The New Marksman Newsletter

The Online Version of the New Marksman ~ Travel Through Time

Travel Through Time

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We frequently abuse it!

In it’s pure form, it has no colour, it’s tasteless, and has no odour, yet it is essential to all life ...

What is it? Find out here

This magazine aims to give news and information about the Baily Thomas Provident fund and the existing Sports and Social activities of ex Mansfield Brewery personnel.

The Baily Thomas Provident Trust funds the magazine but comments and articles of interest from you the beneficiaries will be most welcome.

Closing date for information to be included in the next issue: 21st August 2007

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this publication

All Our Yesterdays!
Colin Welton

Colin started work at Mansfield Brewery in 1947,aged 17 and having just left school. He worked in the general offices for 11 years doing ledger work and accounts, barrel number records, bottles and lorry delivery sheets and public house trade records.

Left - Betty Ridley (Wife of Wine and Spirits Manager) Mrs Welton
Centre - Colin Welton, Madge Branfeld
Back row - Carlsberg Representative, his wife and Adrian Branfeld
At The Licensed Victuallers Annual Dinner Dance 1957/58 Swan Hotel Mansfield

In 1958 he went out on the road, firstly to the Brewery’s own public houses collecting their monthly accounts, and then eventually calling monthly on Free Trade Clubs and Institutes.

When Adrian Branfeld left the company to go to Nigeria Colin filled his post until he left the company in 1966. (Madge Branfield worked in the Accounts office at the brewery and her husband was a Brewery Representative.).

If anyone would like to make contact Colin would be pleased to hear from you. Please Telephone 01507 441070

Happy Occasions

Weddings, births, anniversaries, birthdays - please send details and photos. Our readers are interested to know what’s happening to friends and ex colleagues.

Travel Through Time

John Reynolds (Mansfield Woodhouse)
“I thought that perhaps the photo below   might jog a few memories for someone”

The two trucks pictured were both driven from new by me during my employment at Mandora on the long distance haulage operations. The first vehicle, a Volvo F10, was owned by Mandora, and the other truck a Daf 3300, was owned by Eric Bacon who took over the long distance operations for Mandora.

I was employed at Mandora from 1975 until redundancy in 1982. It was at Mandora where I met my wife to be (Lesley Poyser); Lesley originally worked in the offices under Frank Pates and later moved on to the main Mandora switchboard. I remember having some good laughs with Tony Morton especially during his Lotus sports car owning days

Both Lesley and I have some lovely memories of our times at Mandora

If anyone has any photos, information, stories or tales about Beaches, R. Boaler & Son, Frampton Cider Co., Hornby, R.L.Jones, Mandora, Mansfield Brewery or Hull Brewery. Please send them in, details on the back page.

Jack Revill

Jack Revill (Transport supervisor) commenced work at Mansfield Brewery in 1937. Aged 19, Jack was called up in 1942 and joined the Royal Marines. After two years he transferred to the Army Airborne Force. The initial training was in Northern Ireland and he was then stationed locally at Hardwick Park. He then moved on to Ringwood Airport (now Manchester Airport) for parachute jump training, 7 daytime jumps and 1 night jump from a static air balloon. Training continued with jumps from a Whitley heavy bomber. The only way to ride in this aircraft was to kneel down which was most uncomfortable; Training continued in Stirling aircraft where the jump door was in the bottom of the fuselage. The best airplane for jumps was the Dakota which had the jump door on the side of the fuselage.

The Battalion was posted to Egypt to protect the Suez Canal from invaders and it was from here that Jack swam across the canal over to Saudi Arabia to sunbathe.

After further training in England at Chatsworth Park Jack was posted in 1944, to Denmark to police the capitulation of the Germans and supervise the small arms removal from captured destroyers. After 3 months Jack was moved to the Holy Land as part of the peace keeping force between the Jewish rebels and the Arabs. In 1947 he was demobbed and went back to work for the brewery.

Jack remarked that army pay was £2 10s 0d per week with an extra 2s 6d for being in the airborne division. Whist he was away on active duty, Mansfield Brewery paid a further 10s.0d per week. Jack retired in 1987 after 50 years service with the company.

