The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

April 1955 CINE TECHNICIAN 61 KEN ROBERTS a profile of ACT's branch secretary at Kodak's Ken Roberts Film A ("* 'T had no organisation at *"*-»v-*» A • Kodak's giant factory when Ken started there in 1941, but when he returned there from war service five years later a start had been made. So Ken joined A.C.T. and a year later was Shop Steward of members in the Film Coating Department. A film spooler, Ken handles sensitised film in the dark in 48-inch widths before it is split into the familiar 35mm. and 16mm. strips. Most of his workmates are active A.C.T. members — dryer Don Watling is Chairman of the A.C.T. branch; assistant coater Geoff Cheese is a Committee member; handler Phil Ellis is delegate to Harrow Trades Council; looper Peter Young and de-looper Richard Goring are keen Committee members. Kodak's A.C.T. members take keen interest in other sides of the film industry and organise tours of the studios; Ken believing that these tours, other social outings and activities such as the Kodak A.C.T. members' demonstration to Parliament in 1952 against the closing down of Crown Film Unit, help to keep members together and bring them into touch with other trade unionists. Ken and A.C.T.'s other delegates from the Kodak branch take full part in the work of the Harrow Trades Council, which incidentally was mandated by the T.U.C. to help encourage the growth of trade unionism at Kodak's, where full recognition is still withheld. In 1949, when Kodak's management refused to talk with shop stewards of the eight unions in Kodak's or with an A.C.T. organiser on firm's proposal to keep a shift going until 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the Trades Council flooded the factory with leaflets, and this and resolutions of protest pouring in from other unions caused the management to meliorate its original plan. Ken's leisuretime interests are many — ballroom dancing, " just for the pleasure of it"; the pictures, female company and politics round off his interests. During his 4?> years in the R.A.F. Ken saw vast riches alongside the deepest poverty in India, and the people of South Africa struggling at election time to be free of poverty and " white supremacy." In 1951 he saw also the living and working conditions in the U.S.S.R. — going off on his own, incidentally, to meet Alexandrov and Tisse at the Moscow film studios, during the production of Glinka, Man of Music. These things, together with what he knows of Britain, caused him to stand as Communist candidate in the 1952 and 1953 local elections at Harrow. Not all Ken's colleagues agree with his political opinions, but they respect him as a fine young leader, and since 1949 have elected him their Branch Secretary. PATHE (Wardour Street) — Contd. Pathe Table Tennis team, which is usually comprised of Bud Payton (Overseas), Capt., Tom Savage (Film House) and Deryck Webb, is having quite a successful season, being 2nd in the 1st Division of the Film Renters' League and in the Final of the John Woolf Trophy, which they have 4 times in the last 6 years, playing all matches away. Much thanks is due to the Secretary, Eddie Lamb, for all the work he puts in. Tom Savage and Deryck Webb will also be contesting the Final of the Men's Doubles and the Semi-finals of the Men's Singles in the League Final night on April 29th at the University of London Union Assembly Hall. Merry A.C.T. Social at Kodak Picture below shows A.C.T'ers and families at recent branch social, held at Belmont Lodge, Stanmore. Social was great success. Several 16mm. black and white and colour films of branch activities were screened, together with a short film on last year's laboratory dispute, showing the march from Lincoln's Inn to the Waldorf Hotel. Amateur film club at Kodak's is run by A.C.T'er Brian Probyn, assisted by Bert Cittern of the A.E.U. At social, Dick Spring and accordian supplied music for singing, dancing and children's games. Music, games, food and drink in plenty. Branch committee were thanked warmly by members for a very enjoyable evening.