Pensioners’ Newsletter – December 2024
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News from the South
In the almost fifteen years I have been editing the VPA newsletter there have been many changes in the world around us. One thing that has remained constant however is the support and assistance I have received from Jean Skipp, my very able deputy.
Jean has decided to step down from the Committee as of now. I wish to place on record my thanks to Jean for her help and encouragement over the years and on behalf of all of us on the Committee wish her well in the future.
Jean will be replaced by Sylvia Gray, a new Committee member, of which there is more information later in this newsletter. I am sure she will be a capable addition to the Newsletter team.
Also in this issue is an article concerning the cancellation of the December dinner and dance.
As we pass through Autumn have you noticed the splendid colours that are coming from the trees all around us. What causes this I do not know although I guess the phrases global warming and climate change will be bandied about. Anyway best to enjoy the situation and think of the money saved by not travelling to New England to see their trees in the fall!
For those of us that worked in AJ block it is sad to witness what is happening now they are in the process of demolition. More on this later.
Finally on behalf of the VPA Committee, Sylvia and myself have a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of 2025.
Norman McGregor
In the almost fifteen years I have been editing the VPA newsletter there have been many changes in the world around us. One thing that has remained constant however is the support and assistance I have received from Jean Skipp, my very able deputy.
Jean has decided to step down from the Committee as of now. I wish to place on record my thanks to Jean for her help and encouragement over the years and on behalf of all of us on the Committee wish her well in the future.
Jean will be replaced by Sylvia Gray, a new Committee member, of which there is more information later in this newsletter. I am sure she will be a capable addition to the Newsletter team.
Also in this issue is an article concerning the cancellation of the December dinner and dance.
As we pass through Autumn have you noticed the splendid colours that are coming from the trees all around us. What causes this I do not know although I guess the phrases global warming and climate change will be bandied about. Anyway best to enjoy the situation and think of the money saved by not travelling to New England to see their trees in the fall!
For those of us that worked in AJ block it is sad to witness what is happening now they are in the process of demolition. More on this later.
Finally on behalf of the VPA Committee, Sylvia and myself have a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of 2025.
Norman McGregor
News from the North
Hi Folks:
Another year nearly over, where do they go?
Not a lot has happened over the last two months. Our day trip to Leeds was a good one. The weather was very kind, warm and sunny. We went straight to Leeds, dropped some people off in the city and the rest of us went on to the Royal Armouries. First important stop, the cafe for coffee and for some a late breakfast. The displays were well set out and interesting, the only glitch being the design of the building which entailed walking down endless corridors, some leading nowhere, which all looked alike and somewhat confusing. We, along with a party of schoolchildren, watched an interesting display of a fight between a Roman soldier and a Celt so not only did the children learn something but so did we!!!. After this some of us walked back into town to the shops. The famous Victorian arcades were amazing and well worth seeing, altogether a good day out.
Unfortunately, the November social was quite poorly attended, whether because it was daytime and people have other commitments, I don’t know. We had a very entertaining singer, and also a snack of sausage rolls, mince pies and coffee.
O.k. I think that brings the news up to date so if I don’t see you, I hope you have an enjoyable Christmas and a peaceful new year.
Till next time, Cheerio.
Dave William
Hi Folks:
Another year nearly over, where do they go?
Not a lot has happened over the last two months. Our day trip to Leeds was a good one. The weather was very kind, warm and sunny. We went straight to Leeds, dropped some people off in the city and the rest of us went on to the Royal Armouries. First important stop, the cafe for coffee and for some a late breakfast. The displays were well set out and interesting, the only glitch being the design of the building which entailed walking down endless corridors, some leading nowhere, which all looked alike and somewhat confusing. We, along with a party of schoolchildren, watched an interesting display of a fight between a Roman soldier and a Celt so not only did the children learn something but so did we!!!. After this some of us walked back into town to the shops. The famous Victorian arcades were amazing and well worth seeing, altogether a good day out.
Unfortunately, the November social was quite poorly attended, whether because it was daytime and people have other commitments, I don’t know. We had a very entertaining singer, and also a snack of sausage rolls, mince pies and coffee.
O.k. I think that brings the news up to date so if I don’t see you, I hope you have an enjoyable Christmas and a peaceful new year.
Till next time, Cheerio.
