Film and TV Technician (1957)

May 1957 FILM & TV TECHNICIAN 77 LAB TOPICS Bill Sharp Retires Bill Sharp, known to many of the older school of laboratory technicians, has been retired by A.B. Pathe, having worked for the company and its predecessors continuously since 1912. Frank Fuller writes: Of late his health has not been too good, bronchial troubles curtailing his activities considerably and forcing him to have frequent spells away from work. Looking back to 1912, Bill recalls that he first started as hypo boy to Jock Gemmell who was then the developer. Jock needs no introduction from me having been established as a newsreel cameraman as long as I have known him. Both Bill and Jock agree they were paid in gold in those days. Bill, taking home a golden sovereign at the end of the week — 15/ wages plus overtime — still earned more than his father, who had a large family to support. World War I saw Bill in the Army, serving in France with the 23rd London Regiment. Demobbed in 1919, he returned to Pathe in time to work on the newsreel covering the victory parade of that year. Management Sympathetic For many years he was senior developer at Pathe and for the last six years was put in charge of the positive examination department, a move made in the hope of benefiting his health. One must congratulate the management for the generous and sympathetic consideration given to a loyal and efficient worker in making it financially possible for Bill to enjoy a somewhat premature retirement. A collection made among the people at Elstree and Wardour Street Labs, Pathe News and Pictorial resulted in a presentation of a barometer and a sum in cash being made by Manager C. J. Phillips at a going-away party in his office on Friday, April 12th. Those present included Mr. W. A. Fielder (General Manager), Messrs. A. Turner, J. Gemmell, A. Simon, E. Potter, R. H. Bomback, W. Robinson, J. May, A. Lawrence, J. Rees and F. Cull. Those members who can cast their minds back to 1935 will re Bill Sharp receives A.C.T.T. Darts League Shield as Pathe Captain member Bill as one of the active members in organising the formation of the Laboratory Branch of the Union. He was an untiring worker on behalf of A.C.T.T. and was in fact the first Shop Steward of the Wardour Street Laboratory, a job he held with distinction for some three or four years. He was a good mixer, liked social activities and " skippered " the successful Pathe darts team of a few years ago. Through the years he has been a source of strength to A.C.T.T. and has always been ready to give advice and the benefit of his experience to the local Committees if required. Alf Cooper writes: Following the close-down of Radiant Colour Labs, it is with pleasure that I can report that all redundant personnel are now reemployed within the industry. Many of our members are still worried about the dermatitis problem in the Laboratories and a subcommittee was formed at the last Laboratories Shop Stewards Committee to produce a full report on this item for the next meeting to be held in May. FOR SALE.— Vinten Light-Gyro Tripod with tall and short legs, top-hat, fitted case. £90. Box 204, F.T.V., 5-6 Red Lion Square London, W.C.I. FOR SALE. — Newman Model G Camera in excellent condition. All Cooke Lenses, SINGLE FRAME EXPOSURE device, etc., etc. £400. Box 205, F.T.V., 5-6 Red Lion Square, London, W.C.I. WANTE D.— Friction Tripod (Medium Duty size) suitable for wild Newall and Vinten Model H Cameras. Box 206, F.T.V., 5-6 Red Lion Square, London, W.C.I.