No. 8 NEW YEAR, 1973THE JOURNAL OF THE PLYSU GROUP

PLYSU ENTERS EUROPEIt was in 1951 that Plysu joined forceswith a Dutch concern and establisheda small manufacturing unit in Am-sterdam which for many years pro-duced high frequency welded rain-coats to the Plysu design. At firstthis enterprise was very successfulbut in time the plastics raincoat lostits popularity and Holland followedthe pattern of Plysu and withdrewfrom this area.

Since then the Dutch concern hasbeen assembling mops and dis-tributing certain of our housewaresand, sad to say, we have not seenmuch growth in sales or profitsthrough the years.

A few years ago we bought outour Dutch partners and renamed thebusiness Plysu Continentaal lookingforward to the day when we wouldjoin the Common Market and enjoythe benefits that this union would pro-vide. That day has now come andwith it Plysu Continentaal has gaineda new lease of life. Last year webought a much larger factory and itis now our intention to develop oursales not only in Holland but through-out the European Economic Com-munity so. that one day the name ofPlvsu will be as well known on theContinent as it is now in England.

C. S. J. SUMMERLlN

The old and the new. The photographsshown here illustrate the obvious ex-pansion that there has been in Plysu'sContinental operations.

Immediately right, is the small buildingwhich housed the original Plysu Con-tinentaal N.V. This modest beginningcontrasts with the much larger modernfactory unit taken over recently. showntop right. with two of the Dutch staff.

In thisIssue ...

2Saturday Night Out

Crossword PuzzleWinner 3

3Poet's Corner

They went that away 4

Out of Breath 4

6People making news

Young GenerationCorner 6

7

8

Shop!

Sports round up

SATURDAYNIGHT OUT - apictorialround-up of people enjoying themselves atrecent dances

The Plysu Social Club has its lunatic fringe in the form of the PlysuHarriers whose objectives are:1 Cross-country running as a preliminary to2. the consumption of ale.

Prospective members whose interest is confined to point 2 onlywill not be encouraged. If you are interested contact Graham Shawour flying five-miler in the Computer Room.

ON REFLECTIONHave you ever stopped to thinkHow much money's spent on

drink?Spent, I think, quite foolishlyOn Whisky, Brandy, Beer, or

TealFor, in the end, it seems to meAll it does is make you p** IYou spend an evening getting

"Merry",And later find your best friend's

JerrylWhen morning comes you leave

your bedFeeling that you're almost dead,And say, "Why did I have that

booze?"

"Oh, damn it all, where are myshoes?

You snap and snarl the wholeday through

And call your wife a "SillyMoo!"

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

THEY WENTTHITIWIY •••or how to go Motor Racingthe hard way!For anyone interested in motor racingbeyond spectating, but who cannotactually race, there is perhaps nobetter way of participating than as aMarshal. The Marshal, for the un-initiated or non-enthusiast. is thatperson seen at frequent intervalsaround the race track, "sernaphorinq"

"A small step fo'r mankind, buta big leap for PlYSU"

Out ofbreath?The 'Plvsu Harriers' Section ofthe Social Club has been formedin an effort to achieve andmaintain the general fitness ofthe 'Plvsu People'.

At the moment we are seekingto achieve this by having twosessions a week: Road Runningon Thursday evenings-meet inthe Grove at 6 p.m. and CrossCountry on Sunday afternoons-meet up at Aspley Heath at3 p.m.

Everyone is welcome-it is ab-solutely free-so come and joinus whenever you can.

G. J. H. Shaw, Chairman andD. A. Sturdy, Secretary.

like mad or dragging some poor un-fortunate from the wreckage of whatwas once a beautifully prepared andexpensive projectile. In fact. there area great many other marshalling duties,observer, start line, paddock etc.. butthis will serve to identify him to themajority.

Unfortunately, the supply of Mar-shals, properly trained Marshals, thatis, has not altogether kept up withthe tremendous growth in motorsport this country has experiencedover the past few years. Britain mustnow certainly rank as the number oneMotor Sport Country in the World.

During the main racing season ofsome thirty weeks, there are often fourand sometimes five or six major cluband international meetings on Britishcircuits. Add to this the number ofnon-circuit events such as grass-tracks racing and autocross, plus therallying scene which has positivelymushroomed of late, and you canprobably hazard a guess at themarshalling resources required.

To give you a further idea of this,it requires around 300 marshals andofficials to man the Grand Prix circuitat Silverstone for club or lesser inter-national events. For Grand Prix andmajor international events this figurecan easily double to cater for thelarger fields, larger crowds, and thegreater degree of organisation re-quired generally.