Mansfield Brewery Retired Members Association Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting and Social evening was held at Pleasley Community Centre on Wednesday 14th March.

A big thank you was given to Eric Jackson, who stepped down after 16 years as treasurer, and his wife Anita for all the help and support she had given to Eric and the association.

All the remaining committee members were willing to stand and were duly re-elected. Ian Boucher was elected as the new treasurer.

Eric Jackson is presented with a farewell gift from Mr Tony Scruby

No Brush off with Glenys

Glenys Bradshaw (nee Marshall) worked as receptionist at Mansfield Brewery from 1988 until 1995 and is now living in Bottesford near Grantham.

Glenys is an accomplished artist working in watercolours and covering all subjects, including beautifully presented still life and landscapes.

Many of the paintings are of coastal areas around her previous home in Norfolk and also the Derbyshire countryside where she used to walk with the Brewery walking group. The paintings make wonderful gifts and Glenys is happy to accept commissions for paintings to order.

For further details telephone 01949 842 873

The Chatsworth House Bridge by Glenys Bradshaw

Eric and Anita Jackson with their Treasurer’s retirement present
which was painted by Glenys Photo by Mike Powell.

Geoff Scaife (Wines and Spirits Manager Hull)

A complete list of names of people on the photograph was sent in by Geoff and he commented as follows:

“Several of us were not on the photograph because we were not informed that it was to be taken. Incidentally, I was intrigued by the two beer bottle labels which are featured. I assume they are from a framed collage of Hull brewery labels through the war years, up to about mid 60’s. If it is, then this used to hang in my office in the Ships Store/ Bottling Department Administration office in Sylvester Street, Hull. I believe it was produced by George Halford, my predecessor, who was Ships Stores Manager from sometime after World War II until July 1968.”

Many thanks to Geoff and for all his hard work in sourcing these details.

Golden Wedding for a Golden Couple ~ Ron and Pam Dent

Ron and Pam Dent were married on 9 March 1957 at St Marks Church Mansfield and they honeymooned in London and Bournemouth.

The couple met at Fair Brothers, a firm which manufactured cut soles and stiffeners for shoes.

Ron commenced work at the Brewery in 1953, and was working in Transport when he retired in 1996

Ron and Pam have a daughter Elizabeth, son in law Andrew and a granddaughter Anna.

Where there’s Brains there’s Beer

Cardiff was the destination for the Brewery Supervisors’ annual outing.
The group visited Brain's Brewery in Cardiff on Friday. The following day they enjoyed the Welsh Museum of Country Life and returned home on Sunday.

Super Brainy Supervisor's at Brains Brewery in Cardiff

Left. Geoff Speight, Ian Boucher, Graham Cooling, Peter Featherstone, John Else, Martin Culimore John Smith, Graham Kinder, Alan Singlehurst. Ken Smith, Roy Thorpe, Kevin Hall, David Bradley

Dinner Dance March 3rd 2007.

A really fabulous evening was enjoyed by nearly 300 guests at the Mansfield Civic Centre. A number of ex colleagues had travelled from Hull and other areas and it is always pleasant to renew old friendships.

The guests tucked in to a four course dinner and were soon in the party mood.

Professional magicians entertained at the tables and a musical duo was followed by a disco.

Many thanks to the Sports and Social Committee and to everyone who helped to organise a most successful evening.

RAIL JOURNEY OF A LIFE TIME
Gina & Derek Butler

At the end of July 2006, in what turned out to be the hottest two weeks of the year, we began our holiday, travelling from Newark to Kings Cross, with an overnight stay in London. The night was very warm so after dinner we took a walk over Waterloo Bridge enjoying the breeze and contemplated what new experiences were in store for us on our ‘Great Rail Journey’.

Next morning, we boarded Eurostar to Brussels, then by ICE train to Cologne. On arrival we spent the afternoon sightseeing and after a relaxed dinner in a local hotel, we joined the overnight sleeper to Vienna – attempting to get in bunk beds whilst the train was moving at speed was fun! Breakfast was served the next morning as the train followed the magnificent River Danube arriving in Vienna, capital city of Austria for a three night stay.

