General Chat

going back to jobs ....................


Looking back, I think my favourite and most enjoyable was the summer job I had working in a private hotel in Frinton-on-Sea between finishing school and starting university



There was a group of summer workers who got together, most from the "big" hotel at that time, the Grand, but 4 of us from where I was working.


We'd meet up every afternoon on the beach, we arranged transport so we could go to the 11pm shows at the Clacton Jazz Festival ................. where I found my love for jazz.

The main perfomers that year were Johnny Dankworth adn Cleo Laine, and Humphrey Lyttleton.


It was an almost magical time from late June until early September ......... despite the fact that I had to get up early to take morning tea trays to the bedrooms, then help wash up, then make beds and clean rooms and bathrooms all morning, before working in the still room (washing silver, china and glass ware by hand) during and after lunch (and again at dinner time. We also had to turn down the beds while the guests were at dinner.


The 2 dining room staff were a married couple, and insisted on having the same day off ................. so we two "maids" also had to learn how to serve in the dining room


I got room and board, and about £3 a week :-)



The worst would be the 2 holidays (Easter and summer) that I worked at the Pakamac factory ................... almost soul-destroyingly boring! But we did get a reasonable wage.

Thank you for clarification, Ann and Pat.
We stayed at Mount Troodos one night 30 years ago and have also holidayed in Cyprus on other occasions.

I don't know precisely when HM The Queen's Flight was disbanded at Benson ... although it must be at least 15 years, I would suggest.

Barry talking of snow and Troodos

http://www.skicyprus.com/skicyprus/cam/camcyprusski.asp


:-D

Thanks, Pat. I have snow outside ... I don't need reminding. Lol.

However, I cannot hold back on this coincidental picture from yesteryear ...

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55285188/32.JPG

:-D

Barry

No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron (sometimes written as No. XXXII(TR) Squadron) of the Royal Air Force operates in the VIP and general air transport roles from RAF Northolt in Greater London.

Originally formed in 1916 as part of the Royal Flying Corps, the squadron saw action during the First and Second World Wars with fighter aircraft, but was disbanded in 1969. The Metropolitan Communications Squadron, involved in the VIP transport role, was renamed as No. 32 Squadron at that time. In 1995, the squadron was merged with the Queen's Flight and incorporated 'The Royal' title into its name. At this time the squadron moved from RAF Benson to RAF Northolt, where it remains.

The merger ended the RAF's provision of dedicated VIP transport aircraft; the aircraft of 32 Squadron are available to VIP passengers only if not needed for military operations. Three flights within the squadron operate the British Aerospace 146, AgustaWestland AW109 and British Aerospace 125.



Barbra, sorry if we have sort of gone a bit off topic!! :-)

Ann no problem its good to find out about people & past & present goings on ..We visited Benson. .Brize Norton .little Rissington .when we had holidays in the Cotswolds .many years ago .very nice place`s,we stayed Bourton -On- The -Water. .Lower Slaughter .Burford . Willersey. Had some great days out touring .there was so much to see ..a bit to far as we live in southwest scotland .but would like to visit again one day Barbra :-)

You near Macrahanish? OH was stationed there and he promised to take me there.

It took eighteen years before he did and when we came home the kitchen was flooded!

About Jobs after my small bakery one .moved to the Co.op in the finishing room .decorating cake`s for the shops ..thought my first weeks wage was wrong .went to the office window. asking them to check it .& it was my future oh who sorted it. we dated & have been together over 50yrs. 48 of them married .were have all the years gone .PS I was a young Bride 19 :-D :-D :-)

Lovely story Barbra :-)

First job after college was assistant nanny to a Dukes children,a live in job, at their home,,,,,,,,a castle,,,,,its a national monument and well known place...but spooky,,,,,,,and paid,,,£4.00 per week. by monthly cheque

later on I passed to be a nurse.

I eventually qualified as a Social Worker ,,,along with 12 voluntary years for the Samaritians.

Hello Piers .Thank you ..Kay sounds very posh working in a Castle x Samaritians do Ist class job .Barbra