Multiple Jobs
During the late seventies, according to her CV, see Chapter 105, mum had a number of different jobs including
- Running her own duplicating/typing business from home;
- Working as a part-time receptionist for Drs Downes and Day;
- Working as a part-time secretary for Rev G T Eddy;
- Working as a part-time private secretary for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens;
- Working as a part-time secretary in the Occupational Therapy Department of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital; and
- Working as secretary/receptionist for Drs Brittain, Watkins and Leach.
Each of these jobs is considered in turn. There are some differences between the CV and the diaries. These are highlighted for each job where relevant.
Duplicating and Typing Business
Mum continued to run her own duplicating and typing business during this period. Although her CV indicates that this ended in 1975, she did home duplicating and typing throughout this period. As her hours of paid employment increased, the amount of independent typing and duplicating she took on may have decreased. Certainly, increasingly, she did it out of hours, so in the evening or at the weekend. Quite a lot of this typing and duplicating, possibly the majority of it, seems to have been church-related, see Chapter 124. Various people gave mum typing and duplicating to do and these are considered here.
Ministers of St Peter’s Park Lane Methodist Church
A number of church Ministers gave mum typing and duplicating to do during this period. These included Rev Ream, Rev Elworthy and Rev Lemmon. In September 1976, mum noted that Rev Ream gave her his changes to the pastoral roll and also his order of service. Earlier, in February 1975, Rev Elworthy came and dictated a report on the work of the UEA chaplains He also brought her his order of service in September 1976. In November 1979, mum was concerned that Rev Lemmon brought her two reports for the church annual report after she had already duplicated them. She remarked with some frustration “what does he think I am?” I am not sure what mum did but she noted finishing the annual reports the next night.
Others from St Peter’s Park Lane Methodist Church
These included Sister Margaret and Andrew Wright.
Mum’s Expectations
It seems that mum expected a degree of personal interaction when people brought her work to do. For example, in September 1976, Rev Elworthy pushed his order of service through the letterbox and did not ring the doorbell. Mum commented that this depressed her even more. Similarly, when Andrew Wright brought the church notices in December 1976, mum noted that he did not stay long.
Other Methodist Ministers
Mum also did typing and duplicating for other Methodist Ministers who were part of the broader circuit, had retired or had been Minister at Park Lane previously.
Malcolm Carter
He was Minister at Bowthorpe Road so part of the broader circuit. He and mum developed a close friendship, see Chapter 114.
Rev R W Hopper
In February 1976, retired Methodist Minister Rev Hopper approached mum to ask her if she might do some shorthand and typing for him. She agreed that she could do this on Mondays as needed. Based on the diaries, it appears that she may have only done this for a few months until June 1976.
I found details of Reginald West Hopper on the My Methodist History website. He was born on 12 May 1910 in Southgate in London. He was ordained in 1937 and he died in Norwich on 22 November 1980.
Also, he appears in four family trees on Ancestry. His father was George Hopper (b1875) and his mother was Mabel Annie West (1876-1975). So, his middle name, West, was his mother’s maiden name. In 1911, they were living in Middlesex. There was an older brother Leslie George (b1908) and the family had a domestic servant Alice Carter. In 1921, they were in Wandsworth. The father George Hopper was a Wesleyan Minister and they had one servant Alice Sandbach and a visitor Mary Ellen Fothergill.
It seems he may have married Greta Irene Fontaine Temple in Madras in 1943. In 1939, on 6 October, he travelled to India from Liverpool on the City of Canterbury. The voyage took 30 days and there were 153 passengers. He was recorded as a Methodist Minister.
Rev F R Dowson
Mum also did typing and duplication for at least one former Minister of St Peter’s Park Lane Methodist Church. This was Rev F R Dowson who at this time was based in Selsey, see Chapter 114.
Local Preachers
Mum also sometimes did typing and duplicating for Methodist local preachers. For example, Albert Ward brought her some duplicating in March 1976. There is possibly a picture of him on a website on Wroxham Road Methodist Church where he is described as organist and church member. It seems he was a local preacher and was involved with the church in White Woman Lane in the seventies. He may have been the author, with Norma Virgoe, of a book about the history of Norwich Methodist Circuits, Churches and Chapels called “Through Cloud and Sunshine”.
Ken Hustler
In January 1975, mum noted that she got some typing from Ken Hustler at Eastern Counties’ Newspapers. Kenneth Sydney Hustler was someone mum knew from Eastern Counties Newspapers. He also seems to have been active in Methodist church and circuit matters.
A Variety of Documents
Mum typed and duplicated a variety of documents during this period including letters, reports and church notices.
Changing Paper Sizes
One thing mum noted, in February 1975, was that she used A4 paper for the church notices for the first time rather than quarto as she had done previously.
Vintage paper sizes included quarto (203 x 254mm) and foolscap (203 x 330mm). While the UK may have adopted the standard A series for paper sizes earlier, the transition really occurred in the seventies. A4 (210 x 297mm) is both wider and longer than quarto. Foolscap was the same width as quarto but longer than both quarto and A4.
“Retrospect“
One of the specific church publications I recall from that time was “Retrospect”. Mum had been producing this since 1966, see Chapter 90. I am not sure exactly what it was but I think it was some kind of church or circuit newsletter. I recall it because I remember helping mum with it, particularly with collating it.
It seems it was produced quarterly and mum was involved in typing, duplicating, collating, stapling and delivering it. For example, on 25 August 1975, mum typed “Retrospect” on an electric typewriter at grandma and grandad’s. I am not sure mum delivered it to end-readers but probably to a central point for onward distribution. In February 1977, she noted delivering it to Essex Street but I am not sure to whom. In February 1975, mum was involved in sticking labels on “Retrospect”. I am not sure if these were address or correction labels. Alan and I helped her although I do not recall this specifically.
Methodist Festival Brochure
In March 1975, there was a Methodist Festival, see Chapter 124, and mum produced 400 copies of a festival brochure. Mum noted that Alan and I helped collating these and she stapled them. There was a similar festival two years later. Mum again duplicated a brochure which Alan and Liz helped to collate. Mum noted that she paid Alan and Liz two pounds each. She did not mention if she paid Alan or me anything two years earlier!
Helping with Duplicating
As noted before, it was common for one or more of us children to help mum with her office work. I particularly remember collating documents but there were other examples. For example, in January 1978, mum noted that Alan did all the duplicating.
Paid Work?
I am not exactly sure whether mum was paid for all her typing and duplicating, e.g. for the church, but she was clearly paid for some. In April 1976, Andrew Wright offered to help mum with her duplicating accounts if she needed an accountant. He advised that she should be claiming tax relief against capital outlay and this made her wonder if she should get him to do her accounts every year.
Missing Money
It seems that mum kept money she earned from typing and duplicating in a cash tin in the office. In March 1975, she was concerned that money was continually missing from that tin. So, she left a note in the tin asking for the money back! Oddly perhaps, within a week, she said the money had been returned. I really don’t understand this. I wonder why mum didn’t keep the money in a lockable box, tin or safe. Also, I wonder who she thought had taken and then returned the money. In addition, could there be any possibility that she might have miscounted originally?
Office Equipment
Mum had her own office equipment. These included a duplicating machine/ duplicator and one or more typewriters.
Duplicator
Mum had bought a duplicator at the end of 1963/beginning of 1964, see Chapter 85. In April 1975, mum had the duplicator serviced. But, the following month, according to grandma, she sold this for £60. However, mum does not note this. If she did sell it, I think she must have bought another as, in November 1978, mum noted that the duplicating machine went wrong.
Typewriters
Based on the diaries, grandma and grandad bought their first typewriter, a Remington standard in 1947, see Chapter 37. In October 1959, mum bought an Imperial portable typewriter, see Chapter 68. Then, in December 1964, mum got a new typewriter from Robertsons, see Chapter 85 and, in July 1974, grandad gave mum over £300 for a new typewriter, see Chapter 105.
Servicing
In September 1976, a man came from Leamons to service the typewriter. He said that in six months, possibly, she would need a new roller which would cost £10. I am not sure which typewriter this refers to. I think, at this point, mum had a portable and a “big” typewriter at least.
R J Leamon Ltd
R J Leamon Ltd were office machine suppliers. In 1960, they were called Leamons Typewriters and were based at 10 Upper King Street. From 1967, they were based at 90 Catton Grove Road where Pegasus Models are located currently. I have come across newspaper personnel adverts for the company from 1967 to 1979.
Adler Portable Typewriter
In December 1978, mum sold her Adler portable typewriter for £16. I don’t think I have come across Adler before. I don’t recall seeing any note of mum buying this typewriter. Apparently, Adler is one of the better-known typewriter brands. Adler was established as a company in 1896. It initially focused on cars, motorbikes and bicycles but started producing typewriters in 1898. By this time, it had joined with Triumph—Werke to form the Triumph Adler AH Company. Early Adler typewriters had an innovative design and were very popular. There are many vintage Adler typewriters for sale online.
Overhaul
On 3 December 1979, mum took her big typewriter to Robertson’s for an overhaul. A R Robertson supplied office equipment and were based at 62 West Pottergate, see Chapter 85.
Buying Paper and Stencils
Mum needed to buy paper for both typing and duplicating and stencils for duplicating. She got these periodically from Roneo.
Roneo
I knew of Roneo as a manufacturer of office equipment, such as duplicators, but I was not aware that they were retailers of paper and stencils. I was also not aware that the name Roneo was an abbreviation of Rotary Neostyle. In 1967, according to Kelly’s directory, Roneo did have a Norwich office/shop at Norfolk House in St John Maddermarket and I presume this is where mum got stencils and paper. It seems that Norfolk House may be the building that also houses the Maddermarket Theatre.
Home Office
Mum primarily did her typing and duplicating in an office she had at home. This was located in different rooms at different times but I recall it being in an attic room at one time and on the first floor at another, see Chapter 117. Until September 1976, the office was in an attic room but it was then switched with my room to give me a quieter place to work. Although this is the arrangement I mostly remember, it only lasted a couple of years as, in September 1978, rooms were moved around again with the office going back to the attic.
While this was well before the days of the Internet and video-conferencing, mum was sometimes able to work in other locations. For example, in February 1976, when mum went to London, she went to the Coeliac Society office, see Chapter 116, and did some work there. She did not specify what kind of work it was or for whom. However, she did do secretarial-type work for the Society presumably for the local branch. For example, in August 1976, she noted typing “Coeliac letters” in the afternoon.
Passing Work to Others
On rare occasions, when mum was unable to do typing or duplicating, she asked others to help. For example, in August 1976, mum was taken ill while on holiday in Dunoon, see Chapter 116. When she got back, she ended up having surgery for a kidney stone. This meant that I took some duplicating to a Mrs Brake for her to do it as mum couldn’t. I am afraid I do not know who Mrs Brake was and I have not come across her elsewhere in the diaries.
Receptionist for Drs Downes and Day
According to her CV, mum started working as a receptionist for the practice of Drs Downes and Day from 1974, see Chapter 105. However, mum was not keeping a diary at that point which means we have no detail until the start of 1975.
Drs Downes and Day
I have not found much detail about either Dr Downes or Dr Day online but they are warmly remembered on Facebook. Both were recalled as “great” and “brilliant” with some contributors remarking that they did house calls.
Two Dr Days
It seems that there were two Dr Days, senior and junior, George and Arnold. So, I presume they were father and son. One contributor noted that they were really good when her mother was ill coming to the house to give injections. It seems that there was no appointment system at one time. People just turned up and waited their turn. I don’t believe that system was in operation when mum worked there. I am sure she would have hated it!! She liked organising (and having control over!) appointments.