After checking into our hotel, we headed straight down to the Danube for a scenic river cruise. In the afternoon we visited the opulent palace and sculptured gardens of Schönbrunn. The next day we took an excursion to the Vienna Woods and Melk Abbey, the latter providing a high vantage point to view the Danube. We finished the day with dinner in a typical Viennese Heurige (wine house) where we were serenaded by a zither player – very reminiscent of the film ‘Harry Lime’.

The remainder of our time in Vienna was spent sightseeing. Having purchased an all day travel pass, we popped on and off the trams and underground to get quickly around the many tourist attractions such as the ornate Belvedere and Hofburg palaces, the Museum quarter, the regal Opera House and a rather grand Kaffehause opposite decorated in the ‘Art Nouveau’ style, with strains of a Strauss waltz emanating from inside. That evening was exceptional; we dined at the historic Rathauskeller (Town Hall Cellar) where the hospitality was superb with various operatic artists and dancers entertaining us, Afterwards we were invited to look around the cellar vaults where we witnessed many fine wood carvings and gothic architecture.

Leaving Vienna we joined the Wiener Waltzer for the 3 hour journey to Budapest where we stayed for 5 nights in an opulent vintage 1920’s style hotel decorated with gold ornamental mirrors, and huge crystal chandeliers. Taking a cruise on the Danube to see the excellent views of the Royal Palace, perched high on Castle Hill on the ‘Buda’ side of the river and the Parliament building on the flatter ‘Pest’ side. The two embankments are linked by several historic bridges, three of the most notable ones being The Chain Bridge built in 1849, the Liberty Bridge and the modern Elizabeth Bridge, to form the City of ‘Budapest’.

The next day we travelled by steam train in restored vintage carriages, from the national collection, on a scenic journey along the Danube Valley visiting Estergom the largest basilica in Hungary. Due to the heat all the carriage windows were open and it wasn’t long before we were covered with sooty smuts – it must have been like this travelling in Victorian days. After dinner at the hotel there was a surprise in store as a married couple from the Opera House chorus came along and gave us a concert, which rounded off the evening with panache.

The following morning we took a trip out to visit the Fishermen’s Bastion, built in Romanesque style on the foundations of a medieval castle wall, then to the historic centre with its medieval streets, Heroes’ Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Roman ruins; there was so much to see. We visited the outer parts of the city, which were in stark contrast to the centre as nothing much had been done since the Russian occupation, which ended following the political changes in 1989/90. Later that afternoon we travelled by cog railway into the Buda hills.

Our final day in Budapest was unforgettable, beginning with a coach journey to Kecskemet, then by vintage narrow-gauge steam train to Bugac. We felt very privileged to ride on this old train as it only ventures out once a year to give the engine a work-through. It was unbelievable, steaming and clanging it’s bell as it chugged along a single track line. At the end of our bone shaking experience we were met by a horse-drawn cart which transported us across the open Hungarian plains where we were entertained by a fantastic ‘puszta’ show of thrills and horsemanship skills. Then to a local restaurant for a gypsy lunch, including schnapps and wine, while local musicians serenaded us with folk songs.

For the final stage of our journey we travelled on the “Hungaria” train passing through Slovakia and into the Czech Republic to Prague. The city is unique, having suffered so little damage during the war, and much of the original city remains. It is a delight to stroll through the crowded streets and admire the rich architectural heritage, obviously watching the ‘Astronomical Clock’ in the square strike the hour – well, doesn’t everyone? It was nice to sit dreaming by the River Vltava in the sunshine, staring at ‘Charles Bridge’. Our farewell dinner was held in the Prague New Town Brewery and included a conducted tour prior to our meal and being entertained by a local musician whilst enjoying the good local food with, of course, beer and wine.

