It was one of two such shipments carried by a 45 tonne It was announced that HRH wheeled tractor unit with two attached bogies (total length 130ft). The Prince Philip would officially route was agreed with the police and Ministry of Transport.

8 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS team spirit 50 yearsMain ago -N 1964ews

There were plenty of new major Martin Connolly Bill Beeby R Hodgson contracts won including the £3million Kingsnorth Power Station. Work on the 2,000MW station at Strood in Kent commenced in February of this year.

A £2million contract was started for 584 houses and 481 garages on 24 sites across the Bristol.

A £1.1million contract to build a new HQ for the North Western The Company was Connolly each received industry - both in Gas Board at Altrincham was still big in Canada presentations to Canada and the UK underway. It would include a where Maurice mark 25 years’ - during his speech. six-storey office block built in Laing handed out service. Maurice Mr R Hodgson was Laingwall. long service awards Laing stressed the presented with the at the annual importance of safety 1963 Laing Safety The Company also announced dinner there - which in the construction Award. £4.25million of Jespersen fell on Valentine’s housing schemes at Oldham, Day. Tom Gray, Bill Lancashire and Livingston. Beeby and Martin

An article marked the historic union of John Laing with Holloways. In a joint statement from Kirby Laing and PW Holloway, the two Company heads wrote: “Our companies have several important 1964 factors in common. Both have retained their personality as family concerns; both have a genuine appreciation of the importance of the individual and both have a reputation of high-quality craftsmanship.” The article described famous Holloway landmark buildings including the Admiralty Building, Old Bailey and Horse T

Guards Parade. They had even replaced eam spirit - 1964 the fountains at Trafalgar Square. However, they were best known for expert joinery like the panelling at the Hall of the Inner Temple and also for War Memorials. However Holloways group of companies had also been involved in many specialist civil engineering projects including sea forts, RAF stations and Chelsea, The library Wandsworth and Hampton Court bridges. at the Inner Temple James Holloway had set up on his above. Inset own in 1875 and they opened a branch Company at 43 South Audley Street in 1902 for heads Kirby ‘decoration and maintenance for the Laing and P Holloway. wealthy of Mayfair’. Below: Royal The article noted that Holloways had Naval sea fort in the made an invaluable contribution to victory Thames in both world wars through its work. estuary.

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 9 Mainteam Nspiriewst 25 years ago - 1989

Demolition expert Derek ‘Blaster’ Bates left his explosives at home when invited to top out one of Hemel Hempstead’s largest commercial developments - Number One Park Lane. The £8.8million contract was undertaken by Chiltern Region for the Erostin Group and Burton Property Trust. It was Blaster Bates first ever topping out and he treated guests to a ‘riotous and explosive’ after dinner speech. He is pictured above with members of the Chiltern site team.

Laing Midlands achieved a double London and Home Counties Area was announced. The plan was first when it landed the two Championship to qualify - and to develop holiday villages largest design and construction picked up a prize of £100. They (each requiring investment projects ever undertaken by performed a 20-minute set test of £85-100million and owned John Laing Construction (JLC) - piece - Prisms. It was designed on a 50:50 basis. It was to be jointly worth over £100million. to test all sections of the band a breakthrough into the high They were soon to start work on and offered solos for virtually growth, short-break holiday a new terminal at Birmingham every instrument. They followed market. Robert Wood, John Laing Airport (£58.8million) and the this up with first place at the plc Executive Member said: 1989 Birmingham Arena indoor sports Norfolk qualifiers to win a place “The leisure industry is rapidly centre (£50million). in the Pontins Championship in expanding and this joint venture Prestatyn - also in October. underlines Laing’s firm intention The long-running Laing to be a part of that growth.” Suggestion Scheme was front A £500million Lakewoods page news on Team Spirit after joint venture between John A £1.5million pathology lab it yielded a new safety product Laing and Granada Group plc at Edgware (cont’d next page) for the construction industry. Lindley Fabritech Limited of Bradford - with assistance from Laing Management Division - were about to market Guardwire. This ‘perimeter edge protection system’ was aimed at those working on the construction of steel and concrete-framed buildings. The tensioned wire system created a strong safety fence. It would be bolted into the steel or concrete columns as a building rose, without having to wait for floor slabs to be cast. It There was a plea for ‘more women’ in construction on the Training was initially from a suggestion by and Career Development page with a seminar organised entitled LMD senior Safety Officer Derek ‘Women in Construction’. The article stated: “Women are no longer Newman. a curiosity on building sites, but they are still heavily outnumbered by men.” Pictured above are delgates on a completely different The John Laing (Hendon) Band course – advanced planning. Back row, from left: Jim Naylor, Mark won a place in the National Dufall, John Sudaby, Paul Margerrison, Finlay Massey, Tim Marlow, Championship Finals to take Russell Clews, Alec Lawrie (Course Administrator). Front: Richard place at the Royal Albert Hall in Patterson, Gary Fisk, Steve Kelly, Colin Bloy (Asst Director Planning October. They came second in the and Resourcing) Sam Phillips and John Riley (Course Director).

