Samuelson Film Service

MESSAGE BOARD

REG SUTTON

REG SUTTON, a very special man – to his family, to his colleagues in Sound, particularly to his own staff and, most definitely, to me. I am not the one to record here the detail of a Chief of Sound's lifetime technical achievements, others will surely be doing that, I merely want to refer to the significance of his 28 years contribution to the Samuelson companies – of which fairly well known group he was General Manager.

During his career, I consider Reg stamped his influence on three principal organisations, perhaps all describable as 'iconic', but in different ways. Firstly, it was the BBC in the West Country, then as Senior Recordist, British Movietonews and lastly, for much the longest period, Samuelsons.

My own respect for the expertise and experience of Reg came about very early during the development of my company. I had perceived an industry need for an up to date, efficient sound service to match what we were already doing with camera rental and it was Reg who put a new department together. It started with a single Leever-Rich 'Synchropulse' recorder together with various types of microphones for location work. Although originally housed in one room at the back of our shop in The Burroughs, Hendon, it was the reliability of the gear, the standard of service he introduced - and which was maintained by the technicians in his department - which ensured our successful progress. We offered state-of-the-art equipment as it became available – Perfectone and Nagra recorders and Westrex Sound Transfer. Later, Reg masterminded into our new building in Cricklewood, the first Westrex 'Rock and Roll' 16mm dubbing theatre. I do believe our company introduced the very first radio mikes for location work (which immediately revolutionised the filming for the Candid Camera contract which we had at the time).

I can never forget the circumstances when Reg agreed to join me in the very early days of 'Samuelson Film Service'. I had worked with him occasionally during his Movietone days and we had, I suppose, mutual regard for each other. Certainly the fact that we could both see the funny side of things when we were working with difficult clients and all was not going well, was helpful in this respect. In the 1950's, Reg was well situated, career-wise, having a fascinating and very senior staff job with Movietone (a 20^th Century Fox company, no less) with security and a pension to look forward to. I asked him if he would consider joining my small (five person) business and, amazingly, he did. How lucky I was that this fine technician was prepared to take such a risk with his future.

My good friend was not only our Chief of Sound, he was also our 'Chief of Staff', even the first licensee of our pub, The Magic Hour, at the Production Village in Cricklewood. Apart from being such a splendid techie, Reg was a brilliant administrator, a person who contributed a great deal to the development of Samuelsons over many years. My brothers and I have much respect and affection for his memory.

Sydney Samuelson

Fond Memories of Reg Sutton

We have heard the sad news that dear old Reg Sutton has passed away at the grand old age of 93. He was with the Samuelsons from Movietone days in the 1950's, when some of us were just a twinkle in our parents eyes! Ah.. he was a nice man.

He wanted to get to the reunion - now 2 years ago - but at the time was living with his daughter in Castleknock, North Dublin. He was a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather.

And here are some extracts from his amusing emails as follows:

Am following your website and all the messages with great interest. give my regards to son of brad, last time i saw him was in the mid 60s. i remember with affection all the fellows i had in my sound dept over many years and it is with regret that i shall not be there to meet some of them and sink a few pints. i am at loss for words for my caring for the samuelson brothers and families, i had 27 years of sheer delight playing my part in the growth of the company. one story - even before we started at the burroughs i sometimes moonlighted from movietone when sydney, still at bushey askd me to do sound with him on one of his private jobs. he always said "how much do you want?" I always said " how much do you want to pay me?!" He would tell me and i accepted. He would be interested to know now that it was always much more than i would have asked for!

Out in the sticks I am enjoying reading all the messages sent in by the Sammites, bringing back many happy memories of my years with Sydney, seems like yesterday !! I am sorry that I shall not be able to make the journey to Elstree, the spirit is willing but the body is weak though something like Johnny Walker I keep going (with his help). I shall look forward to reading all about the rave up and even watching a film if you can find someone to keep it in focus. OK for sound !

And after the Reunion:

By the sound of it you all had a great day on Sunday, I was thinking of you all whilst watching the wombles in Wimbledon.

I can name all the folks on the Burroughs dvd and now i remember it being made back in the early sixties.

And the last email I received......