In fact, the figure quoted formarshalling strength at the 1972British Grand Prix was just sixhundred. That figure may seem highbut at least some of them wereworking to good effect. The flagmarshals were voted joint first (withSouth African G.P. marshals) for thequality of their flag signals. The awardwas by the Grand Prix Drivers'Association who are of course veryconcerned with safety, and quiterightly so.

The fact remains, however, that,whilst most race organising clubshave their own marshal resources,

the total requirement for marshalscan very rarely be met without out-side help. The main source of thisoutside help is the British MotorRacing Marshals Club.

Formed in 1957, the club, as thename implies, exists to train andsupply marshals to the various raceorganising clubs throughout thecountry. Its formation was by a smallband of enthusiasts who forsaw thegrowing need for properly qualifiedmarshalling assistance which theyfelt could only come from a club formarshals alone, without the interestsof race organisation, profitability andthe like.

By and large, they have beensuccessful but even they could nothave anticipated the phenomenalgrowth in the sport which has out-stripped their wildest dreams. Thesituation last season was that, evenwith double the membership, theMarshal's Club could still have foundjobs for everyone from the list ofinvitations received.

The part that training plays cannotbe over-emphasised. Motor racingis a fast and dangerous sport andgone, for ever we hope, are the dayswhen the only qualification requiredto marshal was to be related to or afriend of a member of the organisingclub! Although, to be fair, it is saidthat some clubs insisted on thefurther qualification that one had tohave spectated at least one racemeeting in the previous ten years!

Hopefully, the training offered bythe B.M.R.M.C. and notably amongrace organising clubs, the BritishRacing and Sports Car Club, willlead to greatly improved standards ofmarshalling. Prompted by the badpress after Jo Siffert's death atBrands Hatch, the R.A.C. compe-

tmons committee became interestedin marshalling standards. They prom-ised elaborate training and gradingschemes for 1973 but, as yet, nothinghas emerged after some two yearsdeliberation, and, as far as can bediscovered, there is nothing in theoffing.

Well, perhaps they will get aroundto it soon but, in the meantime, theseclubs who are doing somethingabout raising the standard, are gain-ing growing respect from motor raceauthorities and it is to be hoped thatthe valuable experience gained willnot be overlooked by the R.A.C.

"Live" marshalling is certainly ajob for the enthusiast but, having oncesaid that, it is a lively and interestingoccupation. The marshal becomesclosely associated with motor sportwhich is full of "characters", both onand off the track.

If you are a regular spectator whoenjoys motor racing, chances areyou will enjoy marshalling. The closerinvolvement in itself is rewarding butthere is also considerable satis-faction to be gained at the end of ameeting when everything has run toplan despite all the trials, tribulationsand breakdowns which has threat-

ened to sabotage the programmecompletely.

In the season just gone some ofthe racing has been very, very com-petitive indeed, to be polite about it.To be less polite about it would be tosay that some of the driving has beendownright irresponsible. Fortunately,there were relatively few seriousinjuries but many drivers, particularlyin Formula Ford and to a lesser degreein Formula three, must considerthemselves lucky to have escaped solightly. A few, perhaps, must considerthemselves even luckier to have re-tained their competition licences.

The accompanying photograph ofthe Frank Sytner incident was taken ona particularly black day at Silverstonewhen "barging and boring" tacticsled to a whole spate of such incidents.At the end of the race no less thanfive drivers were called before thestewards.

The other photograph shows PhilClacher, friend and racing accompliceof the writer, doing "his thing" as onlyhe knows how. Needless to say it isall the other drivers who are goingthe wrong way!

If, having read this, you feel bittenby the marshalling bug, do let thewriter hear from you. In his capacityas Newsletter Editorofthe B.M.R.M.C.he will be only too happy to inviteyou along to the next National TrainingDay which takes place at Silverstoneon Sunday, 25th February, 1973.G. W. CQPELAND

Top: Phil Clacher in car 14 decides togo his own way. But what will he dofor an encore!Left: Frank Sytner, in his overturnedFormula Ford Merlyn was glad to seethe two marshals who got to him indouble-quick time after he cart-wheeled off the track at Silverstone.

5.

Plysu Harriersevery Thursday, 6 p.m.

every Sunday, 3 p.m.

Dates foryour DiaryRed CrossDance-February 10

Bingo-every Thursday

Table Tennis-every Wednesday

YOUNGGENERATIONCORNER

Congratulations to

Martyn and' Lillian Whitbread(nee Peacock) on the birth of ababy boy, Mark, who was bornon September 2nd, 1972. Lillianused to work in the WeldingRoom.

Thisphotograph was taken onChristmas Eve after the Christ-ening at Marston MorteyneChurch.

-.