10 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS team spirit 25 years ago - 1989

General Hospital was labelled There was a massive show at an ‘outstanding success’ by Wembley Conference Centre the unit’s new manager Mark in March to mark the success Rees. It was completed by of the Laing Hospitals Appeal, Chiltern Region and was a two- which raised £825,416 including storey building packed with the a £200,000 donation from the latest technology including a Company. Coaches and cars £160,000 chemical analyser. from around the country brought people including more than 450 Laing Homes was growing in children to see the event. The size and stature and was keen line up of performers included to spread the word. Aside from Laing-sponsored boy band Rich asking readers to recommend Street whose ‘skateboard disco the Company, they offered dancing was slightly hampered’ employees either 4% off the due to one of the members purchase price of a new home having a leg in plaster with or £2,000, whichever was the torn ligaments. Angela Rippon, yourselves a big pat on the back greater. pictured here drawing the raffle – especially in these days when it with Sir Martin is not easy to raise money. There Laing, said: are so many worthy causes that “You should all your effort has been particularly 1989 feel able to give outstanding.” T eam spirit - 1989

This image of team members working on the British Library accompanied a double-page spread in Team Spirit about the ongoing project. It was always going to be difficult on a confined site and incorporating a 25metre, five-level basement for which engineers had to cope with the Metropolitan and Victoria tube lines as well as the immense underground pressures. Project Director Ron Hopkins was quoted as saying: “You don’t get many chances to build national monuments in your construction life. Surely this must be in that category.”

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 11 PHOTO COMPEITION

And 2014’s Afiording us a view winner is… Congratulations to this of beautiful Norway year’s winner David Barnes for his image Thank you to everyone who buildings feature significantly entitled simply: sent in pictures for the latest among the entries, however Ffjord - Olden Norway. Laing Retired Employees’ Photo there is always a good spread of Competition and sorry there subjects. The judging panel is not space to carry a larger We are also open to suggestions found it very striking, shortlist of finalists. from readers about how the especially the vertical As always, there was a high competition might be improved. symmetry. The light, standard of images, although In the meantime, start getting sheer range of greens there were fewer entries than in your entries in for the next and the mirror-stillness previous years. competition. of the water makes it It was lovely to see an old snap Just make sure that you a special picture and taken in 1978 of a gardener sitting include your own name and a deserving of first prize. on a donkey (see opposite). title for the picture. For those We will be sending a The idea that people do not of you submitting entries by book token to David have to go out and take a new post, please include a stamped Barnes with out best photo, but can submit a much addressed envelope if you would wishes. cherished picture from the past like them returned. has yielded some classic entries Emailed entries should be over the years. at least 1mb in size so we can As always, birds, animals and reproduce them properly.