It seems that one of the two Dr Days, Dr Arnold George Day, may have died in June 2025 aged 92.
There Until the Late Eighties
I am grateful to Paul Thompson for looking at his personal collection of phone books. These show that Dr A G Day was listed there until 1989 whereas Dr G W Downes was only there until 1986.
Other Doctors
Mum mentioned other doctors during her time she was there. For example, on one day in March 1975, Dr Day had flu so Dr Bryce senior did the surgery. Then, in May 1975, Dr Day was on holiday and Dr Wurr was his locum.
Drs Kirk and David Bryce
Dr Kirk Bryce worked as a GP in Norwich for 43 years from when he joined the All Saints Green practice in 1930. He was referred to as Dr Bryce senior as his son David joined the practice in 1971. Dr David Bryce retired in May 2008.
The Practice
The practice was located at 38 Unthank Road and I recall these premises which are close to the Roman Catholic cathedral.
It is no longer a GP practice and I had quite a struggle to find out when it closed or what happened to it. I did discover that earlier, from at least 1902 to 1935, it was Pembroke House School. Apparently, 36 Unthank Road is still known as Pembroke House.
I am grateful to Paul Thompson and his phone books for confirming that the doctors who followed Drs Day and Downes, Drs Gall and Pyper, occupied these premises until 2005/6. It seems that the premises closed sometime after that and the surgery merged with others to form one of the current Norwich practices. While I have seen different possibilities online, the most plausible seems to be that it was incorporated into St Stephen’s Gate practice. This opened a large new medical centre in Wessex Street in August 2006.
Mum’s Work There
Mum worked there from some time in 1974 until she left in around June 1975. I think mum’s last day working there was 23 June 1975. She went in to do forms to the end of the quarter. However, on 23 September 1975, Peggy phoned to say they had a new girl and no-one could do the salaries. So, mum went in from 5-6pm and did them.
Hours Worked
Based on the advert that was placed when she left, mum worked four evenings a week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 2.15-7pm and every third Saturday morning.
This Was “Work“
Mum tended to refer to this job as “work” while referring to other work she did in more specific terms. For example, she referred to her work for Rev Eddy as “chairman” or “GTE”. Later, she referred to her workplaces by the house number. So, “41” refers to the private practice of Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens at 41 Newmarket Road while “7” refers to the general practice of Drs Brittain, Watkins and Leach which was based at 7 Newmarket Road.
Other Staff
There were a number of other receptionists working at the practice. Mum referred to some of them in her diary but only by first name, e.g. Jean and Peggy. When mum took some of her jewellry to Parton’s to be valued, in January 1975, mum also took Peggy’s first engagement ring, see Chapter 125. Mum particularly referred to them when, for some reason, they were not at work! For example, on one day in February 1975, Jean was off work but Peggy did not tell mum until 11.30. Jean was also off work the next day but came back the next. Sometimes, the receptionists covered for each other when one had a particular commitment. So, for example, on one day in March 1975, Jean covered for mum between 6 and 7pm so she could go to school for my parent teacher evening, see Chapter 118.
Sometimes Busy
Sometimes, mum noted, in general terms, how busy the surgery had been. For example, on two evenings in February 1975, mum described the evening surgery as very hectic or hectic. This coincided with when one of the other receptionists, Jean, was off but I am not sure if the two things were linked.
Things That Happened
There were a number of events or things that happened while mum worked for Dr Downes and Dr Day.
Letter from the Receptionists
In January 1975, although mum was not working, she went into the surgery to see Peggy and Jean. She noted “agreed to write letter”. It is not completely clear if the three of them agreed to write a letter or mum agreed to write this for them. Whichever this was, I suspect mum physically wrote the letter. Based on my experience, mum was good at getting people to appear to agree with what she wanted to do! So, I suspect the things mentioned in the letter were things mum wanted. I assume the letter was directed to Dr Downes and Dr Day. According to mum, it was to ask for a filing cabinet and to be “fenced off”.
I am not sure what or who they wanted to be “fenced off” from but perhaps it was patients. I have never liked these kind of window-based set-ups but I imagine many people and institutions do like them for reasons of security and infection control. Also, I am unsure why a letter was needed and why these requests could not be made verbally and directly. I wonder if they had any kind of practice management meetings as I would have thought such things could have been raised and dealt with there.
The Drug Squad
At the end of that month, January 1975, mum noted that the Drug Squad came in to check up on “the altered prescriptions”. I assume this involved them coming into the surgery but mum provides no further detail. Presumably, there had been some issue of prescriptions being altered but mum did not mention this anywhere else so I don’t really know what was going on or what the outcome was!
Locked Out
The following month, in February 1975, mum noted that they were locked out of the surgery “again”. The implication was that there had been a previous incident. However, this does not appear to have been recorded by mum in her diary. She noted that Dr Day knew about it and that he arrived at 2.15pm. She seemed put out that there was no apology.
Particular Patients
Very occasionally, mum described patients who came to the surgery. For example, in March 1975, she noted that one man came in drunk. Dr Downes saw him and another patient looked after him “thank goodness”.
Did She Enjoy this Job?
I wondered if mum enjoyed her work for Dr Downes and Dr Day. There is some evidence that she did. For example, in April 1975, when she got back from a break in Eastbourne, see Chapter 122, she noted that it was nice to be back at Dr Day’s.
However, when she got the opportuniy, she moved on to other jobs. Potentially, she could have combined the job at Dr Downes and Dr Day’s with the secretary’s job for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens as she did later with a role in a different general practice. However, this does not seem to have been something mum considered.
Factors may have been fewer antisocial hours, e.g. evenings and weekends, better pay, although I don’t know this was definitely the case, and the prospect of more interesting work and/or greater levels of responsibility. I suspect the latter issue was a major factor in whether mum took a job and particularly whether she continued with it. Mum liked being “in charge” and did not take kindly to being told what to do, particularly when what she was being told to do made no sense to her or could, in her view, be done in a better way.
Applying for Other Jobs
I don’t know whether mum was actively looking for another job but she must have kept her eye out for adverts as, at the end of May 1975, she saw the advert in the Eastern Evening News which ultimately led to her being offered the job as medical secretary with Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. Just over two weeks later, mum noted that Dr Day had an advert in the Eastern Evening News for her old job. She also noted that eight people responded between 5 and 7pm. Two days after the advert had been placed, Miss Pauline Stormont came to the surgery from 4-7pm to learn “the ropes”, presumably from mum.
Work for Rev G T Eddy
As we have seen, mum was already working for Drs Day and Downes at the start of 1975. Similarly, according to her CV, mum had started working for Rev G T Eddy before the start of this period, some time in 1973. However, mum was not keeping a diary then so information prior to 1975 is very limited, see Chapter 105. It seems, see Chapter 116, that there were two Rev Eddys working as Methodist Ministers within the district in the early seventies. Graham Eddy was the Minister at Mile Cross Methodist Church while it was Geoffrey Thackray Eddy who was District Chairman. He was born in Prestwich Lancashire in 1915, entered the Methodist Ministry in 1936 and died in Stratford-on-Avon in 2014. It appears he became Chairman of the East Anglia District in 1972 having previously held the same post in Lincoln.
About One Morning Per Week
Mum’s hours for Rev Eddy did not seem particularly onerous equating, it seems, to a morning once per week. There does not appear to have been a fixed day that she went to Rev Eddy’s unlike in her other work. Rather, it seems that she fitted it in around other commitments that she had, particularly in relation to paid work. So, she mostly went on a Friday morning but also sometimes on Monday or Thursday. She never went on a Wednesday and she only went a few times on Tuesday, early in 1975, before she started working for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens.
Missed Days Due to Illness
Rarely, mum did not go to work because either she or Rev Eddy was sick. For example, on one occasion in February 1976, mum did not go to Rev Eddy’s as he had flu, see Chapter 116. Similarly, on another occasion, in September 1976, mum did not go to Rev Eddy’s as she had a cold.
Extra Work Including at Home
Fairly often, mum did work for Rev Eddy at other times. This was mainly at home but also at other places, e.g. at grandma’s. She tended to do this outside of working hours, so in the evening or at the weekend, including on a Sunday, as she did for her other typing and duplicating work. From time to time, she did work early in the morning, e.g. before church on a Sunday. On occasions, she put in very long hours typing and duplicating. For example, on 28 February 1976, she noted spending ten hours doing such work. This was mainly work for Rev Eddy. Sometimes, for example on one occasion in October 1975, she noted that she resented having to work at these times.
Nature of Work
Much of the work seems to have been typing official letters for Rev Eddy. There was some duplicating e.g. in preparation for Synod. A Synod is an official church meeting. It is used in Anglican and Roman Catholic churches in addition to Methodist ones. In this case, I suspect it related to a District Synod.
Pride in her Role
I recall mum being quite proud of her role as secretary to the Chairman of the District as his was a senior role and her role, as his secretary, would have meant that she was dealing with many confidential and sensitive issues. I think mum would have loved that! However, mum rarely commented on the nature of her work with Rev Eddy or what she thought of it.
Not Very Interesting
On one occasion, in November 1976, however, she noted it was not very interesting!
Perceptions of Rev Eddy
She did not comment on what she thought of Rev Eddy but my impression is that she found him somewhat distant and aloof. In November 1975, shortly after grandad had died, mum noted that he sat her in a comfortable chair and they had coffee and talked about grandad. However, mum commented, “I’m sure he is sincere but its just his way which makes it seem a “duty””.
Paid Role?
I don’t know if mum’s was a paid role but I suspect it was, not least because she included it in her CV. However, I suspect it did not pay much due, in part at least, to the number of hours being low.
Last Day
Mum’s last day working for Rev Eddy was 10 March 1977. It seems that she left this job when she got her new job working in the Occupational Therapy Department of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
Advert for Medical Secretary
At the end of May 1975, mum noted applying for a position which was advertised as “med sec in Newmarket Rd area”.
Interviews
At lunch-time, on 11 June 1975, mum went for an interview with Dr Batty Shaw, Mr Stephens and Mr Ashken. She noted that the job paid £1 per hour and was 2½ days per week, nine to five with no Saturdays. She hoped she got the job. The next day, the 12th, Dr Batty Shaw rang at 1.50pm and mum went for a “practical interview”. I am not entirely sure what that was.
Offered the Job
While mum was out, Dr Batty Shaw’s secretary phoned and told Alan that mum had got the job. I am not sure if this was the official notification as mum commented that she “hoped its right”. When I first read this, I thought she meant that she hoped that it was the right job for her but I think it probably meant that she hoped the information that she had got the job was right.
The day after that, the 13th, at 10.45, mum heard from Mrs McKenzie that she had got the job. I am not sure if this was the formal notification but assume it was. I do not know more details about Mrs McKenzie.
Mum also noted that Elsie Stockley knew and told Peggy which meant that Dr Day knew before mum told him. I am not sure who Elsie Stockley was but Peggy worked with mum at Dr Day’s surgery. Mum noted that she did not know how Elsie Stockley had found out but, as I have noted elsewhere, see Chapter 116, it seems that it was common for secretaries to share information with other secretaries. This makes me pretty uncomfortable but it seems it was commonplace and mum did this herself! While mum feigned annoyance, I suspect she was pleased to be the topic of conversation with Dr Day!
On the 17th, mum went to see Mr Ashken in the morning. They agreed she would work Tuesday and Wednesday 9-5 and Friday afternoons.