Eyes down for the Christmas spirit.Two of the revellers at the BingoSection's Mistletoe Dance in Decem-ber. enjoying themselves in differentways.

TWO HUNDREDTURN OUTFOR DANCEA very enjoyable Staff and OfficeDance was held on Saturday, 6thJanuary and drew an attendance ofmore than 200 people. Differingstyles of music for dancing was pro-vided by the Ivor Rogers Quartet andthe Disco. An excellent Buffet waslaid on by some very kind membersof the Office.

ALAN PERRY.

Plysu peoplemoking newsCongratulations

To Sandra Gay who celebrated her21 st birthday on January 6th. Sandraworks in the Mop Room.

*To Jean and Garry Rowney on thebirth of a baby girl, born 29thDecember, 1972, weighing 6 Ibs.11 ozs. Name, Angela Margaret.

*To Rachael Potts of the Print Roomwho became engaged in Novemberto Fernando Marotta.

*To Debra Wiltshire who wasmarried on December 9th, 1972 toDavid Day at Luton Registry Office.

*To Angela Britten who becameengaged to Derek Holmes onChristmas Eve.

*To John Pecoraro and ElaineWells who announced their engage-ment on August 3rd, 1972.

*To Marina Boston who becameengaged on Christmas Day! toSeamus McCormack.

*To Christine White and PhilipSmith on their wedding at AmpthillRegistry Office, on January 20th.

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

This picture published in the last issueof Plysu People was quite a puzzler.We asked readers to name the youth-ful footballers, and the followinganswers were submitted by Mr. StanCox who, needless to say, as he wasin the picture himself, got the namesright.

Back row, left to right, Mr. Bob Foun-tain, Mr. Stan Cox, Mr. Tom Griffin(deceased), Mr. Sonny Cook, Mr.John Griffin, Mr. Douglas Barker.

Front row, left to right: Mr. BillGuess, Mr. Bates, Mr. Waldon, Mr.Gordon Tvers, Mr. Wally White(deceased).

ObituariesMr. Waiter Clayton

We regret to report the death on 30thNovember, 1972 after a long illnessbravely borne, of Mr. Waiter Claytonwho was for some time employed asa part-time cleaner. His son, daughterand two son-in-laws are employedby this Company. Our deepest sym-pathy is extended to them and theirfamilies.

Mr. Reg Ingram

We also regret to record the deathof Mr. R. Ingram, an ExtruderOperator, which occurred suddenlyon the 9th December, 1972. Reg hada major heart operation at Hammer-smith Hospital and appeared to bemaking good progress up to the timeof his death, at the age of 50 years.Our sincere sympathy is extended tohis widow Edna. who is employed inContainers and to his son anddaughter.

Shop!wanted ....

for sale ....

or exchange

Carriage for the Gentry

1963 Cortina De Luxe with a 1500 ccengine pampered by a Lady Teacherand lovingly nurtured by husbandmechanic ... who will gladly see theback of this ******* crate for £90.N.B. included, good radials andtwelve month M.O.T.

Anyone interested in the abovePLEASE phone extension 225.

Fidelity Playmaster TapeRecorder-£120.N.O.

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

Welcome Print Room: Mrs. Kathleen Stewart, Mrs.Jean Hopewell, Mrs. Elizabeth Barrow,Miss Susan Smith, Mrs. Patricia McNamee.Moulding: Mr. Norman Bellis, Mr. GeorgeScreen.Containers: Mrs. Elsie Rose, Mrs. NantiMeeda.Housewares: Mrs. Lilian Durham.Industrial: Mrs. Jean Clargo, Mrs. MaureenFrench.

Doreen Stevens andDerek Killick are pic-tured here on thesteps of AmpthillMethodist Church,following their wed-ding just beforeChristmas.

The Bridesmaid isMelanie Stevens, aniece of the Bride.

7

SportAngling SectionSomehow it doesn't seem right thatwith a year just beginning, our fishingseason is drawing rapidly to a close.March 15th for some, will mean thefishing tackle put away in the back ofthe garage or shed maybe, and forthe next three months the gardenwill be receiving a little more attentionthan the odd patch being dug overfor worms. Probably that bathroomceiling will be getting the coat ofpaint that was promised last June,and the hundred and one other jobsthat the 'better half has kept mentallystored away for just such an occasionas this will at least stand a fifty-fiftychance of getting started.

Fly Fishing

But perhaps, like some of us, yourthoughts are turning to trout and thefly fishing season which begins inApril. In which case there are onlytwo courses open to you, one is toinvite the local builders or jobbinggardeners to submit tenders and beprepared to pay for the pleasure ofbeing free to fish, or, to have pre-pared a list of reasons-for instance,a back condition-which prevent youbeing able to dig the garden or paperthe hall, but in no way deters youfrom carrying a fishing basket formiles to the river. Another usefuldisablement is a sudden migrainewhich only a few quiet hours by thewater-side can cure.

