THE JOURNAL

OF THE PLYSU GROUP

No. 8 NEW YEAR, 1973

PLYSU ENTERS EUROPE

It was in 1951 that Plysu joined forces with a Dutch concern and established a small manufacturing unit in Amsterdam which for many years produced high frequency welded raincoats to the Plysu design. At first this enterprise was very successful but in time the plastics raincoat lost its popularity and Holland followed the pattern of Plysu and withdrew from this area. Since then the Dutch concern has been assembling mops and distributing certain of our housewares and, sad to say, we have not seen much growth in sales or profits through the years. A few years ago we bought out our Dutch partners and renamed the business Plysu Continentaal looking forward to the day when we would join the Common Market and enjoy the benefits that this union would provide. That day has now come and with it Plysu Continentaal has gained a new lease of life. Last year we bought a much larger factory and it is now our intention to develop our sales not only in Holland but throughout the European Economic Community so. that one day the name of Plvsu will be as well known on the Continent as it is now in England. C. S. J. SUMMERLlN

In this Issue ...

Saturday Night Out Crossword Winner Puzzle

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Poet's Corner They went that away Out of Breath

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The old and the new. The photographs shown here illustrate the obvious expansion that there has been in Plysu's Continental operations. Immediately right, is the small building which housed the original Plysu Continentaal N.V. This modest beginning contrasts with the much larger modern factory unit taken over recently. shown top right. with two of the Dutch staff.

People making news Young Generation Corner Shop! Sports round up

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SATURDAY NIGHT OUT recent dances

apictorial round-up of people enjoying themselves at

The Plysu Social Club has its lunatic fringe in the form of the Plysu Harriers whose objectives are: 1 Cross-country running as a preliminary to 2. the consumption of ale. Prospective members whose interest is confined to point 2 only will not be encouraged. If you are interested contact Graham Shaw our flying five-miler in the Computer Room.

ON REFLECTION
Have you ever stopped to think How much money's spent on drink? Spent, I think, quite foolishly On Whisky, Brandy, Beer, or Teal For, in the end, it seems to me All it does is make you p** I You spend an evening getting "Merry", And later find your best friend's Jerryl When morning comes you leave your bed Feeling that you're almost dead, And say, "Why did I have that booze?" "Oh, damn it all, where are my shoes? You snap and snarl the whole day through And call your wife a "Silly Moo!" Until you reach another night Still feeling, well, not very bright; And then you get a bright idea, An unconvincing one, I fear; You say, "Of course, I'll plan anew; Oh, yes, I know what I must do" Some plan I I Oh dearie me, G'Lor, You take the mixture as before. Anon.

Crossword Puzzle Winner

The winner of the crossword puzzle in the last Tool Room whose entry was the first correct one Premium Bond is on its way to him. Other entries Room) ; E. C. Beale (Transport) ; Robert Dudley Cox (Moulding Office). issue was David Cox of the to come out of the hat. A 1 came from Jim Bayliss (Tool (Electricians) and Mrs. K. M.

THEY WENT THITIWIY

or how to go Motor Racing the hard way!
For anyone interested in motor racing beyond spectating, but who cannot actually race, there is perhaps no better way of participating than as a Marshal. The Marshal, for the uninitiated or non-enthusiast. is that person seen at frequent intervals around the race track, "sernaphorinq" like mad or dragging some poor unfortunate from the wreckage of what was once a beautifully prepared and expensive projectile. In fact. there are a great many other marshalling duties, observer, start line, paddock etc.. but this will serve to identify him to the majority. Unfortunately, the supply of Marshals, properly trained Marshals, that is, has not altogether kept up with the tremendous growth in motor sport this country has experienced over the past few years. Britain must now certainly rank as the number one Motor Sport Country in the World. During the main racing season of some thirty weeks, there are often four and sometimes five or six major club and international meetings on British circuits. Add to this the number of non-circuit events such as grasstracks racing and autocross, plus the rallying scene which has positively mushroomed of late, and you can probably hazard a guess at the marshalling resources required. To give you a further idea of this, it requires around 300 marshals and officials to man the Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone for club or lesser international events. For Grand Prix and major international events this figure can easily double to cater for the larger fields, larger crowds, and the greater degree of organisation required generally. In fact, the figure quoted for marshalling strength at the 1972 British Grand Prix was just six hundred. That figure may seem high but at least some of them were working to good effect. The flag marshals were voted joint first (with South African G.P. marshals) for the quality of their flag signals. The award was by the Grand Prix Drivers' Association who are of course very concerned with safety, and quite rightly so. The fact remains, however, that, whilst most race organising clubs have their own marshal resources, the total requirement for marshals can very rarely be met without outside help. The main source of this outside help is the British Motor Racing Marshals Club. Formed in 1957, the club, as the name implies, exists to train and supply marshals to the various race organising clubs throughout the country. Its formation was by a small band of enthusiasts who forsaw the growing need for properly qualified marshalling assistance which they felt could only come from a club for marshals alone, without the interests of race organisation, profitability and the like. By and large, they have been successful but even they could not have anticipated the phenomenal growth in the sport which has outstripped their wildest dreams. The situation last season was that, even with double the membership, the Marshal's Club could still have found jobs for everyone from the list of invitations received. The part that training plays cannot be over-emphasised. Motor racing is a fast and dangerous sport and gone, for ever we hope, are the days when the only qualification required to marshal was to be related to or a friend of a member of the organising club! Although, to be fair, it is said that some clubs insisted on the further qualification that one had to have spectated at least one race meeting in the previous ten years! Hopefully, the training offered by the B.M.R.M.C. and notably among race organising clubs, the British Racing and Sports Car Club, will lead to greatly improved standards of marshalling. Prompted by the bad press after Jo Siffert's death at Brands Hatch, the R.A.C. compe-