Starting Her New Job
Mum started on 18 June 1975 learning the ropes. I think she started formally on 24 June. She noted it was at 41 Newmarket Road. Mr Stephens was away but she worked with Mr Ashken in the afternoon. She thought he was very nice. Mum already knew of Mr Ashken as he had cared for her father. Mum discussed grandad with Mr Ashken, see Chapter 116.
At the start of July 1975, mum went to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and met Mr Ashken there by accident. He took her to meet Sue who I assume was his NHS secretary. Mum then had a tour of the records office.
Flexibility Over Hours
As noted above, mum worked at 41 Newmarket Road all day Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday afternoon. However, both sides were fairly flexible over the hours worked.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, mum usually started early at 8.30 and, on Fridays, she usually worked from 1.15 to 5.15. However, there were times when she either started and/or finished earlier or later. Presumably she arranged this directly with Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. Occassionally, mum popped in on a day she was not working, e.g. Monday, Thursday or Sunday to catch up on something specific, such as filing. She also sometimes picked up notes from the hospital on a non-working day.
Salary Rise and Getting Paid
On 2 July 1975, Mr Ashken told mum that he thought she should have the same salary as Barbara which was £1.20 per hour. This was a 20p, and 20%, rise.
Mum noted that she was paid on 23 July 1975. I think this was probably for the first time. She also noted being paid in August and September 1975.
In June 1976, mum noted that they had been given a pay rise of £3 per week. This meant the hourly rate was now £1.35 which was a 12.5% pay rise. Three years later, in June 1978, mum noted that she got a rise to £1.55 per hour.
Paid Holiday
On 22 July 1975, mum noted that Mr Ashken had said that she should have four weeks paid holiday per year.
Barbara
When mum started working at 41 Newmarket Road, there was another secretary there called Barbara. I think Barbara was Dr Batty Shaw’s secretary and that she was probably appointed at the same time as mum given that two jobs were advertised.
There may have been some tension/competition between mum and Barbara. I am not sure if they sometimes did work for each other’s consultants but, on one Friday in December 1975, Mr Stephens had come in in the morning to get Barbara to type a letter. She did it but “very badly”. I presume that Mr Stephens had made comments and/or asked for corrections. Barbara did not do it but left it for mum to do. Mum refused as she said Mr Stephens had asked Barbara to sign it. I am not sure what the outcome of this was but presumably it was mum’s responsibility to do letters for “her” consultants.
On a Tuesday in March 1976, mum noted that she was very busy at work because Barbara was not in because of her other job. Mum noted that she thought that Mr Ashken was not very pleased with Barbara. While this could be the case, it could also be true that mum was projecting her own feelings onto Mr Ashken!
On 29 June 1976, mum noted that Barbara was leaving on 26 July. No more is said about this but I assume Barbara left.
Daphne
I think Barbara was replaced by Daphne as, on 11 November 1976, mum went in on her day off to show Daphne how to put in a new carbon ribbon. The following year, at the end of January 1977, mum did some work for Dr Batty Shaw as Daphne was sick with diarrhoea and vomiting. Mum worked from 2.20 to 5.20 pm and half an hour on Tuesday. Apparently, Dr Batty Shaw told mum that the letters had been typed beautifully!
I think Daphne may have depended on mum a lot. For example, on one day in March 1977, mum noted that Daphne phoned her three times. I imagine mum’s feelings on this were quite mixed. She would like to give the impression that she was irritated but I suspect she liked being indispensable!
In September 1978, Daphne phoned mum to say that Mr Stephens was not well so could mum go in to cancel his appointments for Friday. She did. Daphne picked her up and took her home.
Feeling Valued
In July and August 1976, mum was off work for holiday, see Chapter 122, and subsequent illness, see Chapter 116. When she returned, mum noted that Mr Ashken seemed pleased to see her back and that “everything seemed in a muddle”.
Mum appreciated being valued at work and being given responsibility and authority. For example, in October 1976, Mr Ashken was going away to Preston. He asked mum to “pp” two letters and requests for sperm counts. PP stands for the Latin phrase “per procurationem” meaning by delegation. I think mum would have been delighted to be trusted by Mr Ashken to do this.
Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens
Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens came to the surgery to see patients. They also gave mum work to do such as dictating letters. However, they were not present all the time mum was in the office. They might be away doing NHS work, private surgery, off sick or on holiday.
An example of one of the consultants being sick was at the beginning of April 1976 when Mr Stephens told mum that he would be having gallbladder surgery at Barts in April, see Chapter 116. Sometimes, one of the consultants was away on holiday. For example, in January 1977, Mr Stephens was away as he was at the boat show. I assume this refers to the London/International Boat Show which took place at Earls Court in January. It ran from 1955 to 2018 when it was cancelled as commercially unviable. It was held at Earl’s Court until 2004 when it moved to the ExCel Exhibition Centre. A YouTube video is available for the 1977 show.
St Helen’s Hospital
On one occasion, in March 1976, mum noted that Mr Ashken was operating at “St H” so was not in until 10.30. Initially, I was unsure where this was referring to. However, on 19 January 1977, mum noted more explicitly that Mr Ashken was operating at St Helen’s. I am grateful to contributors on Norwich Remembers Facebook Group for explaining that St Helen’s was a private hospital, possibly owned by the Norwich Union in the Bishopgate area of Norwich within the grounds of the Great Hospital. It was used for routine private surgery but closed when a new BUPA Hospital opened in Colney.
Above and Beyond
Sometimes, mum was asked to do tasks to help Mr Ashken or Mr Stephens personally or that went beyond usual secretarial duties.
Locked Out of Car
For example, on 19 October 1977, Mr Ashken was not at work. However, he rang at 1.30pm to say he and his son had been playing golf and he had locked his keys in the boot! He asked mum to fetch him and take him to get the spare keys. She did. He gave her a gallon of petrol and showed her around his barn which they were hoping to sell. Mum noted that she had done letters about this.
Taking a Patient to Hospital
The following week, on the 25th, mum had to take one of Mr Stephens’ patients home and then for admission to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
John Gibson (Ian) Taylor
In July 1978, mum noted that orthopaedic surgeon John Gibson (Ian) Taylor, see Chapter 116, had started working from 41 Newmarket Road. She met him and his secretary.
Mum Enjoyed This Job
The impression that the diaries give is that mum really enjoyed this job. She appeared to like the importance of the role and she enjoyed working with Mr Ashken, in particular. Frequently, she described him as nice, see Chapter 114.
She often used positive words to describe work including “good”, “lovely”, “interesting” and especially “nice”. She quite often described work as “nice” or “very nice” “as usual”. On one occasion, in September 1976, when mum was not working, she wished she was.
Quite frequently, she commented that work was “busy”. Sometimes, but much less often, she commented that work was quiet or not busy. Mum seemed to have a scale of busyness from “busy” to “very busy” to “very busy” to “very, very busy” and even, on one occasion, “v v v busy”. In general, mum seemed to prefer work when it was busy sometimes referring to it being “nice and busy”.
When work was quiet, mum appears to have had the flexibility to do other things, such as leaving early, going to the hospital for a blood test, taking her car for an MOT or doing other work, e.g. for the Coeliac Society.
Working Conditions
Overall, the working conditions appear to have been good at 41 Newmarket Road although the office tended to be cold. On 2 January 1979, mum took me to the railway station for 7.30am. she went via the office to put the fires on so it would not be so cold when she got there.
When the weather was hot, the coolness of the office was an advantage. For example, on one day in July 1975, mum noted that it had been hot and sticky all day but “not at 41 though!”
Specific Patients
Occasionally, mum commented on specific patients, or incidents which had happened at work, see Chapter 116. For example, in October 1975, mum noted that Dr Baker had phoned in the afternoon to say that a boy aged 18 in Ward 7 had carcinoma of the prostate. Mum noted that Mr Ashken was very concerned. In March 1978, mum commented that someone she knew had had a vasectomy performed by Mr Ashken.
Norfolk and Norwich Hospital
Sometimes, mum’s job meant she had to go to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, for example, to collect or deliver records, letters and/or xrays, to have things photocopied or to see other medical secretaries. Mum sometimes took advantage of such trips to visit people she knew who were in hospital. At that time, the hospital was still at the old site on St Stephens Road only about one third of a mile from 41 Newmarket Road.
Sue and Dorothy
In terms of other medical secretaries mum visited, this was particularly Sue and Dorothy who I think were NHS secretaries for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens respectively.
Asked to Swap Jobs
In August 1977, Mr Stephens asked mum if she would like to swap jobs with Dorothy from next March/April. This would mean mum becoming Mr Stephens’ NHS secretary. Mum noted that if Mr Ashken had asked her this she would have had no hesitation but she said she was not sure about general surgery or leaving private practice. She wished she could discuss with someone and wondered about talking to Mr Ashken.
Rather Odd
I find this all rather odd as it is clear she particularly enjoyed working for Mr Ashken but this personal preference is not really discussed. While she might have preferred to stay in private practice, this was clearly not the be all or end all as she would have moved had Mr Ashken asked her. It is odd, but perhaps not out of character, for mum to have thought it would be a good idea to discuss with Mr Ashken. If Mr Stephens had not discussed with him, this could possibly have caused conflict between them and any advice Mr Ashken gave would have been coloured by the fact that he would be losing mum as his private secretary. I suspect this may have been mum’s main motive in thinking asking him about this might have been a good idea.
Discussion with Dorothy
In the end, she spoke to Dorothy who told her she would have to apply in the usual way and, as far as she knew, Mr Ashken had not been told. On the 13th, mum noted she was still undecided. On the 24th, mum did tell Mr Ashken about Mr Stephens’ suggestion. Mr Ashken told mum that he hoped she would stay.
Note on NHS Secretaries
I don’t think anything came of this job swap but I think Dorothy must have left her post as Mr Stephens’ NHS secretary as, in August 1978, mum referred to Sue and Daphne as Mr Stephens’ and Mr Ashken’s secretaries respectively. I wonder if mum got this mixed up and if Sue was still Mr Ashken’s secretary and Daphne was Mr Stephens’ new secretary.
Going Elsewhere
Occasionally, mum had to go elsewhere as part of her work for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. For example on a couple of occasions, she had to go to the bank to withdraw money for Mr Stephens. Also, sometimes, mum did work for Mr Ashken or Mr Stephens at home, for example work on Mr Ashken’s accounts.
People Visited Mum at Work
Very occasionally, people mum knew came to visit her at 41 Newmarket Road. For example, Daphne F came to see her in August 1978. I think this was probably Daphne Francis who studied a typing course with mum at City College from September 1977.
However, there may have been two, or probably three, Daphnes who were medical secretaries/receptionists that mum knew at this time. First, there was Daphne who was Dr Batty-Shaw’s private secretary from November 1976. I don’t think it could have been her as she worked at 41 Newmarket Road so mum would not have said she came to see her there. Second, there was a Daphne working at 7 Newmarket Road but I don’t think mum knew her in September 1977 so probably not her. Third, the diaries mention a Daphne who in August 1978 was Mr Ashken’s (or possibly Mr Stephens’) NHS secretary. On balance, I suspect it was her.
Preferential Treatment
Mum used her position as a medical secretary to seek to gain what I consider to be preferential treatment for herself and others, see Chapter 116. This included, in September 1975, looking at her own hospital records. She noted there was nothing very exciting.
Her Role Gave Her Some Kudos
Sometimes, mum discussed one of the two surgeons she worked for with people she knew and I think she derived a certain degree of kudos from this. For example, in November 1977, when she was helping prepare a Gift Day stall, she spoke to Ann Halford about Mr Stephens. Her husband had been under him through the NHS for liver cancer.