12 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS PHOTO COMPETITION

Catherine’s Palace Lake St Petersburg – Rowland Seymour

Matsumoto Castle in cherry blossom time in Japan Scruffy: ‘He’s late tonight’ – Phil Rendle – Vic and Christine Allen

Gardener on his Donkey – Des Taylor Harvest Time – Audrey Hamer

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 13 PHMainOTO N CewsOMPETITION

Clockwise from top left:

Strange Woodland Creature at Medieval Festival in France – Dave Markall

Shot taken at Heligan Garden, Cornwall – Martin Chapman

Nest Building Materials – Andrew Finch

Victoria Falls – Hazel Steedon

Sapphires Flying Fish - Peter Donaldson

14 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS OTMainHER NEewsWS

Appeal for Airfield plaque -72 years a full set of Team Spirits after it was first built… The John Laing The John Laing Charitable Trust (JLCT) Charitable Trust is has continued a long association with looking to find another Thorpe Abbotts Airfield in Norfolk by full set of Team Spirits. sponsoring a new plaque to mark its The Trust is exploring Listed status. options for preserving In 1942 John Laing built the airfield for the back catalogue of the the Royal Air Force athough it became John Laing magazine by station 139 of the United States Army having them scanned Airforce with the arrival of the 100th onto a digital format Bomb Group the following year. which would make them The 100th operated heavy bombers much more accessible. from the airfield until the end of World The existing full sets, War II. Above the Thorpe Abbotts control tower dating back to the In 1977 a group of enthusiasts and below the new plaque from JLCT first issue in 1946, are commenced the restoration of the currently in bound control tower that was officially opened volumes. If these to the public in 1983. Since then the volumes are taken apart, 100th memorial Museum has become there is no guarantee well known as perhaps the finest that they could be put example of its type and welcomes back together in mint visitors from throughout the UK, many condition. parts of Europe and, of course, the If you, or someone you USA. know, has a full set In 1985 John Laing presented a of loose copies of the plaque placed inside the tower to magazine - or even a commemorate the 40th anniversary of should be displayed in the tower large number of them D Day. In 2006 the Tower was granted and rather than amend the existing - please contact Alex Grade II Listed status by English plaque, or place an additional one Finkenrath (full details Heritage. below it, they should get a new one. are on the inside front The museum’s trustees recently They approached the JLCT which was cover of this magazine). agreed that the fact of the listing happy to oblige. Hundreds turn out in Carlisle Organisers of the celebration marking 50 years since John Laing built the civic buildings in Carlisle said it was a massive success. In fact, Ben Rennucci from the council said they were oversubscribed for tours by nearly four times for the event held on March 12 this year. The event was limited to 200 pre-booked tickets. Visitors, including John Laing retirees, were given tours behind the scenes and sat in the main council chamber. They were addressed by Mayor Cllr Ray Bloxham and there was an exhibition of memorabilia connected with the construction including pictures, original plans and other interesting bits and bobs.

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 15 READERS’Main News NEWS

Recollections of Bunns Lane and Sir John Dear Sir, came selling flags for various charities I was interested to read the Spring round the offices and out the back to Issue of REN especially the article on the joiner’s shop and stores etc. I got to How to help memories of Sir John Laing. know everyone quite quickly that way. I joined the Company in September When war broke out in 1939, Mr Fight for Sight 1936, a week before my 16th birthday Riley’s secretary just left the next day Many readers as a junior shorthand typist, under so I was asked to take over her job. have had first Miss Davis in the typing room, in the I was then asked by Miss Byrnell (Sir or secondhand old office at Bunns Lane. John’s Private Secretary) if I would experience of Age I had only been there about two like to help her out and jumped at the Related Macular weeks when Mr Laing (as he then was) chance of another step on the ladder. I Degeneration buzzed for me to go and see him. I was spent a very happy time working with a very nervous junior in my first job Sir John and Miss Byrnell and found (ARMD). after a year on a Pitman’s secretarial him a very considerate person. There has been course. I was sad to be called up to the a new push by the He immediately put me at ease, Women’s Land Army in 1942 after six main UK charity although I was shaking to be happy years. dedicated to funding summoned by ‘the man himself’. I remember when my call-up papers research to prevent He asked where I lived (Apex Corner) arrived being asked to go to Sir John’s sight loss and eye and where I went to school, whether I office with Miss Byrnell for a rather disease - Fight For had siblings and about my home life. tearful Goodbye. Miss Byrnell said: Sight. He made me feel so welcome. “You won’t be coming back Joan as It funds research I did so many different jobs: filing you will marry a farmer and live in at leading hospitals (as we had no computers then) the country!” How true her words and universities and learning to use the telephone were, I did eventually marry a farmer switchboard. It had seven outside lines and we hope to celebrate 70 years in in the UK and is and 24 internal lines. We had to learn December. currently targetting who and where everybody was and PS: Many times I was summoned to ARMD. Find out their extension numbers. We ran the the Consulting Room to supply tea and more about how reception area and had to make tea for Sir John’s ‘special cake’ and to meet to help at www. the whole downstairs offices - with a well known wartime people he was in fightforsight.org.uk biscuit. conference with. All strictly hush hush. Tel:020 7264 3900. It was also my job to take people who Joan Clifford (nee Norman) Greetings from across the Irish Sea All correspondence is a welcome blessing, but it is much rarer from across the Irish Sea. Whilst there were a great many Irish employees at John Laing, a lot of them settled in the UK. However, our articles regarding Please address your the M6 coaxed a letter from Gerry news and other Donnelly in Co Wicklow. items of interest to: He spent 13 years with John Laing in Alex Finkenrath two separate spells of six and seven Isle of Grain, Redcar Steelworks, M1 years starting in 1961. extension in Derbyshire, Western Pensioner Publishing, He recalled starting his career Avenue and Brampton Pipeline. He 5 Harpenden Close, as a site engineer on the M6 in ended up as Manager for all Civils Bedford, Staffordshire. contracts in the North of England He also worked on Hastings Power before returning to Ireland in 1978. Beds, Station, Wraysbury Reservoir, (the He wrote: “My memories of Laing are MK41 9RG longest dam in the UK and on the of a caring, considerate company who Tel: 07774 259542 International Commission on Large gave their staff support, training and Dams (ICOLD) list of large dams!) the CPD (as it is now known).”