Out of breath?
The 'Plvsu Harriers' Section of the Social Club has been formed in an effort to achieve and maintain the general fitness of the 'Plvsu People'. At the moment we are seeking to achieve this by having two sessions a week: Road Running on Thursday evenings-meet in the Grove at 6 p.m. and Cross Country on Sunday afternoons -meet up at Aspley Heath at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome-it is absolutely free-so come and join us whenever you can. G. J. H. Shaw, Chairman and D. A. Sturdy, Secretary.

"A small step fo'r mankind, but a big leap for Pl YSU"

tmons committee became interested in marshalling standards. They promised elaborate training and grading schemes for 1973 but, as yet, nothing has emerged after some two years deliberation, and, as far as can be discovered, there is nothing in the offing. Well, perhaps they will get around to it soon but, in the meantime, these clubs who are doing something about raising the standard, are gaining growing respect from motor race authorities and it is to be hoped that the valuable experience gained will not be overlooked by the R.A.C.

"Live" marshalling is certainly a job for the enthusiast but, having once said that, it is a lively and interesting occupation. The marshal becomes closely associated with motor sport which is full of "characters", both on and off the track. If you are a regular spectator who enjoys motor racing, chances are you will enjoy marshalling. The closer involvement in itself is rewarding but there is also considerable satisfaction to be gained at the end of a meeting when everything has run to plan despite all the trials, tribulations and breakdowns which has threat-

ened to sabotage the programme completely. In the season just gone some of the racing has been very, very competitive indeed, to be polite about it. To be less polite about it would be to say that some of the driving has been downright irresponsible. Fortunately, there were relatively few serious injuries but many drivers, particularly in Formula Ford and to a lesser degree in Formula three, must consider themselves lucky to have escaped so lightly. A few, perhaps, must consider themselves even luckier to have retained their competition licences. The accompanying photograph of the Frank Sytner incident was taken on a particularly black day at Silverstone when "barging and boring" tactics led to a whole spate of such incidents. At the end of the race no less than five drivers were called before the stewards. The other photograph shows Phil Clacher, friend and racing accomplice of the writer, doing "his thing" as only he knows how. Needless to say it is all the other drivers who are going the wrong way! If, having read this, you feel bitten by the marshalling bug, do let the writer hear from you. In his capacity as Newsletter Editorofthe B.M.R.M.C. he will be only too happy to invite you along to the next National Training Day which takes place at Silverstone on Sunday, 25th February, 1973. G. W. CQPELAND
Top: Phil Clacher in car 14 decides to go his own way. But what will he do for an encore! Left: Frank Sytner, in his overturned Formula Ford Merlyn was glad to see the two marshals who got to him in double-quick time after he cartwheeled off the track at Silverstone.

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Dates for your Diary

Red Cross DanceFebruary 10

Plysu people moking news

Congratulations
To Sandra Gay who celebrated her 21 st birthday on January 6th. Sandra works in the Mop Room.

Bingoevery Thursday

Table Tennisevery Wednesday

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Eyes down for the Christmas spirit. Two of the revellers at the Bingo Section's Mistletoe Dance in December. enjoying themselves in different ways.

