Page 7 - Swindon Line Monitoring

Remembering ISTEL - Memories of Swindon Line Monitoring - Rogan Meadows

Each press stroke caused an electrical signal, transmitted to the computer via a cable. These were
very small in electrical terms, therefore we could not risk joins in the cable which could weaken the
signal. Thus, an order was placed on BICC for a single, continuous run of about 500 metres of cable.
Time went by and, upon enquiring, we were told the cable run had failed their quality tests and a
nd
new run was taking place. This 2 run also failed their tests. Cliff and The Guv went to see what
was going on and discovered their quality tests involved passing 500 volts through the cable and
each time they tested it sparks were flying! A document was signed agreeing that degree of test
was not necessary, and we eventually got our cable.

Back in those days, late 70’, Swindon operated the old, class canteen regime. One for workers, one
for staff, on for senior staff, one for management, the directors dining room and the visitors dining
room. This was common throughout the company. The directors and visitors dining rooms served
free alcohol! At Swindon, the Guv, Cliff and myself qualified for the management dining room. Meals
deducted from salary via signed chitties, silver service 3 course lunches. Favourite was the steamed
jam roly poly with custard or ice cream. Those friendly with the waitress could get both custard and
ice cream, and sometimes got seconds.

The Guv decided we would promote our system to Llanelli Pressings, and a presentation was
arranged for a Thursday pm. He also intended this to be a reward outing for some of us, with a night
out in Llanelli where it was “Grab a Granny” night at the local club. However, when we got to the
plant we were told that a presentation for day-shift was arranged, and another for night shift at 8pm.
He was not impressed. Consequently Snooky was tasked with remaining in the Stradey Arms whilst
the rest went to the evening job. Snookys’ job was to keep the bar open until we got back. He did.
We got back with the Guv in a bad mood. There was a 50ish gent at the bar who had obviously been
there for some time. He was quite verbose and asked what we had been doing. The Guv explained
we had been promoting our new system and had not been enthusiastically received! “Nobody likes
change” proclaimed this gent. The Guv said that was rubbish, everyone wants their children to have
a better life than we had. A heated discussion proceeded. A barmen leaned over and asked me if
we realised the gent was their local MP! Come on Guv, lets drift down the bar.

Yes, Press Line Monitoring involved long hours which, in turn, developed a close team of pals and
resulted in a great sense of satisfaction upon its successful launch. And we had fun!

Rogan Meadows

Remembering ISTEL Page: 7