Dave William
The future of AJ Block
Although there have been plenty of rumours concerning what will be happening to the Engineering AJ Block, including retail outlets, houses, flats, a cinema, and even a casino, however, it appears that the reality will be much less exotic.
Luton Borough Council recently approved plans for the development of a business park, which is forecast to create 600 jobs. Initially plans have been approved for a 165,000 sq. ft. building on land next to the building.
The development will be carried out in stages, with the first stage concentrating on demolishing the building itself and "rejuvenating the River Lea". It is expected that this phase will be completed by May 2025. New cycle and pedestrian paths will be added to run alongside the river, allowing access to the site from Osborne Road to Manor Road.
The 165,000 sq. ft. facility would be built on a "build to suit basis" according to PrologisUK, the site developers. It is planned that there will be a further number of logistic units, commonly known as warehouses/depots. As good as this seems, and recognising that things must change, etc. I cannot help but feel that the company many of us gave our working life to is finally gone.
Norman McGregor
Although there have been plenty of rumours concerning what will be happening to the Engineering AJ Block, including retail outlets, houses, flats, a cinema, and even a casino, however, it appears that the reality will be much less exotic.
Luton Borough Council recently approved plans for the development of a business park, which is forecast to create 600 jobs. Initially plans have been approved for a 165,000 sq. ft. building on land next to the building.
The development will be carried out in stages, with the first stage concentrating on demolishing the building itself and "rejuvenating the River Lea". It is expected that this phase will be completed by May 2025. New cycle and pedestrian paths will be added to run alongside the river, allowing access to the site from Osborne Road to Manor Road.
The 165,000 sq. ft. facility would be built on a "build to suit basis" according to PrologisUK, the site developers. It is planned that there will be a further number of logistic units, commonly known as warehouses/depots. As good as this seems, and recognising that things must change, etc. I cannot help but feel that the company many of us gave our working life to is finally gone.
Norman McGregor
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Remembrance Service - November 10
20 people attended the service held at the Vauxhall War Memorial in Kimpton Road which was conducted by the Vauxhall Chaplain, Reverend David Alexander. Wreaths from IBC, Vauxhall and the VPA were laid and Nigel Smith and Paul Geary read out the names of a selection of those on the inscription. |
Sylvia Gray
The latest addition to the committee is Sylvia Gray. Sylvia was born and brought up in Luton and followed her father and sister in joining Vauxhall. Sylvia started in September 1970 beginning her working life in the Service Department (Z Block) as a filing clerk. She progressed to a position in the typing bureau, responding to customer correspondence. Her next role was to be appointed Secretary/PA to the Customer Relations Manager covering the United Kingdom before the responsibilities encompassed the European Service Centre which covered most of mainland Europe.
Following this assignment Sylvia moved to the Warranty Department as a Warranty Co-ordinator before progressing to the role of a Warranty Analyst/Vehicle Exchange Co-ordinator, before taking early retirement in January 2018.
As you will have noticed a great deal of her working life centred around dealing with people which makes Sylvia an admirable addition to the Committee, and we wish her well in her new role.
The latest addition to the committee is Sylvia Gray. Sylvia was born and brought up in Luton and followed her father and sister in joining Vauxhall. Sylvia started in September 1970 beginning her working life in the Service Department (Z Block) as a filing clerk. She progressed to a position in the typing bureau, responding to customer correspondence. Her next role was to be appointed Secretary/PA to the Customer Relations Manager covering the United Kingdom before the responsibilities encompassed the European Service Centre which covered most of mainland Europe.
Following this assignment Sylvia moved to the Warranty Department as a Warranty Co-ordinator before progressing to the role of a Warranty Analyst/Vehicle Exchange Co-ordinator, before taking early retirement in January 2018.
As you will have noticed a great deal of her working life centred around dealing with people which makes Sylvia an admirable addition to the Committee, and we wish her well in her new role.
Christmas Dinner and Party
It’s with much sadness that after celebrating our 75th Anniversary this year that we’ve had to make the decision to cancel this year’s Christmas Dinner and Party.
I must apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused with the disruption to your celebrations this year but unfortunately due to the low number of attendees booked to join the event we would have had significant overheads to absorb which therefore did not make it a viable event to run.
