The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

February, 1954 THE CINE-TECHNICIAN 29 Newman-Sinclair camera that went to the Everest Expedition in 1927 was sometime used as a title camera at the old Sidney Wake Laboratory. This camera is now travelling the Continent and being used for colour films. The original lenses are still in use. BRITISH ACOUSTIC: Approaches to the Management about salary raises for our members at this Company, although not completely successful, have brought an increase of 2d. an hour plus bonus in the Assembly Shop for female operators. The Management have agreed also to a training scheme for non-skilled female labour, whereby it is hoped that after two months' training they can become skilled in their various jobs. In addition, it is worth noting, many of the experienced operators have now received merited awards of a new 2/3 i rate per hour. A substantial increase has been secured for all members in the Repair Shop. The new rates negotiated here have meant increases of up to 13/6 per week. Meetings have been held with the Management regarding staff overtime rates, but at the time of going to press no satisfactory conclusion has yet been reached. Congratulations must once again go to the Sports and Social Committee for their great work in the running of their Annual Christmas Party for the children of all B.A.F. employees. The Committee catered for 250 children at a cost of 15/ per head; this money they raised by much hard work in running raffles and dances. The children each received a very handsome present, watched films specially selected and were excellently catered for. Mr. Ted Giles, of the Machine Shop, acted as Father Christmas, while the clowns were Mr. Bill Walkinshaw, Toolroom, and Mr. John Gaisford, Drawing Office. Great help was given by some of our girls, and their services were very much appreciated. Mr. Harry Fryer, of the Repair Shop, took many excellent photographs, a couple of which are printed below. I am sure all employees who attended the Christmas Party and Dance for the employees of B.A.F., were very pleased to have in attendance Children enjoying the spread organised by Sports and Social Committee at B.A.F. Fun and games at the B.A.F. Children's Party three of our Directors, Mr. Home, Mr. De Jonge and Mr. Law, and our General Manager, Mr. Hambrey. Both Ladies' and Gentlemen's table tennis teams are in fifth position in their respective leagues (the Film Renters' League), and Miss D. Neale is still in the Film Industries Sports Association individual challenge cup, having won through the semi-finals. The football team have had a couple of setbacks lately in the 1st Division of the Brentford and District League, but they also are still in the F.I.S.A. Football Cup, and are due to play in one of the semi-finals in the near future. One of our youngest members, Master Alan Smith, who entered for the F.I.S.A. Snooker Championship, won his first round match, and we are expecting great things from him. B.A. PLAYERS: Since my wife wrote in " CineTechnician " about our forthcoming production of R. C. Sherriff's play " Journey's End," writes Ian Crawford, a number of interesting developments have caused a change in plans. As the Producer I now feel that the amount of hard work being done by the players deserves the reward of presentation in a theatre. So now I have to inform you that our play will be given at the Twentieth Century Theatre, Westbourne Grove, W.ll, on March 11th, 12th and 13th. At first it was thought that we were perhaps being a little too ambitious in trying this play, because of the need for strong emotion, good sound effects and so on, but I have managed to get around a bit and have found that everyone is most co-operative. Our sound effects will be recorded on G.B. Equipment, electricians are helping, carpenters will fix up stage props, and people keep asking about tickets. These are still being printed but will be available as soon as we get them. We hope that you will come — the tickets are five bob, three-andsix and two-and-six, and the theatre is easy to get to. Make a note in your diary: "Journey's End" at Twentieth Century Theatre, Westbourne Grove, W.ll, March 11th, 12th and 13th, and we know you will enjoy the show. (For more A.C.T. News, turn to page 30)