Christmas is Coming.

Sorry Massive, I forget how old I am. Seems like yesterday I was down there visiting but in reality it was circa 1990.
I wish you all the best mate.
You're so right how the printing industry has changed.
When I started in '67 I had the choice of 3 different apprenticeships within print. Employers were falling over themselves offering employment.
So bloody different now.

 

in the 60's After the possibility of BMF making redundancies due to the car industry in turmoil! I touted myself around ...best way to get a job in those days .. had 2 appointments on the same day one at SABM about 11 am the other next door at MSH at 12.30 … never got to the MSH, was offered a job on my interview at SABM machine trainee [ sort of apprenticeship but on full wages ] started on rung 3 of the ladder! Did I make wrong decision? SABM job lasted 15 years before it closed MSH went on for a lot longer but had loads of redundancies ….
bit of a quiz … the jobs were in companies at Bitton and St Annes …...

 

Wherever I have worked its always been for a good length of time and I've always had a new job lined up, so I have been lucky in the past, Haynes Publishing, Radstock Repro (B+T), Friary Press + Southernprint. but now there isn't the openings, I will write off to any printers I can find down here in these neck of the woods but it is worrying as I don't know what the future holds.

 

Three days before Christmas 2015 I was diagnosed with aggressive Prostate Cancer, I thought that would be my last Christmas it was the scariest moment of my life, with the massive help from my wonderful wife and the nhs i'm still here, how much longer who knows but I try to keep positive, so if your healthy make the most of it you never know what's around that corner.
Have a great Christmas one and all.

 

I've worked with Haynes, Radstock Repro and B&T - it's a small world.

The print game has changed beyond recognition, it will be tough but I really wish you that bit of luck you'll need to get another job.

 

AD
Probably as good and heart-warming a post as I've read.
The way you described the last 4 years has resonated with me like you won't believe.
You have found words I've been incapable to find in describing how cancer affects you and those closest to you.
With admiration and best wishes.

 

Thanks kindly Rp as you know that one word is enough to scare the strongest of people, I recently lost one of my dear brothers with cancer very suddenly so it's in the family genes, like I said if anyone is told that one word try and stay positive I have and thank god i'm still here.

 

Amen to that. This year really has been ‘Annus Horriblus’
I hope you last many more years AD. Best wishes mate.

I used to work in a print shop - running Xerox 9700 and 9790 bulk laser printers and 2 Honeywell impacts printing store catalogues, internal reports, Supplier cheques and shelf edge labels for Gateway, FineFare and Carrefour branded stores. Labels were an absolute pain - they made the printers jam up all the time and would also ruin the photoreceptor belts.
I didn’t do much printing during my time at Allied Dunbar, but when I started for my current employer I found myself back in the print shop again, this time printing Bank Statements, customer letters, PIN letters and cheques. I worked with a great guy (now retired) who was also a qualified referee and we used to spend our quiet times discussing football and what the referee would do given some bizarre situations that would probably never happen!
Happy days (but hard work).

 

with that I can concur

 

Merry Christmas everyone!
Got the eldest over from China this year and a house full of family - all arguing and sniping at each other.
I’ll just sit quietly in the corner with my beer!

If any of you happen to be in Swindon tomorrow - pop Into Longs bar before 2pm and I’ll buy you a beer !!!

 

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all have a blast

 

A very Merry Christmas to one and all from here on Vancouver Island.

 

Have a cracking Xmas guys

 

Merry Christmas one and all. I hope Father Christmas brings every thing you want.

 

Merry Christmas all....

 

A very Merry Christmas to you all,

 

merry Christmas everyone from the 41st century!

 

All the best everyone, hope you're having a peaceful time