16 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS READERS’Main ARCHIVE News

Reader pictures from their own collections Thanks to Gordon Johnson further to the right). for the above shot of the first Meanwhile, nearly two apprentices outing back in decades later in the Midlands, 1952. we have a picture of the This suave band of team working at Pipe Hayes youngsters were about Refurbishments courtesy of Christmas past! to head off to the Adelphi Alan Cox (pictured far right). Hazel Tatton kindly donated a mini Theatre (if Gordon He also recalls Ken Brown, photo album from the Bristol Region remembers correctly) to see Tom Jutla, Harry Perkins Laing Sports Club. ‘Love From Judy’. and Jack Tippins (who sadly It is exclusively about the children’s Gordon is pictured fourth passed away in December Christmas Party in 1962 at Henleaze from the left in the top row 2013). Church Hall. The pictures were taken and he also remembers Reg Further investigation reveals by Bob Goodfellow. Pitcher (standing one place a young Joe Crozier. No expense was spared, with entertainment and what looked like a veritable feast. The top picture shows Stella Hubbard and her sons with Hazel Tatton’s son on the right. Hazel said: “He’s 60 now and about to have grandchildren.” Below are images of the doll dressing competition entries. First prize went to the doll in the blue dress. The other doll was dressed by Hazel and won second prize.

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 17 MainCLUB NNewsEWS

5) Monday, June 2 President’s Day LNER Club Summer Outings Beamish Hall, Newcastle (DH9 0YB) 1) Monday, May 19 6 South West Club 6) Tuesday, June 3 Beechfield House Saltire Club Cringltie House (EH45 8PL) (SN12 7PU) 5 7 2) Tuesday, May 20 7) Wednesday, June 4 Solare Club Carlisle Club 8 Inn On The Lake, Ullswater Stanhill Court (RH6 0EP) (CA11 0PE) 9 3) Wednesday, May 21 8) Thursday, June 5 Elstree Club North West Club Grovefield House Hotel Gibbon Bridge Hotel (SL1 8LR) (PR3 2TQ) 1 4) Thursday May, 22 3+4 9) Friday, June 6 REAL Club 2 Realm Club Grovefield House Hotel Ansty Hall near Coventry (SL1 8LR) (CV7 9HZ)