Just having a wee tot and thinking of you all. luv reg.

And here are just a few tributes and memories of the late great Reg Sutton:

From Paul Lake:

We used to talk Football. It was 1979 and Reg used to send me home 30 minutes early on Thursdays so that I could attend training.
Its funny how small acts of kindness stay with you. I will always have fond memories of Reg.

From Karl Roberts:

That is sad to hear - I remember his cigar filled office and the banter between him and Celia & Sylvia.

From Richard Bradburn:

Sad indeed. Fond memories of Reg

From Andrew Holland:

Well that's a fine old innings - Gawd bless 'im !

From Roger Watling:

That is so sad, the end of another era.

From Richard Wareham:

Sorry to hear this. He was a nice bloke & very genuine.

From Simon Broad:

A grand age to reach.

From Don Brown:

it would be 39 years ago that I met Reg when he offered me a job in the Sound Maintenance Dept.

From Maureen Godfrey:

That's sad about Reg, I remember him on my first day at Sammies and he was really kind. It was just a pity he couldn't make the reunion but I bet he was glad it took place.

Fond Memories of Gerry Down

One of the British Navy's finest, dear Gerry Down has finally given his last salute to us all. We are very sad to inform you that Gerry passed away early in December in Southampton Hospital. He moved to Lymington after his wife, Rene, died and left Sammy's around the same time.

The ruddy complexion, huge smile and meticulous attention to detail was Gerry's trademarks along with a good bottle of whiskey and very long telephone conversations!

Larger than life, he will be missed.

Fond and Funny Memories of Tony Samuelson

From: John & Rosie Rendall

That is indeed very sad news. Obviously sudden and so soon after seeing him at the reunion, where he seemed fine.

Many happy (and interesting!) memories of him at work. We also met him at the Hampton Court Flower Show a couple of years ago where he was standing by his exhibit, namely the upended Bentley with plants growing out of it.

From: Max Browne

Sad news indeed about Tony but the Reunion was a reminder of happy times in a great family company that thrived in a way that probably couldn't now with the ruthless dominance of accountancy driving the multinationals!

From: Debbie Nyman

No-one can think of Tony without a smile and a sudden remembrance of a funny moment.

Walking through the main desk area, I passed by Tony and said "Good morning. "How are you?" He didn't reply, so I walked on.

Two days later, walking through the main desk area, Tony was there and turned to me saying, "I'm very well, thanks!"and the time he decided to run as an MP up north. In order to drum up some publicity, he got hold of 'Swampy', who with the aid of a few friends, managed to hoist the vertigo suffering, Tony, to the top of a huge tree by tying one end of the hoist to the back of a Volvo, whilst Carol Samuelson and I, hiding in a car, watched in horror!

There is no-one that comes near to Tony's remarkable exploits.

From: Karl Roberts

I'm very sad to hear of the death of Tony, if he had not crashed landed a helicopter on me dads farm I would have never made it into the film industry! Who will ever forget the Production Village, The Magic Hour and the Hogg's Grunt? He had a fantastic blog that I guarantee you'll find fascinating:http://www.samuelson.co.uk/blog/

From: Bob Campbell

When I came to Sammies for my interview the late great Karl Kelly took me upstairs to one of the offices at Cricklewood and Tony came in, cake in hand. He asked me a few questions while munching his cake and a small mountain of crumbs began to build up on his jumper. He didn't quite understand why I had left Rolls Royce in Scotland and moved 400 miles to work in London!

This was my introduction to the British Film Business and what fun it has been through all the ups and downs. It was and still is full of amazing characters. Sadly another great has passed away but I won't forget him.

THIS IS NOT AN ABANDONED WEBSITE!

We do have plans to update the website and keep it going but as you can appreciate, it does take some doing, not to mention the old time factor.

We had great plans to re-launch in January but work got in the way and has also delayed getting the DVD compiled of the fabulous reunion!

An email will be sent to all as soon as we re-launch - it may take a few more months but keep watching this space!

Message from: Dee Slade (nee Wynne)

For some strange reason I was on google and decided to look up "Samuelson" - I am so so sorry to have missed the 2009 Reunion and knew nothing of it.