Homeward bound we joined the EuroCity train, retracing our steps to London. Although the journey was long, time passed quickly because we travelled alongside the Rhine almost the whole journey allowing us excellent views from the carriage windows. We sipped a glass of champagne, reflecting on the wonderful places we had visited and events we had experienced, the memories of which will always be treasured. The total miles covered on this round trip (not including excursions) was 2,419 miles, and this for us was definitely a ‘holiday of a lifetime’

Incidentally there is no truth in the rumour that the riots which took place in Budapest shortly after we left had nothing to do with us!

BTPF & New Marksman Webmaster
Nathan Thadani

Nathan Thadani is the "man-accountable" for running the Baily Thomas Provident Fund website. Nathan worked in the Brewery Management Accounts department between 1993-2000. Following the Brewery closure he was retained as Website Developer, with a "helping hand" from the Baily Thomas Provident Fund.

Nathan designed, maintains and hosts the BTPF website and has made it as user friendly as possible. He also suggested the shortened quick type www.btpf.co.uk web address instead of the 20+ character address to help make finding the website easier.

Nathan added, “The BTPF gave me the opportunity to re-train and I am proud and pleased to be able to repay the trustees’ faith in my abilities. In 2002 I set-up as a freelance web designer under the name of “WebAlert” providing website services to small businesses.

I chose the name of WebAlert because that is what I aim to be - Web Alert!
I am the No. 1 Freelance web designer in the Midlands as per Google
So I'd like to think I am part way to proving what I WANT to do!
I (WebAlert’s Nathan Thadani) WANT to be WebAlert!

“I have a growing network of websites, which are getting similarly high search engine rankings and web traffic. For the other former accountants amongst us, that is approx 9 million pages views from over 1.5 million people to sites that I promote.

These include an official band merchandise stockist, a new and used caravan dealership, as well as a regionalised motor dealership directory. More recently, I have set up a Model Agency website (for a former Miss England contestant) and retail Wine Shop site for a Midlands based wine merchant. Next on the “WebAlerting Websites Worldwide” conveyor belt is a site for a local florist.

THE WEBALERT OFFICE

“The WebAlert Office is what I would call the perfect office”
... One eye on my computer screen,
.... And one eye on Sky Sports.
..... Who said men can't multi-task!
...... And not forgetting the obligatory cup of tea !

For more details about what I do, or to see some of the sites mentioned above either visit www.WebAlert.info or click the WebAlert logo on the BTPF website.

Steaming to Success
Gordon Henderson

Gordon Henderson started work at the Brewery in 1969 as a driver with mixed transport. He filled in as a mate until a driving position became vacant. With the brewery’s increasing trade, work prospects increased and he moved up to loading dock foreman.

A job opportunity came in the boiler house and Gordon was offered the position of Boiler House foreman. After gaining the position he studied to get a City and Guilds in Boiler Engineering and Maintenance. He also then took on fork lift truck training.

Gordon was a founder member of both the Mansfield Brewery Walking group and the Brewery Bowls team. He retired in 1996.

Parents are proud of their children’s achievements and none more so than Gordon of his son Mark. (Margaret, Gordon’s wife, died last year)

Mark Henderson is well known in the stage, film and TV industry as a lighting designer. His designs are used in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sound of Music, and other shows including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and many more productions in the West End and in the USA on Broadway.

Mark has designed lighting for operas for the English National Opera, The Royal Opera, Opera North, the Glyndebourne Festival, Scottish Opera, Opera de Nancy and the Hong Kong Festival.

He has lit touring productions for Rowan Atkinson (World and UK Tours), Ruby Wax, French and Saunders, Steve Coogan, Victoria Wood, Eddie Izzard and The League of Gentlemen.

Film and television lighting credits include The Tall Guy, Rowan Atkinson in Boston, Under Milk Wood, and the Wales Millennium Centre Royal Gala opening.

Mark is Lighting Consultant to the Almeida Theatre and is the recipient of many awards, his most recent being the 2006 Tony Award for his lighting of The History Boys.

Obituary

Francis Doherty (Brewery Estates Dept)
Malcolm Crawley

Kathryn Wiseman 1956/2006

Kathryn – Katie - was taken from her family and friends so brutally and at such lighting speed on 31st December 2006. She was a shy and unassuming person but would always go the extra mile to help anyone in trouble be they family, friend, neighbour or stranger.