Highly Valued
It seems that Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens valued mum and her work highly. They sometimes commented positively on mum’s work. For example, in November 1976, Dorothy told mum that Mr Stephens had said “I was looking for more work & that I was good!” In January 1977, Mr Ashken told mum that he no longer ticked people off in his diary, when they had paid, as much as he had before as “your book is much more efficient”. Mum would have loved being told this. She was convinced that the way she did things was the best way and she enjoyed when other people recognised this!
Authorised to Arrange IVPs
In July 1977, Mr Ashken told mum to arrange IVPs etc as she saw fit. Again, mum would have loved this responsibility and authority to be able to order IVPs. While I guess it is good that Mr Ashken trusted mum, and IVPs were needed on almost anyone with a urinary tract problem, it does make me a little uncomfortable that someone with no clinical training was able to authorise an invasive procedure with a finite albeit low risk.
Note on IVPs
IVP refers to an intravenous pyelogram where a dye is injected allowing the urinary tract to be visualised. In my training, we were told to refer to them as intravenous urograms (IVU) as more than the kideny was visualised. While IVUs were the main way of investigating the urinary tract previously, they have been largely superseded by CT and MRI scans.
Driving to Work
I think mum usually drove to and from work despite the proximity of work to where we lived. It was about a mile away so a 15-20 minute walk. By way of comparison, my school was almost twice as far away (1.8m) and my places of work were 1.4m and 1.7m respectively.
Parking at Work
I am not sure what the arrangements were for parking at work. It seems there was some parking at the back of the building but mum usually parked on the road. For example, in November 1977, mum said there was no parking on Newmarket Road so she parked at the back. It is possible that the parking at the back was not ideal as, in December 1977, there was a discussion about renovating/redoing it. Mr Ashken thought it was not necessary but Dr Batty Shaw said they needed to for mum’s sake.
I am not sure if this incident was linked but, in May 1977, mum noted that her car had been damaged while parked at work. She noted that the near offside orange light cover was broken. I don’t know exactly what had happened or what mum did about it.
Lifts to Work
Occasionally, other people gave mum a lift to or from work. On one occasion, in January 1978, when the car would not start, I took mum to work on my motorbike, see Chapter 127. I think I recall this. From memory, I only took mum on my motorbike once. If I recall correctly, it was snowing lightly!
Other people who gave mum lifts included Mr Ashken, my sister Tricia and our next-door neighbour Grace Drury. For example, on the same day I took mum to work on my motorbike, Mr Ashken brought mum home in his new MG! He came back from the hospital specifically to do that.
Walking to Work
Mum did sometimes walk to work, particularly when there was a problem with the car or if the weather was particularly bad.
Home for Lunch
When working a full day, mum usually went home for lunch but sometimes she brought lunch with her. She particularly went home for lunch when it was half-term and we children would have been off school.
Presents
Sometimes, Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens gave mum presents, particularly at Christmas. Mr Stephens always gave her a brace of pheasants and I recall these. Mr Ashken gave mum a Christmas present each year but most years mum did not specify what this was. However, in 1975, it was some Wedgewood and, in 1978, a pure silk scarf.
Holidays and Time Off Sick
Sometimes, mum was off work for holidays or ill-health.
Parathyroid Surgery
In October 1976, mum discussed with Mr Stephens plans for her to be off in December for parathyroid surgery, see Chapter 116. He said he could ask Shirley to come in. I believe she may have been Mr Stephens’ NHS secretary at this time before Dorothy took on the role. That same month, mum collected a form for DHSS concerning the dates she would be off work for the operation.
In December 1976, after the operation, mum noted that Dr Welch had given her a certificate for three weeks. Mum wrote and told Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens this. However, at the end of December, before mum was back at work, Mr Ashken rang up to ask mum if she could do the accounts. Tricia took mum to collect the books etc. Mr Ashken said he would pay her for December. I am not sure what the arrangements for sick pay were but I would have assumed she would have been entitled to this.
Officially, mum started back at work on 4 January 1977. She noted that both Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens were pleased to see her. Mr Ashken, in particular, had had to do lots of the work himself, e.g. sperm count results. Mum would have usually done such things when she was at work.
Hysterectomy
In April 1978, mum was advised to have a hysterectomy but she told Mr Carron-Brown that she could not have eight weeks off work. Mum must have told Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens about this as she noted that they were “nice about op”. Mum took a summer holiday from 20 July to 6 August 1978, see Chapter 122. Then she had a hysterectomy on 31 August 1978, see Chapter 116. She got flowers from Mr Stephens, Mr & Mrs Ashken, Sue (who she recorded as Mr Stephens’ secretary but see here) and Daphne (who she recorded as Mr Ashken’s secretary but see here). Mr Ashken visited as did Sue and Daphne. She got cards from Sue, Daphne, Doreen and “sister”.
On 2 October 1978, Dr Welch said mum could go to work and could type but should not do GP work until after she had seen Mr Carron Brown.
Mum’s Work in My Diary
My diary understandably does not have a great deal in it about mum’s work. What mentions there are really relate to how it affected me. So, for example, in February 1977, I noted that I was “besieged” by people who wanted to speak to mum who was at work. In April 1977, I noted that mum took me to grandma’s before she went to work. The next day, I noted that she left for work before I was up. This happened on other occasions.
Leaving 41
In May 1979, mum decided she was leaving 41 Newmarket Road to work full-time for the GP practice of Drs Brittain, Watkins and Leach, at 7 Newmarket Road, where she had been working part-time.
She Told Mr Stephens First
On the 15th, she told Mr Stephens who said it was terrible news. He made suggestions of alternatives such as Daphne going to No 7 and mum working full-time for them. Daphne, at this point, was Dr Batty Shaw’s secretary. I don’t know if anyone had discussed this idea with Daphne or the Drs Brittain, Watkins and Leach. Also, if this was a possibility, I am not sure why two part-time posts were advertised in the first place. Another option was to get another surgeon at 41. The odd things was that they had done that when Ian Taylor joined them but he had brrought his own secretary. Mr Stephens also said laughingly that Dr Brittain should feel bad.
Dr Brittain Wrote to Mr Stephens
The next day, Dr Brittain said he would write to Mr Stephens. I suspect mum had reported back some, possibly all, of what Mr Stephens had said.
Mum Told Mrs Ashken
Mum also noted that she had a note from Mrs Ashken signed Iris. Just under a week later, mum met Mrs Ashken at lunch-time and told her that she wanted to leave 41. I am not sure why mum took this route rather than just speaking to Mr Ashken directly. Mrs Ashken said it was bad news. Mum noted to herself that she hoped she was doing the right thing.
Finally, Mum Spoke to Mr Ashken
About a week later mum did speak directly to Mr Ashken who was very upset that she was leaving. They talked a lot about it. He said she should let him know what the difference in salary was. Mum said she was quite upset by this. I am not sure if she was upset by the conversation in general or the specific point about salary. She rang and spoke to Dr Watkins and Dr Brittain and went to see Peter Lemmon, the Minister at St Peter’s Park Lane, see Chapter 124, and his wife Christine.
Acceptance
However, by the end of May 1979, Mr Ashken was a bit better and seemed to accept that mum was leaving. At the end of June 1979, Mr Stephens asked mum if she had changed her mind about leaving. However, he said they would accept her decision.
Advertising Her Job
By mid-June 1979, mum noted that there had been three responses to the advert for her job with Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. Early in July 1979, Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens interviewed four women for mum’s job. There must have been at least one additional applicant since mum noted that there had been three responses. Mr Ashken asked mum to ring one of them that night. It seems a bit odd that mum was the one who had to reach out to the successful applicant. The next day, mum noted that Jane Hey had accepted the job.
Leaving and Leaving Gifts
About three weeks later, Mrs Ashken asked mum what she would like from Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens when she left. In August 1979, mum went to the hospital. Sue and Daphne, Mr Ashken’s and Mr Stephens’ NHS secretaries, gave her a plant. Also, in August 1979, Jane Hey started to work. On the 22nd, Mr Ashken said he would come to say goodbye on Friday the 24th. Mum noted that she felt very sad to be leaving. Mr Ashken did come on the 24th. Mum said he was as choked as she was. He gave her a gold necklace from him and Mr Stephens. On 4 September 1979, mum took this to Tilletts to have it lengthened. In September 1979, mum went back to 41 to help Jane with the PAYE.
Pauline Tilsley
According to her CV, from 1973 to 1974, mum cared for a sick/elderly lady two days per week. This was Mrs Pauline Tilsley who lived at 24 Lime Tree Road, see Chapter 105. Mum went to see her for an hour on 10 November 1975. She noted it was nice.
Another Job
While mum enjoyed her work with Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens and she was also working for Rev Eddy and doing her own typing and duplicating, it is my impression that mum found things difficult financially. Presumably, mum talked about this with others leading perhaps to June, who was Dr Welch’s secretary at the Tuckswood practice, asking, in October 1976, why mum did not get another job on Monday and Thursday. Mum thought it was a good idea and asked June to let her know if she heard of anything.
Advert for a Receptionist
About a week later, mum saw an advert for a receptionist. She wrote about it. Also, she told Mr Ashken that she needed another job and he said he would remember. The next day, mum took the letter about the advert to the office of the Eastern Evening News. Two days later, Dr Pearson rang. It seems that Dr David Pearson may have been a GP who also worked at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital as a clinical assistant in diabetes. He wanted mum to go, presumably for an interview, but mum wrote “think my hours won’t fit”. I am not sure who thought this, mum or Dr Pearson.
Advert for a Secretary to Consultant Surgeon
Then, mum saw an advert for a full-time hospital and private secretary for a consultant surgeon who mum identified as Mr Birt. Alan Birt was born on 24 June 1915. He was educated at Wellington College and St Thomas’s Hospital, where he qualified with honours in 1937. Then, he held a number of junior appointments there and was later appointed senior registrar, having passed the FRCS in 1940. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and served in North Africa. In 1946, he was appointed surgeon to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, working in vascular and cardiac surgery. He chaired the advisory committee of the Association of Surgeons, of which he became President in 1979 the year he retired. He died on 12 August 1993. Mum rang but Mrs Birt said it must be full-time. Mum described her as very offputting!
Advert for Clerical Work in the Bed Bureau
A few days later, mum saw an advert for weekend work in the Bed Bureau of the Norfolk and Norwich. She noted she would get an application form. Three days later, she completed that application.
Mr Stephens Enquired for Her
Mum must have mentioned that she was looking for an additional job to Mr Stephens as he said he would enquire for her. Early in November 1976, his NHS secretary Dorothy told mum that Mr Stephens had said “I was looking for more work & that I was good!”
No Initial Success
Despite her efforts and those of others, mum was not successful in finding additional employment before the end of 1976.
Work at the Hospital
In January 1977, mum had a chat with Joyce Stannard and Joyce Collins about work at the hospital. I am not entirely sure who they were, presumably other medical secretaries.
Opening in the Cancer Registration Department
A few days later, mum heard, possibly from Mr Ashken, that someone from the “cancer department” had said there might be a part-time job there at the end of January or February. I think Mr Ashken offered to let her know. The next day, mum noted that she had been asked to do a temporary job in the Cancer Registration Department but then the new girl said she could start earlier.
Research in the Occupational Therapy Department
Mum saw Joyce Collins who said there would be a vacancy to help with research in either the physio or occupational therapy department. Mum said she would be interested.
In February 1977, mum went to see Mr Garner at the hospital about a part-time secretary’s job in the Occupational Therapy Department. I confess I don’t know who he was. Mum thought the job sounded very interesting.