CUMBRIA May 22 July 17 Monthly meetings at Wigton President’s Day Summer Summer Lunch, Chipping Methodist Hall. Outing, see above. Sodbury Golf Club. June 4 President’s Day Summer July 2 August 14 Outing, see above. Talk by the National Trust Skittles & Lunch, about the British Coast. Woodborough Inn, Winscombe. May 14 Daytrip to Fairfield Mill, North July 16 REALM Yorkshire. Coach Trip to Royal June 6 Horticultural Society Gardens, President’s Day Summer ELSTREE Wisley. Outing, see above. Weekly meetings St Michael and All Angels August 6 June 25 Church Hall, Tuesday 2.30pm. Talk by Edna Jury. Lunch at Kings Court Hotel, May 21 Alcester followed by optional President’s Day Summer SOLARE visit to Coughton Court. Outing, see above. May 20 President’s Day Summer SALTIRE July 9 Outing, see above. Monthly meetings at Daytrip to Poole in Dorset. St. Stephen’s Church, Glasgow. July 9 June 3 LNER Coach trip to Southampton President’s Day Summer June 2 with a cruise around the Outing, see above. President’s Day Summer Solent and harbour. Includes Outing, see above. lunch.

NORTH WEST SOUTH WEST June 5 May 19 President’s Day Summer President’s Day Summer Please double-check the Outing, see above. Outing, see above. summer outings details as we managed to mix up a couple of REAL June 19 the dates in the last issue. The Monthly meetings at Allum Hall, Skittles & Lunch, information above has been Woodborough Inn, Winscombe. confirmed as correct!

Club Events Borehamwood.

18 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS CLUBMain NEewsWS CONTACTS

Cumbria CL Club activity round up Alan Crowther

t: 01228-528887 UB members on their toes with a e: [email protected] brain teasing quiz. Members held a raffle Elstree which raised £61. It is sad Shirley Napier we do not have room to carry t: 020 8207 5110 Mike LeMonier’s excellent e: [email protected] Beethoven joke. The next newsletter (June) LNER (North East) will be on the club’s 20th John Crosby anniversary. t: 0191 262 4978 e: [email protected] n In the Midlands, Realm cheque presentations were North West made to West Midlands Air Dave Markall t: 07787 744392 Ambulance (see pic below)and e: [email protected] to Lymphona Research NUH. Adam Williams received the REAL (Nth London) Air Ambulance cheque and Pauline Bryant Ann Warren and her daughter t: 020 8907 2166 accepted the cheque in memory e: [email protected] of former member Bob. Fundraising from the club itself REALM (Midlands) had achieved £795. Jane Barnes n Thank you to members of Among the club events was t: 01827 61267 the Saltire Club for sending in a social gathering at Newton e: [email protected] this picture of member Joyce Regis, Tamworth Tullett. Members and friends enjoyed Saltire (Scotland) Club colleagues zipped over Andy Waring a quiz won by John and Wendy t: 01698 427504 to present her with a bouquet Smitten who were presented e: [email protected] of flowers to mark her 90th with a basket of fruit as their birthday. prize. This was followed by an Solare (SW London) They are keen to point out that Bill Blamire excellent ploughman’s lunch t: 01737 553174 the giant bottle of Champagne with apple pie to follow. A (Email c/o Chairman Les Hilman) is inflatable. few games of Bingo and a e: [email protected] novelty Ad-break quiz bought n In Carlisle members enjoyed the afternoon to a close. The South West a talk from a local magistrate raffle raised £77 and, apart Geoff Luckett (of 30 years standing). from it being a little chilly, the t: 01934 843077 e: [email protected] Tom Lomas explained many afternoon was thought to be a different aspects of the role big success. and how people might go about joining the bench themselves if they fancied it. He also went into some of Contacts the detail of the complicated system of motoring penalty points. Please address general club n There were no alarm bells queries to: when the campanologist who John Laing Welfare was due to entertain Solare Department members at the Spring meeting was unable to attend. 33 Bunns Lane Quick thinking chairman London NW7 2DX Les Hilman brought along a Tel: 020 8959 9683 guest - Peter Heard - who kept

