Lucas Great Hampton Street works

[Mark Tooze]

No laser printers then - printing was done on multi-part paper with carbon sheets in between the layers on these machines:-



And no USB, bluetooth or wifi either - to get the various boxes to talk to each other you had rows of comms racks and switch panels - like these:-

 

[Tery]

I worked in the computer section 1962 - 1970, as a Computer Operator, Programmer and Snr Programmer. The first computer was a NCR/Elliott 405, NCR 315 and Univac 418. Many happy memories and fun times.

 

[Kathsutton46]

I I worked in the computer section 1962 - 1970, as a Computer Operator, Programmer and Snr Programmer. The first computer was a NCR/Elliott 405, NCR 315 and Univac 418. Many happy memories and fun times.

I worked GHS 1962/68. Top floor typing pool, the guys in the computer room used to wear covers over their shoes.
The girls working the punch card machines were very glamorous, the entrance to the staff canteen was opposite your glass computer room . Do you remember the suggestion box we used to check monthly to see if we had won any money.

 

[Tery]

I worked GHS 1962/68. Top floor typing pool, the guys in the computer room used to wear covers over their shoes.
The girls working the punch card machines were very glamorous, the entrance to the staff canteen was opposite your glass computer room . Do you remember the suggestion box we used to check monthly to see if we had won any money.

In 1962, I was a Computer Operator and operated the NCR/Elliott 405 computer. However, I didn't have to wear covers over my shoes but had to wear a suit. I had a girl friend Elaine Ingram who work in the accounts area and operated and accounting machine. Yes, the punch girls were good lookers however there boss (Ida Ludlow?) was very tough. My boss was Paddy Brazier, very temperamental and OK to work for but depended on his mood. Had another girl friend in your area Jenny Smart, can't remember what work she did. She had sister who also work in the top floor office. Happy days.

 

[adalderstone]

In the early 1980's, a large part of the top floor of Lucas Gt Hampton Street works was taken up with a large mainframe computer installation. The computer was a Univac 4183 - a ancient museum piece even then:-
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This is what computers used to look like "back in the day". You will notice the absence of any electronic monitor screens anywhere - instead you used good old fashioned teletype consoles - like these:-
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Hi Mark,

Thank you for sharing these images! They are very interesting.

I am currently researching the Lucas Great Hampton Street Site, paying particular attention to the top floor.

I was wondering if you had any more images or information about the top floor of Great Hampton Street that you would be happy to share?
Please let me know via call or text on 07377 951792. Or via email at adoyle@alderstonesolicitors.co.uk.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Annabel Doyle
Alderstone Solicitors

 

[adalderstone]

Hi all,

I am currently researching the Lucas Great Hampton Street Site. I am hoping that I may be able to find some help on this forum.

Does anyone recall asbestos removal occurring in the Great Hampton Street building in and around the 1990s? Or how asbestos was used within the building structure if you know?

If so, please could you contact me via phone or text on 07377 951791. Or via email at adoyle@alderstonesolicitors.co.uk.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Annabel Doyle
Alderstone Solicitors

 

[Astoness]

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