Two days later, he phoned and offered mum the job. A few days after that, Mr Ashken told mum that Mr Garner had spoken to Mr Green about her. This seems pretty unethical to me as Mr Green’s contact with mum was professional, i.e. as her surgeon for the parathyroid adenoma that she had.
In March 1977, I noted that mum had started her new job at the hospital and that she did not like it as much as the other one! Mum noted this too saying she went to work at the Norfolk and Norwich Occupational Therapy Department on a government research project on seat lift chairs and cushions. Mum noted that it was quite interesting but not as interesting as working for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. I would have thought that was pretty difficult to judge on a first day! I wonder if interest was the main thing or if the importance of the role and how she was treated mattered more. This start date, confirmed by the two diaries, contradicts mum’s CV which says that she started this job in 1976.
The Research Was Published
Ann Moy published this research in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy in September 1981 under the title “An Assessment of Self Rise Chairs and Cushions”.
Hours Worked
For this job, mum worked all day Monday and Thursday and Friday morning. This fitted perfectly with her hours for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. On Fridays, she worked at the hospital in the morning and at 41 Newmarket Road in the afternoon. Sometimes, she went home for lunch, e.g. on 25 March 1977. One implication of the new job was that she was no longer able to continue her work for Rev G T Eddy. Her last day working for him was 10 March 1977.
Not Enjoyed
On balance, and in summary, mum did not really enjoy this job, certainly in comparison with her work for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. She only stayed in post for seven months, until October 1977, which is much less than the two years implied by her CV.
Some Positives… and Negatives
However, sometimes, she seemed to enjoy the job referring to it as “nice” or “quite nice”, “interesting” or “quite interesting” and “useful” but, on other occasions, she referred to it being “boring” or “very boring”.
Not as Busy
In general, I don’t think she found it as busy as her work for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. Sometimes she referred to not being very busy, not having much to do and/or being quiet or very quiet. On 19 September 1977, mum referred to it being “quiet as usual”. On 23 September 1977, mum found she had nothing to do so she wrote her notice! Nevertheless, sometimes, she did have more to do.
When it was quiet, mum may have done some work for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. For example, on one occasion in April 1977, Mr Ashken phoned mum at the Norfolk and Norwich and asked her to call a private patient. Similarly, in August 1977, Mr Ashken phoned to ask mum to get some notes out. Also, as she was based in the hospital, she would check pigeonholes for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. Occassionally, mum did typing for Mr Ashken when at the hospital. Very occasionally, it may have worked the other way round.
Meeting People at the Hospital
I think mum may have enjoyed being based at the hospital as sometimes this gave her the opportunity to meet people she knew there. For example, in March 1977, she met Mr Jones from 187 College Road and, in June 1977, she had lunch at the hospital with Malcolm Carter. He was there for a Chaplains’ study day.
Travelling Outside the Hospital
Sometimes, mum’s work required her to travel outside of the hospital, usually with Ann Moy.
Ann Moy
Ann Moy was an occupational therapist and lead researcher on the study. According to the published research, Ann’s qualifications were Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists (DipCOT) and Specialist Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist (SROT). She contributed Chapter 7 entitled “Which Aid” to the book “Occupational Therapy in the Community” which was edited by Eileen Bumphrey. According to the biographical details in that book, she began her career as an OT in 1975.
Visiting Laurence Scott and Electromotors
In May 1977, mum and Ann took three men from the Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) to visit John Neville at Laurence Scott & Electromotors (LSE). The three men were Don Sturrock, John Hodge and Derek Turner. DHSS were the funders of the research. According to a Laurence Scott Facebook Group, John Neville oversaw the training of many apprentices in the mid- to late sixties. He sadly died in 2019 aged 79. I am not entirely sure how LSE linked to the research study.
Company History
Laurence, Scott and Co was established by Reginald Laurence and William Harding Scott in the late 19th century. The company’s initial focus was on electricity supply but soon moved on to building electrical motors. They were built at the Gothic Works on Hardy Road which is still in operation. By 1937, the factory employed 3,000 people. The company has been the subject of multiple takeovers and mergers but is still operating as ATB Laurence and Scott. In 1968, a history of the first 80 years of the company was written by T J Barfield and printed for private circulation. It is entitled “Scott Built a Dynamo“.
Dr Wenley
Mum went to LSE the previous day to make sure she knew where she was going. She thought it was interesting and noted that afterwards she spoke to Dr Wenley. William Gilson Wenley was a consultant rheumatologist at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital from 1964 to 1991. He was born in Chelmsford in 1923 and qualified in 1951. Also, he was affected by polio which led to his interest in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He died in May 2003. I think he may have been the medical head of the department in which mum worked.
St Michael’s Hospital, Aylsham
Also, on one Wednesday afternoon in June 1977, mum went to St Michael’s Hospital in Aylsham, see Chapter 116, to meet Ann to discuss chairs. Initially, I was not sure if this was for grandma or related to work. Mum noted that she would work Friday morning at 41 Newmarket Road to make the time up confirming this related to her second job.
Other Places Visited with Ann
Other places mum went with Ann from June to August 1977 included Bishop Herbert House and home visits in Cromer, Beetley near Dereham and Diss. On one home visit, mum noted that Ann took her son Robert. This merited four exclamation marks!
Other People Mum Worked With
Mum worked with a number of other people in this job.
Eileen E Bumphrey
Mum referred fairly frequently to Eileen and, from the way she wrote about her, I think she was probably another occupational therapist, possibly a more senior OT supervising Ann Moy. I am pretty sure she was Eileen E Bumphrey, an ocupational therapist who worked in Norwich and who was the editor of the book entitled “Occupational Therapy in the Community”. This book includes contributions by Ann Moy and Susan Baddeley. It also includes useful biographical information about each contributor. According to that information, Eileen worked abroad in both India and Taiwan. On returning to the UK, she worked in Oxford and Norwich from 1971.
Sue (Susan) Baddeley
I am not sure mum mentioned her in a work context but she saw her at the theatre in June 1977, see Chapter 122, and noted that she was from the Occupational Therapy Department.
She contributed, with physiotherapist Jane Page, Chapter 8 on “Mobility” in the book “Occupational Therapy in the Community” edited by Eileen Bumphrey. Biographical details given in that book noted that she joined the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in 1975 and, at the time the book was published, was head of department.
Gillian
Gillian was Dr Wenley’s secretary. I don’t know her surname. Mum helped her with some audio typing in August 1977.
Janice and Muriel
I think Janice and Muriel were other secretaries/administrative staff working in the Occupational Therapy Department. Mum helped one or both of them on at least a couple of occasions in October 1977. I think the department may have had offices upstairs and downstairs. My impression is that mum was based upstairs while most of the other secretaries, including Janice and Muriel, were downstairs. On one day, in August 1977, mum said she worked downstairs and this was much better. She worked in the downstairs office again on at least one occasion in September 1977.
An Incident
At the beginning of September 1977, an incident occurred related to this job which annoyed mum intensely. She noted that Mrs King of OT SS told Ann that she must go and copy names from the list. I don’t know exactly who Mrs King was but perhaps someone responsible for the project within Social Services. I assume that mum had been copying names on Ann’s behalf. Mrs King seemed to be saying that Ann should do this herself.
Mrs King also said that mum’s figures, which mum said she had got from Liz Flood’s files, concerning chairs sent out were wrong. I am not sure who Liz Flood was. I know for a fact that telling mum that figures she had produced were wrong was likely to trigger a strong and vehement reaction! In this case, I am not really sure why as presumably mum’s figures were only as accurate as those she got from Liz Flood.
Mum noted that she was angry and left work about 10 to 5. She drafted a letter to Eileen and also applied for another job! The next day, she wrote to Eileen to tell her what she thought about the job. However, three days later, she must have thought better of it as she did not give Eileen the letter but spoke to Muriel and decided to “stick it out a bit longer.”
Offered Another Job
However, as luck would have it, it turned out that mum was offered the job she applied for in anger. This was working for GPs Drs Brittain, Watkins and Leach. She decided to accept their offer. I don’t think the incident with Mrs King was the only reason mum left the Occupational Therapy Department. There were various dissatisfiers in play before then. But, it was the final straw which led directly to her applying for the job she was ultimately offered. So, on 23 September 1977, mum wrote her notice letter.
Response to Mum’s Notice
Three days later, mum noted that Ann and Eileen were not very communicative about her notice. On the other hand, the secretaries Janice, Gillian, Muriel and others were sorry she was leaving. A further three days later, mum noted that neither Eileen nor Ann said anything about her leaving but she noted that it was nice with Janice and others. In mid-October 1977, Janice, Muriel, Joyce and Gillian asked mum if she would consider staying if Mrs B agreed for her to work with them. I am not sure who Mrs B was. Mum said no. If Eileen was Eileen Bumphrey, it could refer to her or perhaps to Susan Baddeley. She was head of department in the eighties so maybe was in that role at this time. On balance, I think it is more likely to refer to her.
Replacement and Gifts
About a week later, mum noted that the new girl, Marion Baxter came in for the day. Janice and the others gave mum a chrysanthemum plant. On mum’s last day, 21 October 1977, Ann and Eileen gave mum a Blue Grass puff puff pack.
Mum Kept in Touch
After mum left, she sometimes went back to the Department to see the other secretaries and she kept in touch with them in different ways. At the end of October, mum called in at the hospital and saw Janice and Sally. In November 1977, Muriel phoned mum as she had seen me on TV. This was when I represented my school in the regional quiz programme “Question 5”, see Chapter 118. Just under a week later, mum had lunch with Muriel at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Twice in December 1977, mum had lunch at the Norfolk and Norwich but did not specify with whom. In May 1978, mum went to the hospital and saw Janice in physio.
Published Research
It is perhaps of interest that Ann Moy published the research that mum supported in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy in September 1981. Essentially, the research was sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Security under its aids assessment programme.
The research was conducted at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital from 1977 to 1979. In the study, 13 chairs and three cushions were assessed. The study involved loaning chairs to selected patients (16), study days (13) and postal questionnaires (153). The numbers in brackets show the number of patients recruited through each method. A total of 182 patients took part in the trial with a variety of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (103), osteoarthritis (36), muscular dystrophy (20), multiple sclerosis (4), ankylosing spondylitis (5) and motor neurone disease (14).
The research first described how self-rise chairs and cushions work. Chairs were assessed, using a 1-3 star scoring system, according to six criteria namely comfort of user after two hours; method of operation of controls; assistance afforded to stand up; assistance afforded to sit down; appearance; and stability. The chair was also assessed as to whether it was suitable for moderately disabled or severely disabled users. Cushions were assessed in more general terms in relation to advantages and disadvantages in comparison to self-rise chairs.
Applying for New Job
As noted above, at the beginning of September 1977, following an incident in her then job in the Occupational Therapy Department of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, mum applied for a job as a GP’s receptionist to a box number.
Called for Interview
Some ten days later, Dr Brittain phoned to ask her to go for an interview at 6pm on Tuesday next. On that day, mum went to see Drs Brittain, Leach and Watkins about the job which was based at the surgery at 7 Newmarket Road. She noted that she half wanted the job and half didn’t but did not explain her mixed feelings. She noted that she would hear the following week.
Offered the Job
However, the next morning, at about 8.15, Dr Brittain phoned to offer her the job. That same day, she wrote her notice for the job in the Occupational Therapy Department of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and went to No 7 to have a proper look round.