Excuses

An ardent fisherman can after afew years acquire such a degree ofskill in thinking up such excuses,that he only has to walk into thehouse with his hand held to his bentback, to send his wife scurrying tothe cupboard under the stairs, to gethis rod and tackle and save him theagony of having to bend down andget it for himself. To the lessaccomplished, I can only say, may allyour chores be finished in time forthe new season in June.

League Team

Looking back on past events inthe club over the last season, I see wehave accomplished quite a few things,extending our junior clubs' matchesto include points and a points trophy;re-stocking the lake with about 700prime Rudd; becoming associatedwith the Milton Keynes AnglingAssociation; and providing a team tofish the Angling Times Winter Leaguematches. Although in the latter, ourperformance has not been particu-

larly brilliant, neither have we beendisgraced, and I think we have alllearned something, made new friendsetc.. and that, after all, is what fishingis all about.

Milton Keynes

I was fortunate enough to attenda meeting of the M.K.A.A. to hear theengineer in charge of the surfacewater projects under the MiltonKeynes development, explain thenature of the balancing lakes thatare being built in the area and theadvantages to the fishermen inparticular. Although other watersports are well provided for, he isworking in close liaison with thefisheries officer and with the com-mittee of the M.K.A.A. to ensure thatat every stage they will have thefishermen's interest at heart. Thelargest of the lakes being about oneand a half miles long and a mile wide,it will be readily seen that within theM.K.A.A. we are going to share inquite a large expanse of water. Thislake is due to be completed by Dec-ember 1973, so it may not be longbefore we are holding very large clubcompetitions on it.

Find the Ladies

I have been approached by one ortwo ladies who are interested infishing themselves, so how about itladies? Let me have your namesbefore next season and we'll do ourbest to form a ladies team. Don'tmind if you have never fished before,if you feel you would like to, thereare plenty of us in the club willing tohelp with advice etc. By the timeSummer comes the lake should bevery pleasant to spend an hour or twobeside.

Nothing more for me to add Ithink, except wish you all tight linesfor 1973.

JACK SORENSON,Secretary.

Engineering.

Bingo SectionOn December 16th the Bingo Sectionheld a Mistletoe Dance in aid of thePlysu Benevolent Fund, and raised£8,.,6.

The Hatricks of Northamptoncreated a real dancing mood andeveryone had great fun. We hopeto hold more dances in the future andfeel sure that they too will besuccessful in raising funds for a veryworthy cause. Now I would like tothank the helpers and wish everyone aHappy New Year.

HELGA WILSON,Containers.

To the Editor, UPlysu People"

EDGBURY HOSPITALAspley Heath,Woburn Sands.5th December, 1972.

Dear Sir,During the period of October-

November, my deputy and I had thepleasure of taking the 21st Detach-ment of the British Red Cross Society(Plysu Detachment) on an eightweek course for Home Nursing. Wefound those people who ettended tobe very keen and showed a greatinterest in the work and I feel,personally, a great credit to Plysu. Ifat any time, any member of your staffshould need nursing care, they wil/certainly be in the capable and com-petent hands of your Red Crossmembers.

I feel that it is a credit to Plysu forthe facilities they offer the BritishRed Cross Society detachment.

.Yours faithful/y,F. G.Bowles, S.R.N., T.T.D.

We welcome news and views, com-ments and carps. This is your journaland your opportunity to put pen topaper. News please to:Ethel Best. Raymond Hall-HousewaresEdna Ingram-ContainersHazel Wade-IndustrialMark Suter-Main OfficeClaude Phillips-New Personnel OfficeLes Hailey- TransportDerek Sinfield-Moulding ShopJean Smith-Print Room

Football SectionThe club continues to make progressin its first season, and the results arebeginning to show that with a littlemore luck we shall soon becomemore successful. The problem alwayswith a new club, is that the first yearor so is taken up "settling in" andweighing up the opposition in theleague. We have one of the best goalaverages in the league, but the mainproblem seems to be that althoughwe are keeping the scores respectablewe are not scoring enough goals.This situation is one which is notpeculiar to our team!

Watch our opposition in the leaguein the local papers-a few more winsshould see us climb the table.Nevertheless, the players are enjoyingtheir football and should come goodsoon. Thanks again to all whosupport the club tote. Your effortshave helped to the point that we maybe able to introduce more large pay-outs like that at Christmas.

Thank you,B. R. LARBEY,

Hon. Sec.