Plysu Harriers
every Thursday, 6 p.m. every Sunday, 3 p.m.

To Jean and Garry Rowney on the birth of a baby girl, born 29th December, 1972, weighing 6 Ibs. 11 ozs. Name, Angela Margaret.

To Rachael Potts of the Print Room who became engaged in November to Fernando Marotta.

YOUNG GENERATION CORNER

To Debra Wiltshire who was married on December 9th, 1972 to David Day at Luton Registry Office.

To Angela Britten engaged to Derek Christmas Eve.

who became Holmes on

To John Pecoraro and Elaine Wells who announced their engagement on August 3rd, 1972.

TWO HUNDRED TURN OUT FOR DANCE

Congratulations
Martyn to Whitbread A very enjoyable Staff and Office Dance was held on Saturday, 6th January and drew an attendance of more than 200 people. Differing styles of music for dancing was provided by the Ivor Rogers Quartet and the Disco. An excellent Buffet was laid on by some very kind members of the Office. ALAN PERRY. and' Lillian

To Marina Boston who became engaged on Christmas Day! to Seamus McCormack.

(nee Peacock) on the birth of a baby boy, Mark, who was born on September 2nd, 1972. Lillian used to work in the Welding Room. Thisphotograph was taken on Christmas Eve after the Christening at Marston Morteyne Church.

To Christine White and Philip Smith on their wedding at Ampthill Registry Office, on January 20th.

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To linda Cowley of the Print Room, who became engaged to Michael North, on December 16th, 1972.

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Obituaries
Mr. Waiter Clayton
We regret to report the death on 30th November, 1972 after a long illness bravely borne, of Mr. Waiter Clayton who was for some time employed as a part-time cleaner. His son, daughter and two son-in-laws are employed by this Company. Our deepest sympathy is extended to them and their families.

Mr. Reg Ingram

We also regret to record the death of Mr. R. Ingram, an Extruder Operator, which occurred suddenly on the 9th December, 1972. Reg had a major heart operation at Hammersmith Hospital and appeared to be making good progress up to the time of his death, at the age of 50 years. Our sincere sympathy is extended to his widow Edna. who is employed in Containers and to his son and daughter.

This picture published in the last issue of Plysu People was quite a puzzler. We asked readers to name the youthful footballers, and the following answers were submitted by Mr. Stan Cox who, needless to say, as he was in the picture himself, got the names right.

Back row, left to right, Mr. Bob Fountain, Mr. Stan Cox, Mr. Tom Griffin (deceased), Mr. Sonny Cook, Mr. John Griffin, Mr. Douglas Barker. Front row, left to right: Mr. Bill Guess, Mr. Bates, Mr. Waldon, Mr. Gordon Tvers, Mr. Wally White (deceased).

Shop!
wanted .... for sale .... or exchange
Carriage for the Gentry
1963 Cortina De Luxe with a 1500 cc engine pampered by a Lady Teacher and lovingly nurtured by husband mechanic ... who will gladly see the back of this ******* crate for 90. N.B. included, good radials and twelve month M.O.T. Anyone interested in the above PLEASE phone extension 225.

Welcome

Print Room: Mrs. Kathleen Stewart, Mrs. Jean Hopewell, Mrs. Elizabeth Barrow, Miss Susan Smith, Mrs. Patricia McNamee. Moulding: Screen. Containers: Meeda. Housewares: Industrial: French. Mr. Norman Bellis, Mr. George Mrs. Elsie Rose, Mrs. Nanti Mrs. Lilian Durham.

Mrs. Jean Clargo, Mrs. Maureen

Fidelity Playmaster Recorder-120.N.O.

Tape
in

Doreen Stevens and Derek Killick are pictured here on the steps of Ampthill Methodist Church, following their wedding just before Christmas. The Bridesmaid Melanie Stevens, niece of the Bride. is a

Any applications please get touch with M. Suter, ext. 225.