I was at Samuelson, NW2 from about 1966 then known as Dee Wynne (the one who got into trouble for wearing "hot pants". I worked in the accounts with Denzil, did the Panavision contracts for then "Mr Sydney" and have such fond memories and the Christmas parties had to be the best……we also managed the "Load of Hay" in Hendon as well

I then work for the lovely Sid Roberts at Samcine Sales…

Please include me in any updates or Notice Board details.

In fact my daughter, now 24 has just finsihed her degree from Wimbledon College of Art in Film & Stage Set Design and is doing her best to break into the industry! Not an easy task.

CARRY ON AGAIN SAMMY'S:

If you missed out, we have a 2 DVD pack for sale at £20 which can be obtained via: debbie@samuelsonfilmservice.co.uk

"Carry on Again Sammy's" compiled by Karl Roberts and Steve Campbell:

First DVD includes the following tracks:

"Carry on Again Sammy's" hilarious soundtrack to archive footage of The Burroughs, Samcine House and The Heist, as well as a gallery edit of some of the photographs from the website. The Chain Gang filmed in Cricklewood Broadway, Clapper Board Parts 1 & 2 - 50 min documentary made by Granada, Samuelson Corporate Video 1987 - Presented by Emma Samms.

And DVD No. 2:

1990 & 1991 Christmas Videos filmed at Greenford.

Message from Gary & Cynthia Davis:

We have just heard today about the Samuelson Reunion and are sorry that we did not know that it was happening. We are delighted for David, Sydney and Anthony and of course the many ex-Sammy's employees who attended that it was such a success.

Please do send our very best wishes to David, Sydney and Anthony and let them know that we think of them often with very high regard.

Kind wishes,

Cynthia Davis - ex-secretary to David Samuelson and Gary Davis, ex Samuelsons/Samuelson Sight and Sound/Samuelson Communications.

Message from Chris Determann:

It was good to see you and many of the others last Sunday, and I'm glad I persevered with getting my shift changed to able to attend. The two who I was thinking would definitely be there, Dave Paige. and Richard Gleeson (Rich told me of the thing in the first place), were not; but then there were so many others (eg. the Faley clan) and news of others who I did not expect or forgot about, and it was good to catch up with them!

Thanks again for all your efforts in getting the whole thing together, and sorry to have had to go quite so early, but I had 4.30 am start on the Monday.Gone are the days when I could just go through (or late into) the night, and be perfectly fine for work early the next day! Too sensible now!

I loved your comment about having had the do when you did, bearing in mind the advancing years of some!!

Message from Gregory Bruce:

Thank you for a great day debbie. I have fond thoughts of my times at sammys and think it is such a shame that time has to move on. shirley is a great friend of mine and think we both salute you.

Message from Kit Greveson:

Apologies for taking so long to thank you (and the rest of the committee) so much for organising last Sunday's beanfeast. It was great and you should feel proud that your efforts were so rewarded. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and, although never actually employed by Sammies, met lots of people from way back when. Really good to catch up with Hilary and Anna amongst others and of course Jane. Didn't really get an opportunity to chat with you but you were always dashing about making sure everything was going well - which it was.

Please include me in any other 'do'. And thanks again.

Love, Kit

Message from Mary Barrett:

I am so disappointed I could not make it, I suffer from migraine and of all the weeks I had a particular bad bout last week still not 100 percent.I will be checking the website looking for familiar faces no doubt I will feel a ting of sadness, I was so looking forward to meeting old friends and chatting about the good old days.

Message from Sue O'Reily:

I just wanted to thank you for a great day on Sunday, it was so lovely to see the Samuelson family and everyone.

Posted letter from Brian Mason:

On behalf of Dick Sadler and myself, I would like to thank you and all involved in the organisation of the "Sammies Reunion".

So many old friends who had lost contact since retirement were reunited (and I was able to recognise without name tags even with change of hair colour or in some cases loss of it) and are now going to keep in touch from all over the country.

Many times on Sunday glasses were raised to absent friends - Marshall Martin, Len Watts, Fred Smith, the Helps Brothers, Tom O'Carroll, Mick Johnstone, Don Harris, Dennis Rossario, Doris Irvine, Karl Kelly, Harry Taggart, Bill Woodhouse, Bill Vickers and my apologies to those I have not mentioned.