Her talents as a wedding and bridesmaid dress designer and maker were unique and recognised by everyone with whom she came into contact in her business life.

Terry Wiseman, Katie’s husband said ”she made a staggering contribution in supporting my work at Mansfield Brewery and became a much loved member of that unique business family”.

Kathryn leaves husband Terry, children James and Kirstie and grandchildren Lewis and Farley.

Leslie Yates 1920 / 2007

Leslie Yates was a much admired man who worked at Mansfield Brewery for 47 years, retiring in 1983. He had a varied career at the Brewery, his time there being broken only by a tour of duty during the Second World War.

Les took early retirement to spend time with his wife Alice who unfortunately died a few years later.

Les leaves a son Andrew and his wife Elizabeth, grandson Nicholas and brother Dennis and his wife Grace

Les is pictured in the centre
(below the A in Ales)
This photo was taken in the early seventies.

We frequently abuse it!

In it’s pure form, it has no colour, it’s tasteless, and has no odour, yet it is essential to all life ...

What is it? .... it's water !

Green Fingers Water Conservation
By Marie Purdy

Water is essential for plant growth. In these days of hosepipe bans, water meters, global warming and weeks of hot summer weather, it is becoming vital for gardeners to devise new ways of conserving and finding more efficient ways of using water.

By understanding the needs of plants and taking steps to reduce the loss of water from the soil, we gardeners can help to preserve what is a limited and valuable resource.

Water butts are great for storing rainwater collected from roofs; a typical dwelling can provide enough to fill 150 barrels per year! Of course this is not practical as no-one I know has room in their garden for 150 barrels and most of the rain falls in winter when gardens don’t need watering.

A useful additional source of supply is domestic waste water. Water containing household soaps and detergents are harmless to established plants but water containing bleach or other chemicals should not be used. It is also worth noting that bath and shower water is not good for use on edible plants and sewage should never be used in the garden.

The best time of day to water is dusk as the cool conditions help to prevent loss from evaporation. Take time to water, a sprinkling is no good, the soil around the base of each plant needs to be soaked thoroughly, if not roots can develop near the surface which in hot periods dry out quicker than if the roots are deeper in the soil. Having a fence or a hedge to provide shelter helps to prevent evaporation as does a good layer (up to 100mm, 4 inches in old money) of organic mulch.

Weeding in between plants is essential for water conservation, less weeds means more water for the plants.

Making shallow trenches with the corner of a hoe between rows of plants can help especially with vegetables like potatoes and runner beans. Any water given will stay in the lowest point and soak down through the soil to the plant roots. And remember, light soils need more water than heavy clay soil.

Marie, pictured above, worked on the Helpdesk and was a GMB shop steward .Interested in horticulture she attended and worked for Brackenhurst Horticulture College in Nottinghamshire. In May Marie will commence work at National Trust property Hardwick Hall as second Gardener.

Any tips for gardeners ? Send them in and we will print them

Little Roots Children’s Community Allotment Group

A Mansfield Woodhouse outdoor activity group - Little Roots - was nominated as a national finalist in the Improving Health and Wellbeing Award. Little Roots was introduced as part of a government initiative to deliver the best start in life to every child. A community allotment was established in the Mansfield Woodhouse area to give children in the community the facility to develop gardening skills.

Established with considerable hard work the allotment was launched in March 2006. The project attracts small children who bring along their parents. It also attracted John Else, whose gardening knowledge was invaluable in setting out and preparing the plot for cultivation.

The climax of the year’s work was for the group to be nominated as a National finalist for the award which was held in London and attended by John, his daughter Anita and other project helpers.

Have you been involved in any interest or volunteer groups?
If so - let us know and it can be included in the magazine

Notice Board

Walking Group
Further information on walks. Contact Barbara Brown Tele 01623 481488

Re-union Dinner
October 19 2007 at Margarita’s Italian restaurant, Mansfield Woodhouse.
Further Information Ring Kevin Hall 07739 989626.

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Newsletter Sponsored by Baily Thomas Provident Fund