Hi all, this has stirred up some memories! I'm Alan Stapley I was a Trainee Quantity Surveyor from 1979 until I think about 1985. Lots of names I recognise and remember, Janet (wages) and Julie (reception), Kim and Doris in costing, Julie Dauncy, John Ireland, John Whitefield, Roger Underhill, Derek Tompkins, Ken Baker, Mr Hughs, Pete Cummings, Mavis, Geoff Mobley, John Coffey and Noel Chesterman in the garage, Eddie Priddle Yard Manager, John Stedeford Paint Dept. Bill Askew, Bob Scriven and Ron Chiles. Apologies if I have missed anyone. The Main Directors were Gerry Smallwood and Don Waltho (who scared me and I'm sure many others). The Elvins had Retired before I joined and I saw very little of them.
Last but not least Les Beardon.
Les before you re-joined Elvins from making your fortune in the Middle East I had spent my time doing little work with very little direction and getting into mischief. They did nearly make me redundant at one point which I can't say I blamed them for but I was spared at 5pm on the day I was due to finish for some reason. You took me under your wing and although I was only with you about a year you set me on the right path for which I will always be grateful. I've spent the last 41 years as a Quantity Surveyor which I'm sure would not of happened without you. You based me on the Stoneleigh Abbey site until it was almost complete. I used to commute it in my first car a Blue or maybe pink (before we had it re-sprayed) Morris Minor.
I can't see myself on the Photo Les but it may have been before you based me out there or on my day at College.
I have many happy memories of Elvins and the people. I spent my lunchtimes in the Garage and was a victim of exploding kettles, chairs in the break room attached to wire that were pulled back suddenly to the wall from outside and of course George the tailors dummy. If its any consolation George used to often frighten John and Noel when they forgot where they'd put him!
The last person I haven't mentioned is Jayne Mellors who I met at Elvins and eventually married. It was our 33rd Wedding anniversary yesterday. 33 very happy years but don't tell her I said that!