The Executive Committee will be looking to hold an event next Christmas and would welcome any suggestions you may have whether it takes place at lunchtime or afternoon and a smaller location?
Your thoughts on how we can continue to support you would be much appreciated. Please contact us at: [email protected] or [email protected]
May I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Have a wonderful time celebrating and I hope to see you at our Dinner and Party next year.
Nigel Smith
It’s with much sadness that after celebrating our 75th Anniversary this year that we’ve had to make the decision to cancel this year’s Christmas Dinner and Party.
I must apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused with the disruption to your celebrations this year but unfortunately due to the low number of attendees booked to join the event we would have had significant overheads to absorb which therefore did not make it a viable event to run.
The Executive Committee will be looking to hold an event next Christmas and would welcome any suggestions you may have whether it takes place at lunchtime or afternoon and a smaller location?
Your thoughts on how we can continue to support you would be much appreciated. Please contact us at: [email protected] or [email protected]
May I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Have a wonderful time celebrating and I hope to see you at our Dinner and Party next year.
Nigel Smith
Trip Report - Thursday October 17 - Vineyard visit
The group left Luton at 09.05 for the journey to Tenderden in the heart of Kent, arriving at 11.30, after suffering a few diversions. Some of the entourage went for lunch at the Lemon Tree restaurant where the liver and bacon was most enjoyable. Perhaps evoking memories of the old staff canteen on a Tuesday?
After eating there was a short coach ride to the Chapeldown Winery, the arrival coincided with the sun making a presence. The group was split into 2, one group to focus on red and white wines and the other on sparkling wines. Perhaps focus is less appropriate as the afternoon passed. The final act was a wine tasting with 5 different wines. Needless to say they got better as the tasting ensued. Everyone sympathised with coach driver Andy who could only watch the group get their fill!
All in all another successful trip.
The group left Luton at 09.05 for the journey to Tenderden in the heart of Kent, arriving at 11.30, after suffering a few diversions. Some of the entourage went for lunch at the Lemon Tree restaurant where the liver and bacon was most enjoyable. Perhaps evoking memories of the old staff canteen on a Tuesday?
After eating there was a short coach ride to the Chapeldown Winery, the arrival coincided with the sun making a presence. The group was split into 2, one group to focus on red and white wines and the other on sparkling wines. Perhaps focus is less appropriate as the afternoon passed. The final act was a wine tasting with 5 different wines. Needless to say they got better as the tasting ensued. Everyone sympathised with coach driver Andy who could only watch the group get their fill!
All in all another successful trip.
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December Quiz
For the past few years the December Quiz has been Christmas themed. This time we are breaking with tradition in focussing on Pot Luck. You don't have to be young and trendy to change the world. 1. How many dancers perform a ballet pas de deux? 2. If T is Time what does the M represent in GMT? 3. Cos and Iceberg are varieties of which salad plant? 4. As well as being a TV programme what is a Blue Peter? 5 What type of number do you get if you add two odd numbers? 6. What phrase do you associate with The Krankies? 7. Which pear is served as a starter and is not sweet? 8. How many furlongs comprise a mile? 9. Which melon has black pips and red juicy flesh? 10. What is the first postage stamp commonly known as? 11. Which biblical character had the surname Iscariot? 12. What was the usual name for two shillings and sixpence? 13. What is the letter Z if A is Alpha and B is Bravo? 14. How many hooks do you use in crochet? 15 The Matterhorn is in which mountain range? 16. What was originally stored in Fort Knox? 17. Steak au poivre is a steak covered in what? 18. What is a sheepshank a type of? 19. What is the main drink export of Brazil? 20. What was the name of Admiral Nelson's ship? Nothing too taxing as it is our Christmas issue. Nevertheless, enjoy! |
October Quiz answers
1. Dixon of Dock Green 2. Percy Thrower 3. The Lone Ranger 4. The clergy 5. Joanna Lumley 6. Stephenson 7. Please Sir 8. Starsky 9. Bonanza 10. Liverpool 11. The Good Old Days 12. Alsatian 13. Cookery 14. Hancocks 15. Roger Moore 16. Eamonn Andrews 17. Jacques 18. Three 19. Dave Allen 20. Beverley Hillbillies |
If you have a story you would like to tell, then please get in touch with the newsletter editor Norman McGregor via email: [email protected]
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