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 19 MainMAJO RN ewsBIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Scouting led Diamond to a Diamond Anniversary partnership 2 January 2014 Roy & Rita Bettney Maureen and Roger Mountford Diamond Anniversary 6 February 2014 March 13, 2014 Bob & Mary Kelly 13 February 2014 Roger was a Senior Scout Master and Maureen an Akela when they Dick & Sheila Wedlake met. 27 March 2014 In 1951 they both went to a Senior Brian & Maureen Murphy Scout Camp in Austria, Maureen as companion to the other Scoutmaster’s wife. They became Golden engaged in 1952 and married in March 1954 coming out of the Anniversary church with a Cub Scout Guard of 22 February 2014 Honour. In 1955 the couple moved to Barnet. Alan and Ann Brown Maureen worked for the Company 28 February 2014 for 28 years. Starting off at Plant Tommy & Christine Scott & Transport at Borehamwood she then joined the Pensions 29 February 2014 Department at Mill Hill. They Norma & Bob Bell joined Laing’s Tennis Club in 1968 20 March 2014 where Maureen became Club to many places overseas, camping Rhoda & Walker Hodgson Secretary in the early 1970s. in the early days in Europe and She said: “Over the years we met then later on to more exotic 27 March 2014 many people who are still our places including Australia and Alexander & Jacqueline friends. When Roger retired from New Zealand. Forbes his job he helped out at the Sports The couple have two children and 28 March 2014 Club Bar on Friday lunchtimes three grandchildren. and we still enjoy an active social Roni & Geoff Kelly The picture above shows the life as members of Club REAL.” couple cutting their Anniversary Norman & Iris Heath The couple celebrated the Cake which featured an image of Charlie & Pamela Jenner Diamond Event on March 8th with Roger and Maureen cutting the Bill & Marjorie Oxby family and friends at the Arkley original Wedding Cake 60 years Golf Club. They then went away on earlier. 30 March 2014 the 13th for a holiday in the south Their Daughter had it printed on Michael & Marion Jordan of France. to edible Rice Paper especially for 31 March 2014 Over the years they have travelled the celebrations. Alan & Evelyn Crowther Jim & Eileen Murray 90th birthdays round-up Raymond & Jacqui 12 February 18 March 2 April Fresson Roy Graham Jean Thompson Eileen Norton 12 April 2014 Hubert & Lina King 20 February 27 March 25 April Bill Black Pawlo Eddie Brown 25 April 2014 Szandrowycz Rose & Hugh McPherson 21 February John & Peggy Hardie John Brindle

20 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS MAJOR BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIESMain News

Couple celebrate We are always delighted to atop Mt Snowdon receive details of your Golden, John and Gwyneth Pearce Golden Anniversary Diamond and April 4, 2014 Platinum anniversaries. JOHN and Gwen spent part of their If you would Golden Wedding celebrations on top of like to be Mount Snowdon. included in a The couple walked up on Good Friday future issue, to mark their anniversary. please send They originally met at Moreton-in- in your words Marsh Picture House when she was 15 and John a year older. They married and pictures. seven years later at Stow in the Wold. He finished up on the Forte Hotel in Alternatively, John worked on building the Jespersen Cardiff in 2005, although his favourite feel free to Factory and came back a year later project was at Lansdowne Crescent in call us. The to begin a 31-year career with John Cheltenham which was just walking contact details Laing. distance from his home. are featured Starting out as a carpenter he stayed The couple have a son and a daughter on the inside with Jespersen projects at Tidworth, and three grandchildren. They front cover of Walford and Lark Hill. enjoyed a family party as part of their celebrations, but ended up travelling this publication. He moved on to become a foreman and back home from an aborted trip to Please supply was particularly comfortable dealing Gurnsey on the day of their anniversary with handovers. a stamped due to a problem with the ferries. addressed envelope if you wish to have Jazz club leads on any photos you to Golden greats send returned. Roger and Elizabeth Gedny Golden Anniversary March 30, 2014

Elizabeth and Roger met at a jazz club in Cambridge where they both lived at the time. She was a seed analyst at the National Institute for Agricultural Botany and he a Please note, in police cadet. They married in 1964 when ceased building blocks of flats and, as the last issue she then ‘took on the arduous and full such, my role became redundant.” we inadvertently time roll of being a policeman’s wife’. This led Roger to become a motor trade included Roy and On leaving the Service Roger turned accountant, finally retiring in 2008 by Rita Bettney’s Diamond to accountancy, eventually securing which time I was Finance Director at chain of Toyota dealerships. Anniversary an assistant accountant’s role at Laing under the Homes/Superhomes at Rooksley, Milton The couple are at a momentous time of list of Golden Keynes. their lives, a Golden Wedding and both Anniversaries. He said: “At this time they were seriously celebrating 70th birthdays. We are sorry for into building flats in and around London. Roger added: “We fill our leisure time this error and Shortly after my appointment I took with cruising, both the Caribbean and any upset that it on the role of Residents Companies Mediterranean on several occasions and may have caused Manager... I regret that the building Elizabeth is more than proficient with them and their family. market changed and Laing Homes her skills at Patchwork.”