I'm sorry I could not put this on your website (but feel free to do so if you wish) but I still have trouble with a mobilephone, let alone a computer.... sorry my mind is begging to wander as the Tesco lady has just walked in and I'm sure the belt on my trousers is wider than the skirt she is wearing! Must go as my hand writing is getting shaky! Thanks again, Brian Mason Staff No. 66Reply from "The Guvnor" Nice to know there's nothing wrong with your eyesight!

Message from Jeannette 'The Queen' Charles:

I enjoyed the day, what a lovely gathering and our Speech was a well-kept secret and seemed to go down very well. Any rich people there that need me for a job in the future; A Party of some kind?

Message from Eddie Dias:

Debbie and the Team. First Class job done by all In the words of MEWS Thank you, Thank you , Thank you. Sorry I did not get the chance to chat with all my old friends, just not enough time.

Message from Roger Watling:

Well done team, what a great day. Would love to stay in touch with everyone.

Telephone message from Hilary Schneiders:

Just rang to congratulate you on a really enjoyable afternoon Sunday. I think you did a wonderful job, you and your crew. It was really, really good and I think everybody had a great time.

Telephone message from David Samuelson:

Debbie, You must be very proud and pleased with yourself with the success of yesterday. It was really fabulous and what I thought was so good was everybody seemed to be enjoying all their fellow staff members and I think that was marvellous. Very, very successful. Anyway congratulations and a very, very big thank you. I look forward to the next one.

Message from Havey Harrison:

So sorry I didn't make it, I tried desperately but when arrived at the M25 by the A3 it was completely at a standstill and people were out of their cars on the motor way so it I would have been stuck in a jam for I don't know how many hours, so then I tried to go around the back and couldn't get through Hampton Court because there was a 'blooming' flower show on so I got stuck in a jam there - so at this point I had to give up - I really did want to be there and I'm choked I missed it.

I do hope you all had a good time and thanks once again for asking me.

Hope to see you soon one day, all the best.

Message from Reg Sutton:

Dear Debbie, Many thanks for your message just seen and for the DVDs you are sending. By the sound of it you all had a great day on Sunday, I was thinking of you all whilst watching the wombles in Wimbledon. Seventy years ago last Monday I was married (eloped) so my thoughts were elsewhere that day. back to normal now- time marches on. I have looked in at the Queen, one needs to hear the voice for the full effect. You and your team did a mighty fine job and deserve much praise Thanks for keeping in touch, love Reg.

Message from Richard Wareham:

Glad it went well, real shame I couldn't be there.

Aside from those I knew who were attending, were Bill Ross, Steve Evans, Max, Nick Kulman, Mark Warner, Daryl Corbett, Barry Measure there? I do & I don't want to know the answer (coz I'll feel even worse!), but tell me anyway.

Message from Suphali Unn:

Just a quick note to congratulate you on your wonderful work in getting everyone together last Sunday. Must admit I was reluctant in going nearer the time, but am glad I made the effort. Was nice to see everyone again after such a long time. Made mistake of staying with the Sam Comms lot too long, didn't get to meet the rest of Sammies before they all started to leave, perhaps next year????????

Let us know when you or Karl upload all the pictures on the website, it'd be good to see who turned up on the day.

Once a gain Deb, well done!

Catch you soon hopefully.

Best regards,

Suphali

Message from Johnny Goodman:

Thanks to all the committee for organizing such a truly memorable day, it was so lovely to catch up with old colleagues and we all looked so young!! haven't changed a bit.

Message from Gail Samuelson:

To Debbie, Shirley, Andrew and all the gang!

Well done - amazing event today - be proud of yourselves.

Looking forward to the next one.......

Message from Scott Russel:

I just wanted to say thank you for yesterday.

You and your team did a fantastic job on the reunion.

It really was a very special day and also a little bit emotional seeing so many old friends.

Once again well done and if there is a mailing list for next time please put my name on it.

Take Care.

Message from Guy Green:

Just a quick note to thank you for a very enjoyable and memorable day yesterday. It was great to see so many old faces, including mine! Loved all the archive footage, band, food, etc. Congratulations to you and your team. You must all have worked so hard to pull this off. Can't wait for the next one !!!!