Sport
Angling Section
Somehow it doesn't seem right that with a year just beginning, our fishing season is drawing rapidly to a close. March 15th for some, will mean the fishing tackle put away in the back of the garage or shed maybe, and for the next three months the garden will be receiving a little more attention than the odd patch being dug over for worms. Probably that bathroom ceiling will be getting the coat of paint that was promised last June, and the hundred and one other jobs that the 'better half has kept mentally stored away for just such an occasion as this will at least stand a fifty-fifty chance of getting started. Fly Fishing But perhaps, like some of us, your thoughts are turning to trout and the fly fishing season which begins in April. In which case there are only two courses open to you, one is to invite the local builders or jobbing gardeners to submit tenders and be prepared to pay for the pleasure of being free to fish, or, to have prepared a list of reasons-for instance, a back condition-which prevent you being able to dig the garden or paper the hall, but in no way deters you from carrying a fishing basket for miles to the river. Another useful disablement is a sudden migraine which only a few quiet hours by the water-side can cure. Excuses An ardent fisherman can after a few years acquire such a degree of skill in thinking up such excuses, that he only has to walk into the house with his hand held to his bent back, to send his wife scurrying to the cupboard under the stairs, to get his rod and tackle and save him the agony of having to bend down and get it for himself. To the less accomplished, I can only say, may all your chores be finished in time for the new season in June. League Team Looking back on past events in the club over the last season, I see we have accomplished quite a few things, extending our junior clubs' matches to include points and a points trophy; re-stocking the lake with about 700 prime Rudd; becoming associated with the Milton Keynes Angling Association; and providing a team to fish the Angling Times Winter League matches. Although in the latter, our performance has not been particu-

larly brilliant, neither have we been disgraced, and I think we have all learned something, made new friends etc.. and that, after all, is what fishing is all about. Milton Keynes

To the Editor, UPlysu People" EDGBURY HOSPITAL Aspley Heath, Woburn Sands. 5th December, 1972. Dear Sir, During the period of OctoberNovember, my deputy and I had the pleasure of taking the 21st Detachment of the British Red Cross Society (Plysu Detachment) on an eight week course for Home Nursing. We found those people who ettended to be very keen and showed a great interest in the work and I feel, personally, a great credit to Plysu. If at any time, any member of your staff should need nursing care, they wil/ certainly be in the capable and competent hands of your Red Cross members. I feel that it is a credit to Plysu for the facilities they offer the British Red Cross Society detachment. .Yours faithful/y, F. G.Bowles, S.R.N., T.T.D.

I was fortunate enough to attend a meeting of the M.K.A.A. to hear the engineer in charge of the surface water projects under the Milton Keynes development, explain the nature of the balancing lakes that are being built in the area and the advantages to the fishermen in particular. Although other water sports are well provided for, he is working in close liaison with the fisheries officer and with the committee of the M.K.A.A. to ensure that at every stage they will have the fishermen's interest at heart. The largest of the lakes being about one and a half miles long and a mile wide, it will be readily seen that within the M.K.A.A. we are going to share in quite a large expanse of water. This lake is due to be completed by December 1973, so it may not be long before we are holding very large club competitions on it. Find the Ladies I have been approached by one or two ladies who are interested in fishing themselves, so how about it ladies? Let me have your names before next season and we'll do our best to form a ladies team. Don't mind if you have never fished before, if you feel you would like to, there are plenty of us in the club willing to help with advice etc. By the time Summer comes the lake should be very pleasant to spend an hour or two beside. Nothing more for me to add I think, except wish you all tight lines for 1973. JACK SORENSON, Secretary. Engineering.

We welcome news and views, comments and carps. This is your journal and your opportunity to put pen to paper. News please to:
Ethel Best. Raymond Hall-Housewares Edna Ingram-Containers Hazel Wade-Industrial Mark Suter-Main Office Claude Phillips-New Personnel Office Les Hailey- Transport Derek Sinfield-Moulding Shop Jean Smith-Print Room

Football Section
The club continues to make progress in its first season, and the results are beginning to show that with a little more luck we shall soon become more successful. The problem always with a new club, is that the first year or so is taken up "settling in" and weighing up the opposition in the league. We have one of the best goal averages in the league, but the main problem seems to be that although we are keeping the scores respectable we are not scoring enough goals. This situation is one which is not peculiar to our team! Watch our opposition in the league in the local papers-a few more wins should see us climb the table. Nevertheless, the players are enjoying their football and should come good soon. Thanks again to all who support the club tote. Your efforts have helped to the point that we may be able to introduce more large payouts like that at Christmas. Thank you, B. R. LARBEY, Hon. Sec.

Bingo Section
On December 16th the Bingo Section held a Mistletoe Dance in aid of the Plysu Benevolent Fund, and raised

8,.,6.
The Hatricks of Northampton created a real dancing mood and everyone had great fun. We hope to hold more dances in the future and feel sure that they too will be successful in raising funds for a very worthy cause. Now I would like to thank the helpers and wish everyone a Happy New Year. HELGA WILSON, Containers.