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 21 MainNEWS N FewsOR THE THIRD AGE

Protection in Brief details of 2014 Budget announcements the sunshine The most radical change in the 2014 Pension Credit Guarantee for a single Budget concerned annuities. pensioner rose from £145.40 per week The incidence of the From April 2015, anyone reaching to £148.35 and from £222.05 per week most serious skin 55 who is paying into a defined for a couple to £226.80. cancer in Great Britain contribution/money purchase pension To qualify for the Savings Credit is now five times scheme will be able to withdraw their element of Pension Credit, an higher than it was in pension pot, paying tax on 75% of individual would have to have an the 1970s according to the withdrawal – with the majority of income of £115.30 a week and a Cancer Research UK people paying the 20% rate. couple, £183.90. The maximum (CRUK) statistics. Currently this does not affect people amount they could claim would More than 13,000 in final salary schemes. then be £18.06 a week for a single people develop If in doubt it is always best to take pensioner and £22.89 for a couple. malignant melanoma independent advice tailored to your This is a reduction from £18.54 and each year, compared own circumstances. £23.93 respectively. A full summary is with around 1,800 in From April 2014, the means-tested on the Laingpastandpresent website. the mid-1970s. Take the following measures to protect Are you eligible for Attendance Allowance? yourself from UV rays: n Spend time in the Attendance Allowance is not means claim pack within 6 weeks). shade between 11am tested and many people do not realise “It usually takes 40 working days to and 3pm. they might qualify to receive it. deal with your claim. It can be quicker n Make sure you never If you are aged 65 or over, you could if you’re terminally ill. burn. get £54.45 or £81.30 a week to help You may need a medical assessment n Aim to cover up with personal care because you’re as part of your claim. If so you will get with a T-shirt, hat and physically or mentally disabled. a letter saying you need to attend an sunglasses. You can qualify for the allowance if: assessment to check your eligibility. n Use at least factor n you have a physical disability The letter will explain why and where 15+ sunscreen. (including sensory disability, eg you must go. Eyes are also at risk blindness), a mental disability At the assessment, you’ll be asked for from the sun, even (including learning difficulties), or both identification. You can use a passport reflected sunlight n your disability is severe enough for or any 3 of the following: from snow and you to need help caring for yourself n birth certificate water. Artificial or someone to supervise you, for your n a full driving licence light from sunbeds, own or someone else’s safety n life assurance policy is particularly Attendance Allowance is paid at two n bank statements dangerous. different rates depending on the level If you are claiming Attendance Wearing a wide- of care that you need because of your Allowance, it’s your responsibility to brimmed hat can disability. tell the helpline if your circumstances reduce the amount of The lower rate is payable if you require change, as this can affect how much UV rays reaching your frequent help or constant supervision you get. For example, you or the person face and eyes. during the day, or supervision at night. you claim for needs more help, goes Choose sunglasses The higher rate is payable when help into hospital or moves abroad. that have one of the or supervision is required throughout Usually your Attendance Allowance following: both day and night, or you’re terminally won’t be affected if you: n the CE Mark and ill. n go into hospital or a care home for British Standard (BS If you qualify for Attendance less than 4 weeks EN 1836:2005) Allowance you could get extra Pension n go abroad for less than 13 weeks n a UV 400 label Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax n go abroad for medical treatment for n a statement that the Reduction. Check with the helpline a condition which began before you left sunglasses offer 100% (see below) or the office dealing with UV protection your benefit. CONTACT: Think about the sides The gov.uk website states: “Attendance Attendance Allowance Helpline of your eyes, and Allowance can be backdated to the date Telephone: 0345 605 6055 consider sunglasses of your claim. This is usually the date Textphone: 0845 604 5312 with wide or your form is received or the date you Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm wraparound arms. call the enquiry line (if you return the www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