Message from Jane Curtis:

Just wanted to say thank you and what an amazing job you and your team did in organising yesterday's reunion. I know how stressful event organising can be!

It was so great (and nostalgic) seeing faces from the past and even more lovely to see David, Sydney and Doris, and Tony. My only wish would have been that Michael could have been there too.

Message from John Venables:

I thought yesterday was fantastic, I saw so many people that I hadn't seen for at least 20-30 years. I think you did a great job.

Message from Abbie Ewen:

Many thanks for the lovely day on Sunday. It was great to see some old friends from Sammy's, you did a great job to put the show on and once again thanks.

Paul Smith here:

Lighting Camera in the animation world - I worked as a driver and in the camera Dept 1980/84. See you on Sunday

Message from Graham Twyman, son of Syd Twyman:

I found the Samuleson website by chance today and thought I'd drop you an email. My father, Syd Twyman, worked for Samuelsons for over 30 years. He was based in Cricklewood and then Greenford after they moved. Sadly, my Dad passed away 2 weeks ago. Not sure if you knew my Dad or not, but just wanted to say that he always spoke about Sammy's with great affection - having spent the majority of his career working there.

He would have been delighted to hear of a "reunion" and I'm sure he would have attended. After he retired in 1998, he lost contact with his colleagues and friends, largely due to his poor health. 2 years prior to his retirement, he was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease and battled the next 13 years of his life trying to cope with this debilitating illness. If anyone knew my Dad, or has any old photographs of him, I would be delighted to hear from them.

Unfortunately I go on holiday the day before the reunion. This is a shame, as I would like to have met anyone who worked with my Dad and also see the video footage.

We have some old photo's at home of my Dad and Bill Woodhouse which I'd be glad to scan and pass onto you. We also have lots of old Samuelson's t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and other memento's that my Dad kept over the years. I rememember my Dad giving me a toy Corgi Samuelson's van as a child which I'm sure I still have somewhere.

If anyone wishes to contact me, please give them this email address grahamtwyman@gmail.com.

As I said, I would welcome copies of any old photo's or video footage of my Dad and would love to hear from anyone who knew my Dad and wanted to get in touch.

Message from Michael Matthews:

I was one of MEWS's camera assitants from 66 to 72, Andrea Goodman was Michael's PA at the time. Philip Measure actually trusted me with a float. Gerry Gosling introduced me into the company. Other assistants were, Tony Browning, Paul Hennessy, Barry Brown, Ron & Dave Drinkwater. It is said that we were a bunch of tearaways, and looking back that was probably a fair description. Bill the lens worked upstairs. Peter Clayton was on the desk. Len Randall & Danny ??? were drivers, Sharon Gold was in charge of the helicopter (Gilbert Chomat!)

Drummond Challis arrived on the scene in my later time with the company.

Terry Gould wa sthe cameraman who mentored us and turned us into mature people!

Message from Karl Roberts:

A scary fact has been pointed out to me. Do you remember that great big orange computer that ran the accounts? The ICL 2900 machine had only 2MB of memory! Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 5^th July. Any images you want posted email me at: karl@samuelsonfilmservice.co.uk

Message from Ann Maria Steer:

Hi, The Sharkeys are signing in. Only two left I am afraid and are both looking forward to seeing a few of the oldies. We will be there.

Message from Drummond Challis:

Have been busy with lambing and the farm in general. It sounds as if you have organized a great day at Elstree. What fun. Unfortunately I cannot make it but do give my best wishes to all the team.

Message from Paul Sharkey:

Look forward to meeting some old friends from many years ago. Haven't seen Dick Sadler and Reg Sutton for 30 years probably. Great Web Site.

Message from Tom Conlon:

Mark Moody kindly passed on the details of the 'Sammie's reunion', sadly I'm working, so can't be there- you might remember me as Bob Golds & Brian Kings Engineer before taking on the beastly GE Light valve.

Now running a small ( but perfectly formed Video Projection Hire Company) with Ollie Phipps here in Essex. I hope you all have a fantastic day and suffice to say I'll always look back at the Sammie's Days with fond memories- much nicer people in the business then !!!