Sharing the News
Also on that day, mum told Sally Bracewell and Malcolm Carter about the new job and they were glad/pleased. In the evening, Mr Ashken rang to congratulate her. Dr Brittain had rung him the previous evening. The next time she was at work for them, both Mr Stephens and Mr Ashken were nice about her new job.
Starting the New Job
Mum started her new job for Drs Brittain, Watkins and Leach on Friday 21 October 1977 working from 4-7pm.
Hours of Work
While there was some variety in the hours mum worked week by week, it seems she mainly worked Monday and Thursday mornings, Wednesday and Friday evenings and every third Saturday morning. At first glance, these times did not fit completely with the times she worked for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens, particularly the Wednesdays and Fridays but it seems mum/they made it work with her finishing slightly earlier at the surgical practice those days. Occasionally, she was delayed getting to the GP surgery but this did not appear unduly problematic. The two workplaces are extremely close together, approximately 200 yards apart!
One advantage of the hours was that mum had some free afternoons at home and, quite early on, mum noted that she liked that. However, purely on hours alone, I would have thought the job in the Occupational Therapy Department was a better fit for mum. When she first started working for Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens, she noted liking that it was 9-5 and did not involve Saturdays. With the new job, like her former job for Drs Day and Downes, it involved working some evenings and Saturdays. It seems pretty clear that other factors led to mum leaving the job in the Occupational Therapy Department.
Sometimes, mum covered shifts for other staff and this meant, on quite a few Fridays, she worked in the morning at No 7, in the afternoon at No 41 and back to No 7 in the evening. From 1978, mum sometimes also worked on a Monday afternoon. Occasionally, mum worked a Tuesday morning, e.g. on 30 May 1978 after the bank holiday. From 3 August 1979, mum was working full-time at the surgery. This contradicts her CV which states that she was full-time there only from 1980.
Mum Enjoyed the Work
Right from the start, mum enjoyed working at the surgery often remarking that work had been “nice”. Sometimes, she commented that work had been “nice as usual” and she appears to have particularly liked working with Dr Watkins, see Chapter 114.
Mostly Busy
More often than not, work was busy and, sometimes, mum described it as “hectic” or “chaos”/”chaotic”. On 4 December 1979, which she described as hectic, mum said it was very frustrating as Dr Leach, “sister” and Hilda said they did not know that Dr Watkins was away but mum noted they had been there the previous Wednesday when it was discussed. On Monday 17 December 1979, mum commented that it was chaos at work and she observed that Hilda had been on duty on Saturday. There were lots of treatment and letters. She also referred to chaos/being chaotic on 21 December 1979. Sometimes, but much less often, mum noted it was not busy.
Three Doctors
At this practice, mum worked for three doctors. She got on best with Dr Watkins, reasonably well with Dr Brittain and, at least initially, found Dr Leach difficult to work for. On 1 February 1979, mum noted that Dr Stephen Downs started as a trainee. Mum liked him describing him as very concerned and nice.
Dr David Watkins
Mum described Dr Watkins as “nice”, see Chapter 114. She found him easy to talk to. He showed an interest in her health and how she was feeling. He gave her increasing levels of responsibility and autonomy, for example over when she left work.
She noted that his date of birth was 4 August 1928. She was delighted when she was invited to his daughter’s wedding in September 1979, see Chapter 115.
In April 1979, mum was concerned because Dr Watkins asked her to type a letter about, and an application for, a job in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. She noted that she was a bit down about this and that, if he left, she would too. Presumably, he did not get the job as mum’s diary does not say any more about this.
Dr Watkins was active in the work of the hospice Priscilla Bacon Lodge and, in November 1979, mum noted discussing this with him. The following month, Dr Watkins agreed to speak about Priscilla Bacon Lodge to St Peter’s Guild, see Chapter 124. The hospice known as Priscilla Bacon Lodge originally opened in 1979 on Unthank Road but in 2023 moved to a new site close to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. The name comes from Lady Priscilla Bacon who led the fundraing for the original hospice.
Also, in December 1979, mum noted that Dr Watkins’ mother died. She had been in St Andrew’s Hospital for three years or more.
Dr Brittain
I think at this time Dr Brittain, see Chapter 116, was the senior partner and mum got on reasonably well with him. In June 1978, mum noted that Wimbledon started, see Chapter 123. She mentioned that she would love to go. Dr Brittain told her to remind him next year and he would see what he could do. However, I am not aware that he ever got her Wimbedon tickets. In August 1978, mum visited Dr Brittain in Barford Ward. She does not say any more about why he was in hospital. In April 1979, Dr and Mrs Brittain came to see mum in a church play, see Chapter 124. The following month, mum went to Dr Brittain’s to see the Lord Mayor’s Procession, see Chapter 129.
Dr Julia Leach
Dr Julia Leach, see Chapter 116, was the third partner in this practice.
Initially Nice to Work For
At the very outset, in November 1977, mum commented that she was nice to work for. The following month, the staff went to Dr Leach’s for Christmas drinks and food.
But Then Things Got More Difficult
However, from the following year, things became more difficult. In October 1978, mum noted that Dr Leach was “off colour”. She said she burst into tears and threw a notepad across the room when called out just after evening surgery. Mum described this as “rather worrying!!” A few days later, mum described Dr Leach as “awkward as usual”!
Mum Preferred Work When Dr Leach Was Not There
The following month, in November 1978, mum described work as nice without Dr Leach! However, mum and Dr Leach may have found a way of working reasonably amicably together. In April, and then again in June, 1979, mum did Saturday clinics with Dr Leach and said it wasn’t too bad. But, only two days after the second of these clinics, mum described Dr Leach as “edgy”. Apparently, she criticised mum for putting patients on the evening surgery. This criticism was not made directly but Dr Leach said they should have waited. Mum noted in her diary that she was not nice to work for.
The next month, in July 1979, when mum was doing a Saturday morning clinic with Dr Leach, this merited two exclamation marks. On one occasion, in October 1979, mum commented that it had been nice at work. However, she modified this by saying “in the morning anyway” as Dr Leach had been in in the afternoon! A week later, mum noted that work was much easier when Dr Leach was not in!
Difficult and Then Very Nice
However, at the end of October 1979, mum noted that work was nice even though Dr Leach was back! The following day, mum described her as not too bad. But, the day after that, mum noted that Dr Leach was first very difficult and then very nice. Mum and Janet Bennett, another receptionist, agreed that they preferred the former!
“Scribble” on Letters
The following month, in November 1979, Dr Leach “scribbled” on “my” letters, making alterations which mum deemed unnecessary. It is interesting, and entirely in character, that mum describes the letters as hers. Presumably, they were Dr Leach’s letters which mum had typed. So, if Dr Leach wanted some changes, presumably that should have been fine. Despite her misgivings, the next day, mum went in early and re-did the letters. She thought Dr Leach was not happy because she had perforated a uterus with an IUD.
Ongoing Difficulties
Towards the end of November 1979, mum noted that Dr Leach was away and that work had been nice! At the beginning of December 1979, mum noted that Dr Leach was a bit touchy. At the end of that month, Dr Leach remarked that she and Hilda Crowe were not a good combination. I am not sure why. Anyway, mum told Dr Leach that she was doing the Saturday morning clinic. Again, at the end of the month, mum noted that Dr Leach was not too bad. However, mum told her she was cross because notes from Friday had not been filed. I am not sure whose responsibility this was. Not Dr Leach’s presumably.
“Sister“
The practice employed a nurse who mum always referred to as “sister”. I believe this was Janet Hardingham who had worked as the practice nurse since 1967, see Chapter 90. She sometimes provided mum with clinical services, such as taking blood for haemoglobin in July 1978 and giving her a flu jab in October 1978. She was seen as a senior member of the practice and it seems mum got on well with her. In October 1979, mum went to hers for a meal with Janet Bennett, Hilda Crowe and my younger brother Alan. Mum described it as a lovely meal.
Other Staff
Mum worked with a number of other administrative staff at the surgery during this period including Doreen, Margaret, Janet, Daphne and Hilda.
Doreen
I think Doreen was already working at the practice when mum joined. I do not know her surname. At the start of her time there, mum mostly noted when Doreen was off, either for a holiday or because of sickness. In April 1978, mum discovered that Doreen had booked to be away at Christmas. This merited an exclamation mark. When working with others on a rota that includes popular holidays such as Christmas, it is usual, I think, to discuss plans to take holiday at such popular times even where it is possible to just book it directly through the formal system. My impression is that mum was not best pleased that Doreen had just gone ahead and booked to be away at Christmas.
Medical Secretary
I think Doreen may have been employed as a medical secretary at the practice. Tensions that arose between mum and Doreen may have been routed in issues relating to roles and responsibilities particularly when doctors dictated letters to mum for her to type. I don’t think Doreen liked this.
Doctors’ Letters
For example, in February 1979, Dr Watkins dictated a letter to mum and mum described Doreen as “not delighted”. The following month, mum noted that Dr Watkins asked mum to take a letter and not Doreen. This merited two exclamation marks. Sometimes requests for mum to take letters came when Doreen was off sick, e.g. when she was hospitalised in March 1979.
Resignation
Things seem to have come to a head two months later, in May 1979, when Doreen resigned. Initially, mum described Doreen speaking “in secret” to Dr Brittain and “sister”. Dr Brittain and “sister” spoke to mum the next day telling her that Doreen had handed in her notice saying that she couldn’t cope with all the work and doing the letters of three doctors. Mum seemed to take this personally, although I am not sure why but she was effectively practice manager at this point. She noted that she was very upset and spoke to Dr Watkins.
Doreen Leaves
Initially, after Doreeen resigned, things were tense between her and mum with neither speaking to the other. However, towards the end of May 1979, mum noted that she was nice to Doreen. On 8 June 1979, Doreen left.
Margaret Andrews
Margaret was also working at the practice when mum joined. I think her surname was Andrews. However, mum noted, on 15 March 1978, that she had left. Mum had noted, in January 1978, that there was likely to be discontent among staff when Margaret left. I suspect this was because Margaret was “senior receptionist” and was “in charge”.
The next day, on the 16th, mum went to Margaret’s in the evening for a farewell party to the practice. Mum noted it was quite nice. Margaret got married at 12 noon at the registry office in City Hall on 30 March 1978, see Chapter 115.
Her married name was Kerrison. In October 1979, mum, Janet, sister and Ella went to see Margaret and Ken Kerrison in Oulton Broad. They went round her surgery and got back at 9.30pm.
Janet Bennett
Janet Bennett worked at the surgery and she and mum became close friends.
First Mentioned and Conflict with Doreen
Janet is first mentioned in the diaries in August 1978. I don’t know if that is when she started working at the surgery but mum noted that she and Doreen were not getting on. Mum noted that Doreen was very bitter about Janet. However, I am not sure why or what she was bitter about.
Going Places Together
Janet often came round, including for meals, and/or went places with mum, e.g. to the theatre, see Chapter 122. Sometimes, they went to other places together. For example, in June 1979, they both went to Hilda Crowe’s for an Oriflame party and in July 1979, they went to the Winthrop Exhibition at Hotel Nelson at lunch-time.
Oriflame
Oriflame is a Swedish cosmetics company that directly markets its products using a model similar to Tupperware and Pippa Dee, see Chapter 92.
Winthrop Exhibition
While I am not entirely sure, the Winthrop Exhibition possibly refers to a display of items from the art collection of Grenville Lindall Winthrop.
Church Play
In April 1979, Janet came for tea as did “sister” and Ella. They all then went to see mum in her church play, see Chapter 124. Initially, I thought Ella might refer to Mrs Watkins but I am not sure as the names do not seem to match.
