The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

October, 1953 Other A.C.T. News THE CINE-TECHNICIAN 137 Compiled by ' Middy3 ASQUITH OPERA: Many of our readers will be surprised to hear that Anthony Asquith is going to produce an Opera Season at Covent Garden. Tony assures me that this does not mean he is leaving the industry and hopes to be producing films after the Opera Season. I feel sure that all members will join in wishing him every success in his new venture. RULE BOOK: The new Rules have now been approved by the Registrar. There are two very important changes which should be noted by all members. The first is that from 1st October, all members must pay an additional 3d. per week on their contributions into a Contingency Fund. Formation of this fund was approved at the Annual General Meeting. Another important rule is that if General Council feels it necessary in the interest of the membership as a whole, they may require as a condition of entry, a member admitted after 1st May, 1953, to remain in his category of employment and not transfer to another category. Following Charlie Wheeler's article on missing film technicians published in last month's " Cine." comes this photograph of a Brazilian film unit. Bob Huke is sitting down. Another Englishman, Jack Mills, is hidden behind the camera. The camera is none other than the original Gainsborough Newall, now re-discovered. WESTMINSTER BRANCH: The first meeting of the winter was held on 8th October; and the branch will continue to meet on the first Thursday of each month until further notice. As usual, they will be held in the Crown Theatre, Wardour Street, commencing at 6.45 p.m. All members working in the West End are welcome — and that includes you chaps in the Labs. Don't forget! The objects of the Branch (writes Peter Sims) are purely social — a means of providing an opportunity for members to meet each other and a few famous personalities of the film world as well. On 8th October, a programme of films from the Edinburgh Festival was shown and Basil Wright kindly consented to come along to talk about the Festival and the atmosphere in Edinburgh 1953. On 5th November the Branch will be screening the long-awaited Conquest of Everest — after its Royal premiere at the end of October — introduced by Tom Stobart, the cameraman assigned to the Everest Expedition. BRITISH ACOUSTIC FILMS: Ian Crawford at British Acoustic Films reports the latest activities within that unit. At the Branch Meeting on 17th September, 38 members were in attendance where the main discussion centred around a proposed wage claim by A.C.T. on behalf of its members. The Shop Steward of the A.E.U. gave us a very informative outline of the reasons for their Union's 15 per cent wage claim. He was followed by our Organiser, Mr. Middleton, who clearly stated A.C.T. policy which gave members much confidence. A resolution was framed and forwarded to the Executive Committee of A.C.T., seeking their support for a wage increase for A.C.T. members employed by B.A. BA.F. NEWS: Since our last notes, adds Peter Beggin, Colin U. Fisher has left the laboratory at B.A.F., and now works in the telefilm section of the Planning and Installation Department of the B.B.C. We all wish him success in his new job. Mr. R. A. Tomes has left the works managership at Woodger Road for higher things at Mortimer House. His successor, Mr. J. Hambrey, has taken over, and has already been introduced to the works committee. Mr. Hambrey has been with B.A.F. since the early 1930's and has worked in Electrical Test, and as North London divisional engineer of Service Department. Since then he has held the position of Chief Engineer at the Mitcheldean factory of B.A.F. The B.A.F. football team has started the season well by promotion to the 1st Division cf the Brentford and District League. The team secretary, Les Grant, tells me of the selection of Sid Roberts as captain, and Len Higgs as vice-captain. Regular players include Harry Tubbs, Fred Cope, Bill Walkinshaw, and Les Watson. The table tennis section are again in the Film Renters League, and it is anticipated that they will again put up a good performance for league honours. We have all last season's successful players again this year, including Des Miller, Sid Roberts, Johnny Gaisford, Harry Tubbs, along with the girls Dot Neale and Pam Goodey.