Message from Bob Campbell:

Looking forward to seeing all the youngster's again!

Message from Gerry Down:

I'm very sorry I won't be able to be with you. I know you will have a wonderful day. Give my regards to the nice people I know.

LEFT HOLDING THE BABY....

Did you hear the story involving the late, great Philip Measure? On his way out of the building, he was asked by a young staff member, if he wouldn't mind just holding her baby for a few minutes. After some time, Philip got rather bored and went back upstairs and looked around. He was about to give up when he thought he'd check out the viewing theatre. He found the young lady in question but she was rather busy going through the kama sutra at the time with a game young man!

No names, no packdrill.....!

Message from Nicola Ross:

Unfortunately i cannot make the reunion as I will be away on a much needed girls weekend but I wish everyone all the best and hope that you all have a fab day.

I always think back fondly on my start at Sammy's. I was a freshfaced 16 year old helping out at Samfreight and luckily for me, the girl I was covering for decided to leave for a job on the hire desk and Shirley and Andrew asked me to stay on. Originally I was a bit scared of Andrew but soon learned that he had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, as would Shirley. I did used to make him cross though, always sneaking out to have a chat with Mary, Joan and Kathy on the switchboard!

The only thing I hated about Sammy's was staying behind to type an urgently needed carnet - boy was that place spooky at night!

Message from Pam Hughes with Barbara Joynson, Bill Lavender, Suphali Unn:

Looking forward to seeing all the old O.A.Ps. ha! ha!

Message from Maurice Picot:

Look forward to seeing old friends on Sunday 5th July.

Message from Harvey Harrison:

Thank you so much for the invitation! Would love to come it will be great to see everyone.

Message from Agis and Renos Louka:

I would love to attend the Sammies Reunion at Elstree. Looking forward to seeing many friends there.

Message from Brian Mason & Dick Sadler:

We are both looking forward to meeting old friends

Message from Derek Lee:

Looking forward to seeing many old friends at the Sammies Reunion 2009.

Message from Max Browne:

Looking forward to meeting up again.

Message from Tim Chester:

Looking forward to the Sammies Reunion.

Message from Mark Warner:

"Hi - as I am in the habit of knocking off at least ten years from my age, I can't possibly have worked at Sammies, so to all those people who don't remember me and whom I don't remember, I hope you have a great time at the reunion!

If I had worked at Sammies, I would probably remember swimming with Debs at lunchtimes; the great double-act of Paul and Clive in the camera department; Karl's sarcasm; and the parties on the narrow boat the best.

I left Sammies to travel and then ran my own bookshop in Norwich for many years. Two years ago I went back to the world of entertainment to be part of the management team of a theatre on a Pier and now I am about to return to the world of books.

Things change but good memories and good mates are always there to help along the way."

Message from Reg Sutton:

Out in the sticks I am enjoying reading all the messages sent in by the Sammites, bringing back many happy memories of my years with Sydney, seems like yesterday !! I am sorry that I shall not be able to make the journey to Elstree , the spirit is willing but the body is weak though something like Johnny Walker I keep going (with his help). I shall look forward to reading all about the rave up and even watching a film if you can find someone to keep it in focus. OK for sound! My best wishes to everyone for a most happy get together in July. Reg Sutton.

Dick Greaves used to be with the Household Cavalry before he came to Sammies as a driver, then was made Transport Manager and was called coq-au-vin (as in Big shot in the van) and later known as Grievous Bodily Harm! (Sydney).

Message from Andrew Holland:

May I propose a round of applause and rousing "hurrahs" for Debbie and Maureen !. It now sounds very exciting, and for the moment, the date has been entered within my "not so crowded" diary (lol).

Message from Bill Ross:

I was made redundant by Panavision end of Oct 08 & joined Ginger Creative as Business Relationships Manager end of Nov 08 & thoroughly enjoying it. I'm only working 3 days a week at the moment, which is also good. There's only 3 of us in the company, 2 designers & me, which is also very good.

Message from Don Brown:

Nice to see someone has done it and built a site, thought about doing it last year after contacting Sydney and Tony.