Lunch Together
Mum and Janet often went for lunch together. This included to a variety of places including Jarrolds, Burger House and the Theatre Royal.
Burger House
Although there is currently a business called the Burger House in Castle Mall/the Castle Quarter, this is relatively new only having opened in July 2024. However, according to the 1980 telephone directory, there was a restaurant by this name in Anglia Square that opened some time after 1978. By 1983, there were four branches in Norwich at 16 Anglia Square, 7 St Giles Street, 19 Prince of Wales Road and 4 Queens Road. I am grateful to contributors on Facebook for their memories of these restaurants and for explaining that Burger House took over locations previously operated by Wimpy.
100 Newmarket Road
Janet lived with the Watkins at 100 Newmarket Road and sometimes invited mum there. I am not sure what the arrangement was. It seems perhaps that Mrs Watkins’ health was not good so it is possible she played some kind of caring role. I believe Janet was already living there when she started working at the surgery so presumably Dr Watkins arranged for her to have the job at the surgery. I thought Mrs Watkins’ first name was Ella but it appears it was Gillian M Gould. She married David Watkins in Holborn in 1956. According to public records, Gillian M Watkins died aged 57 in 1989. I believe Dr Watkins and Janet Bennett later married but I have not yet confirmed this from public records possibly because this would have been in the nineties.
Helping Each Other
Sometimes, Janet and mum swapped shifts or covered for each other. Sometimes, Janet stayed over. In September 1979, Janet helped me and mum move grandma’s carpet from Drayton to Cromwell House. In October 1979, it was Janet’s birthday. Mum noted that she made her a denim skirt, well she would when she came to fit it on, see Chapter 126. In December 1979, Janet came to ours but her car battery was flat so we jump started it and followed her back to 100.
Tension?
While mum and Janet got on very well, I am not sure if there was some tension between them in November 1979. On the 15th, Janet invited others to 100 but mum was not included. On the 21st, mum noted that Janet was funny with Dr Watkins when he was nice to her and wondered if Janet was jealous.
Daphne
Another of the administrative staff at the surgery was called Daphne. I am not sure what her surname was or when she started working there. However, in 1978, Dr Watkins asked mum what she thought about Daphne. I am not sure how she replied. Two days later, Dr Brittain told mum that they had decided to tell Daphne to go and they wanted to discuss it with mum. I don’t think they wanted to further discuss the decision to let Daphne go. Rather, they wanted to discuss getting a replacement. So, one evening, mum went to Dr Watkins’ home at 100 Newmarket Road to discuss this with him and Dr Brittain. At the end, Dr Watkins said, “We haven’t asked if you’re happy because we don’t want to know if you’re not because we want you to stay.”
Hilda Crowe
I am not sure if this is directly related to Daphne leaving but, in September 1978, mum took Hilda Crowe to the surgery as she was going to do relief work. Hilda was a friend of mum’s from St Peter’s Park Lane Methodist Church, see Chapter 124. Her husband, Peter, ran a secondhand bookshop in Upper St Giles Street.
Mum commented that she hoped it worked out OK this time. Perhaps the implication is that it hadn’t previously but I am not sure what this is referring to. It seems that, at first at least, Hilda stood in when someone was unable to work. However, there were challenges.
In September 1979, despite being friends, mum commented that it was not as easy working with Hilda as with Janet. In October and November 1979, she described Hilda as very frustrating. That same month, Dr Watkins told mum that she and Hilda could not be on holiday together. Mum asked to speak to Dr Watkins sometime. I am not sure if it related to the holiday issue specifically.
On the 26th, Hilda was off. Mum asked if she could speak to Dr Watkins some time. In December 1979, mum commented that it was chaos at work and she observed that Hilda had been on duty on Saturday leaving lots of treatment and letters.
Other People Helped Out
Sometimes other people helped out at the surgery. These included Tricia, me and Dr Watkins’ son Hugh. Tricia helped when particular people were away, e.g. Doreen, with specific tasks, e.g. filing, and when mum was away in Whitby in August 1979, see Chapter 122. Apparently, I helped out at least once in April 1979. I have no recollection of this. Hugh also helped out later that month and around Christmas of that year.
Christmas Bonus
Mum did not initially record any details of her salary at the surgery. However, she did note that, in 1978, they got a Christmas bonus of £10 and, in 1979, £15.
Asked to Work Full-time
In December 1977, after mum had been there for under two months, Dr Brittain asked her if she would be willing to work full-time for them when Margaret left. He told her that they were “thrilled” with her. However, mum declined on the basis that she could not leave Mr Ashken and Mr Stephens. I think she may have been in two minds though as later she noted that she had forgotten to ask about salary.
So, the next month, in January 1978, mum spoke to Dr Brittain about changing her hours. He phoned her at night to say that they would be pleased if she would. I am not exactly sure what the changes were in terms of hours but she may have started working all day on Mondays and more Friday mornings.
Two months later, in March 1978, Dr Watkins came to see mum to talk to her about a pension. Two days later, on a Sunday, Dr Watkins phoned to ask mum if she could get the papers concerning a pension to Lowestoft for 11.30am. She and I went.
When Dr Watkins talked to mum about a pension, he also asked her to be in charge of the surgery on a salary of £1.25 per hour. He said he wanted her to be full-time eventually. By mid-March, mum noted that Margaret had now left and she was now “in charge”.
Enjoying the New Role
Mum appeared to enjoy the new role with greater responsibility and authority.
Discussing Problems and Finances
In October 1978, mum went to see Dr Watkins to talk about the surgery’s problems. He talked to her openly about finances. He said all that they wanted was for her to come and work full-time for them.
Carte Blanche
At the beginning of November, Dr Watkins told mum that she could do what she liked in the surgery. Later that month, she moved desks around.
More Discussion of Problems
The following year, in January 1979, mum had another conversation about the surgery’s problems, this time with both Dr Brittain and Dr Watkins, and the next day, she spoke to Dr Watkins about Dr Leach.
Staff Meeting and Discussing Salaries
In April 1979, mum noted that there was a meeting at night for all staff and the doctors. Mum described it as a nice meeting. Two days later, Dr Watkins came in and he and mum discussed salaries.
Aftermath of Doreen Leaving
Shortly after this was when Doreen decided to leave. This upset mum a lot . While I don’t really know why, I wonder if mum was unhappy that Doreen had not come to her. In addition, as practice manager, she may have felt criticised by Doreen. She spoke about this to Dr Watkins and he said again that he wanted her to come and work full-time for them. Mum wrote a letter to Dr Brittain and he told her that she was the best person they had ever had.
Agreement to Work Full-time
A few days later, mum told Dr Watkins that she would go full-time if they paid her enough. Dr Watkins said he was delighted and would talk to Dr Brittain. The following day, mum met Drs Brittain and Watkins after surgery. They agreed hours and salary subject to FPC approval. A couple of days later, Dr Watkins told mum that FPC had approved her salary which she thought was £3,896.
FPC
Family Practitioner Committees (FPCs) operated from 1973 to 1990. They replaced local executive councils and were themselves replaced by family health services authorities.
Another Long Chat
In June 1979, mum had another long chat with Dr Watkins about the office. Two months later, when mum was back from holiday, Dr Watkins said “it will be good when you are here full-time” or possibly “I’ll be glad when you’re here full-time”.
Stoking Rivalry?
That same month, mum told Dr Brittain that Dr Welch had said they wished they could get someone good at the Mile End Surgery. Apparently, Dr Brittain told her that she should “stay put here!!!” I am not sure mum was thinking seriously of working at Mile End Surgery. I can see it would have been very difficult for her to work with doctors and other staff where she was a patient. Again that month, Dr Watkins told mum that he was glad they had her full-time.
Working Full-time
Mum started working full-time at the surgery on 3 September 1979. This contradicts mum’s CV which only has her starting there full-time from 1980. The following month, she asked to speak to Dr Watkins and they talked for an hour a few days later. Dr Watkins said she must discuss things if she was worried. He also noted that he was very satisfied with her. I am not sure if it was part of her new role or an effect of Doreen leaving but mum increasingly did the doctors’ letters for them. Probably because of this, mum sometimes did surgery work at home, including doing salaries and typing letters.
Balancing Two Jobs
In general, while mum was working at both 7 and 41 Newmarket Road, this worked well although occasionally one job impinged on the other. For example, on at least one occasion, in May 1978, Mr Ashken phoned mum in the afternoon when she was at No 7.
Usually, on the days when mum was at both places, she was able to go home for lunch between them. I am not sure if she needed to go to the hospital for her job but she sometimes went there before or after work.
Uniform
I am also not sure if she needed a uniform for work. However, at the end of December 1977, she bought a blue overall for work from Butcher’s sale. It was reduced from £5.70 to £5.18. She noted that the doctors were paying £2 towards it. For details of Butcher’s, see Chapter 108.
Working Environment
In general, mum had few comments about the working environment at No 7 but she did sometimes complain of being cold.
Christmas Celebrations
The practice sometimes had Christmas celebrations. For example, in 1977, mum went to the practice for coffee and sherry.
Chinese Dinner Dance
In January 1979, mum went to a Chinese Dinner Dance over the car park as guests of Mr Ng, a patient at No 7. Dr & Mrs Brittain picked mum up. Mum sat next to Dr Watkins and Janet. Dr Watkins offered to bring mum home but Dr Brittain insisted. Mum noted “what a pity!”, see Chapter 114.
Over the Car Park
I think the reference to “over the car park” is to the Lucky Star Chinese restaurant that was on the first floor of St Stephen’s car park on Queen’s Road. This closed, possibly in 2016, and is now the Lucky Fortune Asia Market.
Time Off
Mum did sometimes take time off work at the surgery. Reasons for this included holiday, volunteering for the Coeliac Society, Christmas shopping and illness.
Incidents at Work
She also recorded various incidents which happened at work. Some were relatively minor. For example, in May 1978, mum found she was locked out as she had left her keys in the surgery. The waiting room window was open so she climbed in!
In August 1978, Dr Watkins asked mum or “sister” to wait as he had a difficult female patient he was dealing with. Mum stayed as she wanted to discuss some finances with him.
Other incidents were much more serious. In February 1978, she was working with Dr Brittain. A man’s son phoned at 10am asking for a visit as his father was having difficulty breathing. Twenty minutes later, the wife phoned back to say “he’s gone”.
Driving to Work
As with her other jobs, I think mum usually drove to work although she did sometimes walk, particularly when there were problems with the car or the weather was bad. Occasionally, people gave her lifts to or from home including me, Dr Watkins and Dr Brittain. Sometimes, when mum was going to London for the Coeliac Society, she would have a taxi to or from work. For some reason, in December 1978, mum noted that she got a pass for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital car park. I am not sure why as she did not work there!
Opportunity to Work on Research
In September 1977, when mum saw Mr Carron Brown, he asked her if she would be interested in doing a few hours research for him later in the year. I don’t think this enquiry came to anything though.
Association of Medical Secretaries (AMS)
During this period, mum was actively involved in the Association of Medical Secretaries (AMS). Now the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR). AMS was founded in 1964. The name was changed to the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Administrators and Receptionists in 1979 reflecting that the association promoted the interests of a wide range of administrative staff. The name was changed again in 1996 when the new role of Practice Manager was added to the title.
Local Meetings
Mum attended a number of AMS study days and AGMs mostly at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
AMS Study Days at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital
In June 1976, mum attended a study day and noted meeting some people she knew from “the Ipswich course” there but I am not sure what course that was referring to. Mum did attend a day-release course at Suffolk College in Ipswich but not until 1981. Mr Stephens spoke on breast cancer at that study day. Mum said it was very very good.
