Ivan (Spadger) Sparrow - 1957 to '60
Do you remember having to go to “The Office”, but only during strict “Office Times” of course, that was located next to the Library? There was never a “cheery” welcome, but one that always implied that you were after something you had no reasonable grounds to be asking for. A welcome, such as, “Yes!! - What are you after”? During my time at the Tech, there was a younger man and an older man in there, both of whom I am sure, were previously employed by MI5, the Police Anti-Corruption Squad, the Tax Dept., and an Accountancy firm, all at the same time, as these were the “Top Men”. Remember going in there on the first day to get your exercise books – I can’t remember all of them, but I recall Green for English, Reddish for Chemistry, Buff for something else, etc, etc. They were issued as if you were being given a share of the Crown Jewels. One thing I remember clearly, is going in there for a new exercise book, because I considered mine to be full. I presented it to one of the “Gestapo” who then flicked through the book and found, in different places, about a half dozen unused pages. It was handed back to me with the considerate and helpful words, “Fill it and we’ll stamp it – now push off – next!!!”. Behind the flip-top counter, against the wall, was that Rota-Copier thing, used gelatine or something, and the copies came out Blue. What a delight it was for someone like “Bogie” Bateman to tell you to go to “The Office”, OUT OF “OFFICE HOURS”, and collect some maps he had asked to be copied - “Pay-back time!!” Knock on the door (it was always kept locked – did they print money in there, whilst we were all being educated?), “Who is it?” – “Not Office Hours” – “But Mr Bateman said ...” – clink, clunk, door opened – “Mr Bateman said you must give me the copies of the maps he is waiting for (and depending on your last reception in “The Office” and your bravado at the time, you might add), IMMEDIATELY”. Life could be so sweet if you knew how to live it. Of course, having the cards of experience in your hand, beats the cards of naivety, hands down. Perhaps that’s why, when you took the next exercise book into “The Office” for replacement, you had to be sure there were absolutely NO blank pages. There was a feeling of satisfaction when “The Office Wallahs” lifted their stamp and went, plonk, plonk, plonk, through you book, and gave you a new one. They had their job to do, and I think they excelled.
John Warner - 1961 to '66
When I was at the Tech it was Mrs. Brydon (Bryden) who manned the office. She seemed OK and must have been tolerant to have to deal with Harry Ward each day.