Best days of my life

Message from Peter Sullivan:

Hello, I was at Sight and Sound then Samcom from 1982-87, firstly on the second floor at Cricklewood Bdy then up at 120 Cricklewood lane. I was an AV technician working with the likes of Mark Moody, Steve Beschi, Andy Edwards, Stevie Warne etc etc. What great days and I still see Mark, Steve and Stevie regularly, we're all still out there freelancing in our various fields. I've got some great photos and will email them in a week or so. Please register me for use of the site and also keep me up to date with the reunion.

Message from Eddie Dias:

Work wise still touting lights! Now Panalux , Panavision Owned , AFM , Lee merged with AFM Management !!

Still fighting the good fight, just not one of the young guns anymore, more part of the establishment! Seems funny that MEWS has been gone 10 years this year, where does the time go?

Message from Sydney Samuelson:

Doris Samuelson did all the admin when they started and she had the children there too. When Johnny Goodman phoned to hire equipment, he heard the children in the background and asked whether it was a film equipment hire company or a nursery!! (Sydney).

Message from James Byrne:

I used to be the junior manager at The Production Village and recently Eddie Dias (formerly the manager at The Production Village) contacted me to make me aware of your planned summer reunion and of this website.

Message from Jane Curtis:

Thanks for letting me know. It's a wonderful thing you are doing.

Message from John Venables:

This could be good fun. This will span from the sixty's onwards.

Best wishes

Message from John Rendall:

Great web site.

Message from John White:

I heard on the grapevine re this party for Sammies old boys and girls. Also that there is a website with some piccies on but have been unable to find it. Give us a clue as to how to log on to it A Sammies old boy.

Message from Kevin Selway:

What a hoot! Really looking forward to seeing all the old cronies, and the really old cronies!!

Last time I saw John Harding he was in Bristol. At that time he had a video and sound rental company that he was running with his son.

Message from Madelyn Most:

I'll go through my diary and send a list, am seeing Ben on Monday and will mention it. Had a few conversations with Drummond a year or so ago, I have a tel. number for him I will send you.

Message from Martin Cayzer:

Sounds like a real hoot, and scary to compare some of those pictures from the 70's and 80's to the how we are now!

I don't think I'll be able to make it – I'm planning a trip back to the UK in September to coordinate with IBC in Amsterdam. However, plans change, so you never know. I'd love to combine it with a trip back to watch the Pom's beat the Aussies in the Ashes series in June/July so I can stop all the abuse from the locals!

Hope all's well, it's 34 degrees and sunny in Sydney (sorry, just sort of slipped out…….).

Message from Paul Lake:

What a great thing to do but sorry to say I won't be able to make it. I was in the UK over Xmas and just could not make another trip so soon.

I'm at Panavision in Auckland. Enjoying a wonderful summer (not work) but still missing the old country, snow and all.

Message from Ray Fisher:

You may or may not remember me, Ray Fisher from the Sammy's Cricklewood days. I was the shy skinny bloke in Camera Maintenance. I used to sit opposite Bob Smith. Anyway, I was thrilled to hear from Bob (the head) Evans that there is to be a Sammy's reunion this year. I'd love to be there, only problem is I now live in Australia, although I am still working for Panavision (my 26^th year in the industry).

I will be in London on the 6^th July until the 17^th but I may be able to move the dates around if I know when the reunion is to happen. It would be great to see everyone (who's still with us).

Reminders of Sammy's still feature in my life, Martin Cayzer is the MD of PV Australia. Paul Jackson is also here and I used to work with Paul Lake in New Zealand. Plus a lot of the equipment cases still have Sammy's on them. I sometimes think I still work for them.

Please get in touch to let me know the details of the party. Samuelson's was such a massive part of my life it would be a shame to miss this opportunity to celebrate what I still consider one of the greatest companies a person could work for, although I didn't realize it at the time.

Second message from Ray Fisher:

Thanks for letting me know the date so soon. Would you believe I will be in Spain on that day (I'm attending my cousin's wedding), I get back to London on the 6^th. Damn!!! I knew this would happen. Needless to say I am incredibly disappointed at missing out by one day. Oh well, It would be have been great to catch up with you all. Maybe by some miracle Elstree may have to move the date to the next week, unlikely as it is. Hopefully I'll be catching with Bob Smith, Bob Evans and Dave Paige anyway so maybe I'll have a mini reunion.