The following year, in June 1977, mum attended another AMS study day. She noted that Christine Carter was there. At the beginning of October 1977, mum attended another AMS meeting in the afternoon.
In May 1978, mum attended another AMS study day at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. She noted that there were good speakers on oil rigs and ambulance services. In September 1978, she attended another such meeting. It was on acupuncture. Mum noted that this could be used as an anaesthetic. In December 1978, mum had lunch at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and then attended an AMS meeting which she described as nice.
The following year, in March 1979, mum again had lunch at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, this time with Rosemary Davey, and then went to an AMS meeting. In May 1979, mum went to an AMS study day. Mark Mehta spoke on pain relief in the morning then there were talks on blood transfusion and “spastics”. All the speeches were good but mum considered Dr Mehta the best.
AMS AGM
On 12 March 1977, mum went to the AMS AGM at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Mum described it as very interesting.
Other Meetings
In addition, mum attended a number of other AMS meetings without specifying where they were. It is possible, even likely, that they were also at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. In March 1978, mum gave the vote of thanks at an AMS meeting. In December 1979, mum went to an AMS meeting in the afternoon. It was about autistic children and mum thought it was good.
Medical Secretary Handbook
In September 1976, in order to support her studies, mum ordered the Medical Secretary Handbook from Jarrolds and she also bought a book on urology. The Medical Secreretary Handbook came in October and cost mum £4.
City College
In November 1976, mum went to see Mr Tomlinson at the City College about “AMS”. I am not sure who Mr Tomlinson was. I wonder if this was about exams and/or professional qualifications. AMSPAR now offers a number of professional qualifications. However, mum commented that it was not too helpful. I am not sure why.
AMS Application
The following year, in March 1977, Mr Ashken gave mum back her application for AMS. I am not sure if this was a specific exam or some kind of membership. He “sponsored” her. A couple of days later, she had the AMS form photocopied in Norwich.
AMS Conferences, Study Days and Visits Outside Norwich
Mum sometimes travelled to attend AMS conferences and study days outside Norwich.
Liverpool 1977
For example, she attended such a conference in Liverpool from 14-18 September 1977. I noted on the 14th that mum went to Liverpool for a medical secretaries’ conference and that she was still there the next day. In fact, it was a four-day conference. Mum confirmed the start date saying that she left at 9.50am for Liverpool for an AMS Symposium at Christ’s College.
Christ’s College
Christ’s College was a Catholic teacher training college established in 1964. It is now part of Liverpool Hope University.
People Mum Went With
Mum went with Christine Carter, Margaret Prime and Lilian Hipwell. I am not exactly sure who Lilian Hipwell was but presumably a medical secretary mum knew. She also attended an AMS study day in Cambridge in October 1977. In Liverpool, mum, Christine, Margaret and Lilian met Muriel (FPA), Rosemary Davey (Dr Goodwille’s sec) and Margaret Self and Clarissa from Beccles. I am not entirely sure who Margaret Self and Clarissa were. As far as I can see, this is the only reference to them in the diaries.
Mum appears to have known two medical secretaries called Muriel during the late seventies. One was called Muriel Yarnell and the other was called Muriel West. Muriel West appears to have worked at the Occupational Therapy Department of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital where mum worked in 1977. Muriel Yarnell worked for “FPA”. This could refer to the Family Planning Association or it could refer to some form of governance of family practitioners but I think these were known as Family Practitioner Committees (FPCs) at that time. Mum knew Muriel Yarnell through involvement in Association of Medical Secretaries (AMS) activities and this is the Muriel referred to here.
The First Evening
Mum got there at 3.30pm. She noted that there was excellent food and an excellent speaker in the evening on “Seven Ages of Woman”. She thought this was very funny. Also, she noted they had single rooms.
The Second Day
The next day, she commented on the excellent meals with a four-course lunch and a five-course dinner. At night, they had the folk singers Jaquie & Bridie who mum thought were excellent. The talks were good too.
Jacqui and Bridie
Jacqui and Bridie were a fairly well-known folk singing duo composed of Jacqueline McDonald and Bridie O’Donnell. The duo formed in 1964. There is a video of Jacqueline McDonald singing in 2011 here. YouTube also has a short film about Jacqui and Bridie. Their recording of “A Child of Merseyside” can be heard here.
The Third Day
Mum noted that the next day was another good day and that there was a civic reception at night with the Lord Mayor in a lovely town hall. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool at that time was Paul Orr. He served as a Labour councillor for many years but resigned from the Labour party in 1999 accusing Tony Blair of out-Thatchering Thatcher. He died aged 88 in 2005 having been born in August 1916.
The Fourth Day
On the next day, the AMS held their AGM in the morning. Mum talked to Mr Dawe about membership and the diploma. I am not entirely sure who he was. There was an AMS dinner at night at St George’s Hotel. Mum rated it excellent.
St George’s Hotel
Initially, I struggled to find details of this hotel but it seems from newspaper adverts that it operated from at least 1972 to 1991. It was located in St John’s Precinct, Lime Street. It seems it opened in 1972 and, at that time, was a Trust Houses Forte Hotel. In 1999, it closed for refurbishment and reopened as a Holiday Inn, possibly in 2001.
Leaving Liverpool
Mum left Liverpool at 8.15 am and got back to Norwich at 6.10pm. Mum noted that Christine Carter went to her parents in Manchester. Mum’s return journey involved a one hour wait in Birmingham and a bus journey for at least part of the way from Ely.
News Articles
I found news articles about the symposium including one which gave the title as “The Medical Secretary in the Social Enviroment of Today” and which featured a detailed interview with Dr C W Warner, the President of the Merseyside branch of AMS. One speaker was the Rev Canon Gordon Bates who criticised modern housing units.
Cambridge 1977 and 1978
Mum attended at least two AMS study days in Cambridge. In October 1977, she went to an AMS study day at New Addenbrookes. She noted that the speakers were very good. She took Margaret Prime, Lilian Hipwell and Janet Hastings. I am not sure who Janet Hastings was. As far as I can see, this is the only time she is mentioned in the diaries.
In April 1978, mum attended another AMS study day in Cambridge. They went in Muriel’s car and picked up Rosemary Davey in Attleborough. Mum noted it was good and that twelve went from Norwich.
Visiting Cromer and Mundesley Hospitals
While these visits were not conferences or study days as such, they were organised by AMS. So, in April 1979, after lunch at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, mum went with AMS to Cromer and Mundesley Hospitals. They had tea in Cromer. Mum went with Rosemary Davey in Muriel’s car.
Cromer Hospital
The hospital mum visited had opened in 1932 although there had been at least two previous hospitals before that. A new hospital opened in 2012 and the old building was demolished.
Mundesley Hospital
This was a sanatorium opened in the 19th century. In 1960, it became a rehabilitation and convalescence facility. The building fell into disrepair in the nineties and was reopened as a drug and alcohol treatment centre. In 2008, the clinic went into administration closing the next year. The building remains standing as a grade 2 listed building. As of 2018, it was functioning as a mental health facility.
Aberdeen 1979
Mum also attended an AMS conference in Aberdeen from 19-23 September 1979.
Travelling by Train
Mum packed on the 18th and travelled by train the next day. Margaret Prime picked her up. My younger brother Alan travelled with them to Peterborough as he was going to Hull to see the university, see Chapter 120. Mum got to Aberdeen at 5.45pm. Rosemary Davey joined them in Thetford. They changed at Peterborough and Edinburgh.
Crombie Hall
They stayed in Crombie Hall of Aberdeen University. Built in the fifties/sixties, it closed in 2017 because of a decline in demand for catered accommodation. As of 2024, there were plans to repurpose the mothballed buildings.
The First Evening
There was a Scottish Dance in the evening. Mum described this as display and join in. Mum thought this was very good. Janet Sharp and Muriel Yarnell joined them that evening. They had flown there. I am not sure who Janet Sharp was. She only seems to be mentioned in the diaries in relation to this conference.
The Second Day
The next day, there were lectures all day. While they were good, mum considered that they were not that relevant. Professor Richardson, the first lecturer and chairman, was very good. There was a reception in the art gallery in the evening. Mum thought it was quite nice but very cold. This could be a general comment on the weather.
Ian Richardson
I think the Professor Richardson referred to here was Professor Ian Richardson. Born in 1922, he became Professor of General Practice in Aberdeen in 1970. He retired in 1984 and died in 2010. Apparently, the Richardson Prize in General Practice at Aberdeen is named in his honour.
The Third Day
The next day, there were lectures in the morning. The last lecture was given by Dr David Alexander under the title “What’s Up Doc?” which mum rated excellent. There was then a tour in a coach in the afternoon which mum rated quite good. It was very cold. There was then a sherry reception at the university which mum considered boring.
Dr David Alexander
David Alan Alexander was an expert in mental health management and policy following major disasters. Born in 1943, he graduated in Psychology and Philosophy from St Andrews in 1966 and became a lecturer in Aberdeen’s Department of Mental Health in 1970. He became a Senior Lecturer in 1980 and a Professor in 1994. He retired in 2011 and died in 2020 aged 76. In 1981, he published a survey of the views and attitudes of 85 medical secretaries/ receptionists which formed part of the address to the conference mum attended.
The Fourth Day
On the final day, there was the AMS AGM. Mum and Janet Sharp argued with Mrs Plumley about affiliate membership. Mum noted that there was a nice dinner at the university in the evening.
At this time, Anne Plumley was AMS General Secretary, a role she held from 1965 to 1986. I am not sure what the argument was about exactly but this was the year that the association changed its name, adding practice administrators and receptionists, to reflect changes in membership which had taken place. I don’t know for sure but I suspect mum may have been against such changes.
AMSPAR now has two main levels of membership. General membership is available to anyone working in a health organisation while certified membership requires the person to hold an AMSPAR qualification. General membership is divided into four levels based on expereince – affiliate (<5 years), associate (5-10 years), member (10-15 years) and fellow (>15 years). Once a person reaches the age of 65, they are classed as retired and they retain their level of membership.
Leaving Aberdeen
On 23 September 1979, mum left Aberdeen at 10.15am and got to Norwich at 9.15pm. She changed in Edinburgh and Peterborough and described it as a good journey.
Lectures and Training at City College
Mum also attended lectures and training at City College which were relevant to her work as a medical secretary. For example, in February 1978, she went to a lecture on communications there. Mum thought this was good.
In September 1977, mum started an advanced typing course at City College. The course cost £15.20 plus £2.25 for the book. Mum enjoyed it. Daphne Francis went too. Mum attended this course regularly from October 1977 to March 1978. She took some exams in January 1978 and then again in June 1978.
Certificates
I found two certificates from 1978. Both were issued by the Royal Society of Arts Examination Board. The Royal Society of Arts instituted exams in 1856 becoming a major examinations board focused principally on commercial/ office skills and English as a foreign language. The Examinations Board became a separate company in 1987 and, in 1997, was sold and merged with the Oxford and Cambridge Examination Boards forming OCR.
One of mum’s certificates was a stage III advanced certificate in typewriting, with a speed test at 65 words per minute, and the other was a stage II intermediate certificate in medical audio-typewriting.
Dad’s Work
There is very little in the diaries for this period about dad’s work. Mum did note that, when she went to dad’s on the way back from Eastbourne on 1 April 1975, he was at work. There were issues over tax because mum discovered that any tax rebate she earned went to dad. This matter is covered in Chapter 114.