22 John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS In Mainmemo Nriamews In Memoriam

John Bailey, formerly an Stefan Damps, formerly a C/H William Kahler, formerly a Associate Design Engineering Plant Fitter with EPL died on Joiner with Laing Yorkshire, with Laing Design and Saturday, 1 February 2014. died on Monday, 25 November, Construction Services, died on He was 87 and retired in 1991 2013. He was 84 and retired in Sunday 16 February 2014. He after 41 years’ service. 1991 after 10 years’ service. was 89 and retired in 1986 after 37 years’ service. Jim Dowson, formerly a Ken Knott, formerly a Planner Site Manager with Civil with Laing Limited, died on John Beale, formerly Business Engineering, died on Thursday, Tuesday 8 April 2014. He was Promotion Manager with LMC 27 February 2014. He was 69 76 and retired in 2000 after 24 Interiors, died on Saturday, and retired in 1999 after 32 years’ service. 19 April 2014. He was 86 and years’ service. retired in 1989 after 26 years’ Ramsay Madden, formerly a service. Sidney Foster, formerly a Plant and Workshops Manager Tower Crane Driver with EPL, with EPL, died on Monday, 31 Roy Bettney, formerly a died on Saturday, 8 February March 2014. He was 90 and Planning & Resources Manager 2014. He was 85 and retired in retired in 1988 after 48 years’ with Laing Northern, died on 1992 after 33 years’ service. service. Tuesday, 11 February 2014. He was 84 and retired in 1991 after Frank Gammon, formerly Bill Norrie, formerly a 31 years’ of service. an Administration Services Site Manager, with Civil Manager, John Laing Engineering, died on Sunday, Bobby Blackwood, formerly Construction, died on Tuesday, 23 February 2014. He was 88 a Foreman Joiner with Laing 8 April 2014. He was 86 and and retired in 1990 after 36 Scotland, died on Tuesday, 24 retired in 1992 after 27 years’ years’ service. December 2013. He was 73 and service. retired in 1996 after 20 years’ Mike Raoof, formerly an service. Kenneth Hallam, formerly an Assistant Accountant with John Accountant with Beechdale Laing Construction, died on James Body, formerly a Engineering, died on Sunday, Tuesday, 11 March 2014. He Foreman Carpenter with Laing 20 April 2014. He was 86 was 86 and retired in 1993 South East, died on Friday 25th years of age and retired in 1980 after 32 years’ service. April. He was 82 and retired in after 36 years’ service. 1994 after 25 years’ service. Roy Selway, formerly a Ronald Hawkridge, formerly Superintending Purchasing Frederick Bradley, formerly a Regional Accountant with Officer with JLC Midlands, a Safety Officer with Civil Laing Eastern, died on Friday, died on Monday 14 April 2014. Engineering, died on Sunday, 16 14 March 2014. He was 73 and He was 81 and retired in 1993 February 2014. He was 86 and retired in 1998 after 36 years’ after 35 years’ service. retired in 1986 after 22 years’ service. service. Ron Sussex, formerly a Bill Hewetson, formerly General Manager with EPL William Chamberlain, formerly Commercial Director with John International (Platforms), died a Work Study Engineer with Laing International, died on on Friday 14 February 2014. Beechdale, died on Saturday, Friday 11 April 2014. He was He was 92 and retired in 1977 12 April 2014. He was 87 and 87 and retired in 1988 after 27 after 17 years’ service. retired in 1989 after 12 years’ years’ service. service. Peter Vice, formerly an E- Joe Hornsby, formerly a Business Manager, Laing Tom Cole, formerly a Plant Visiting Manager with John Limited, died on Saturday, 22 Operator with Civil Engineering, Laing Chiltern, died on March 2014. He was 67 and died on Tuesday 1 April 2014. Wednesday, 27 November retired in 2001 after 33 years’ He was 89 and retired in 1982 2013. He was 91 and retired service. after 33 years’ service. in 1986 after 50 years’ service.

John Laing Retired Employees’ NEWS 23