Last 1972

As we move into 2012, here are the last photos from 1972. These first ones are from the Caswell Christmas Party - Plessey put on a children's party each year, something I remember fondly. And yes, that's me with Santa. Remember that this is 1972 and they've got a video camera - you can tell it was a technology research centre! These others are from the family Christmas in Rugby - to be honest, I can't remember this or who the relatives there were - it's obviously my father's side of the family as we're with his parents but other than that, no idea. I know the front row apart from the gentleman on the left, but don't recognise the back row at all. I expect Mother and/or Auntie Susan will be able to shed some light on who they are....
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Work

In, I think, 1959, my father actually got a job - having seemingly managed to put it off until he was 27. It sounds late, but a degree would have taken him to 22, plus another year for a Masters, 2 years working on a PhD and 2 years National Service adds up!And in fact, it was the only job he ever got - he worked at the same place (for Plessey at the Allen Clark Research Centre at Caswell in Northamptonshire) until he retired.I'm probably breaking all sorts of rules by publishing these, but I doubt there are any still-secret innovations in a lab almost 50 years ago.It looks like what I think of as proper chemistry - bell jars and that sort of thing, although there seems to be a disappointing lack of bunsen burners. Interesting to see what looks suspiciously like a car battery in there though!...
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