I look forward to seeing the party pics. Good luck with it all; it must be a logistical nightmare.

Message from Reg Sutton:

What do you want to know? Is there enough space on this gadget for all I know of sammies? Starting from the burroughs in 1960 when there were we four - Sydney, Mrs Gillon, Marshall Martin and myself or further back from his house in Crespigny Road with just Sydney and myself.

I have lived for ten years in the Emerald Isle with my widowed daughter at Castleknock in north Dublin. She married an Irishman and has been here for forty years. I have two grandaughters, Samantha is 34 has my great grandson James now one year old. Caroline 29 is getting married in June at Potters Bar. I have a daughter-in-law, grandaughter Emma and grandson Jonathan. Sadly my son peter died last August 24th. He was sound mixer and won an Oscar for Star Wars Empire Strikes Back.

Message from Richard Wareham:

Yes I'm looking forward to it with a mixture of excitement & trepidation!

I may have a couple of old photo's which I could post on the site.

Message from Simon Broad:

Unlikely that I will be able to get there – although it is the day after America celebrates Independence, particularly poignant in an Obama election year – but I passed the link on to others such as Lloyd Saunders who works in our NY camera servicing department.

Hope you are having more fun that we are at present. I hold the current SAG negotiators in contempt after so many months of feeling the impact of their actions – or lack of them.

Message from Steve Warne:

If I manage to find any old photos in the loft where should I send? See you at the reunion.

Message from Tony Covell:

I worked at Sammies in the Vicarage with Bill Vickers, Karl Kelly and John Buckley to name but a few. We all became lifelong friends. The years were 1967/8/9. I was a Sammies employee on location on, Under Milkwood; You can't win them all; Papillon; The Message; Til 1972. I have lots more history of Sid Roberts [sales] Dennis Rosario [stores] I still have a Doris mug!!

Message from Sharon Gold:

Loved the invite !!! really is a great idea !!! Let's do it whilst we still remember we worked for SFS. By the way when Jon Shepherd contacted me I said tell me what SFS stands for so I know you are the guy I think you are!!! Who would have thought it - SFS - being used as ID!

Message from Mick Donovan:

I remember when I was on the main desk in about 1986 Sammies made a promotional/anniversary film on a Panaglide camera; Michael sitting on the back stairs, looking glum & in Chains, Barry & Guy locked into their office etc. etc. & the soundtrack was Sam Cooke singing "Chain Gang" or similar, good fun though. I just wondered if anybody might know where it might be-if it still exists. If it turns up it might be fun to show it, although I realise you must have your plate full-but you were a good secretary were you not!

I was very sad to read of Michael's death. I think of the amount of people that he gave their first chance to, untold I should think. I thought he was a bit of a spiv, however that was what I liked about him [I remember Liz Fraser the actress waiting for him on the loading bay with her dog!]. His language could be terrific, especially at 8 am in the morning or when arguing with one of the other brothers, great stuff! I still remember the day he told me I was going into the camera dept. while driving him to the West End in a camera car-he wasn't fussy sometimes. [I was called Mike in those Days-amongst other things.]

Message from George Gibbs:

l look forward to the party at Elstree. l won two Oscars and three BAFTA`s for films l worked on at Elstree Studios. It has been a lucky Film Studio for many of us in the industry.

Message from Andrea & Johnny Goodman:

Johnny tells me "many years ago (too many to remember! ) he met a nice young bloke in a pub who said he had bought his own Arri so he could hire himself out with his own equipment. Johnny

therefore offered him a few days work at £10 per day. His name was Sydney Samuelson!!" Sydney often has fun introducing JG to new people as his ex employer…

Message from Greg Apprey:

"I got onto the website and worked my way through the archive material and laughed my head off! Don't know what the neighbours thought…

Message from Mick Donovan:

I think it's great… it's so Sammies, no credit/debit cards, just cheques.. makes me feel quite nostalgic!

Message from Hilary Schneiders:

I hope we're all going to be wearing name badges!