Tim Marsden My Job Talk

Tim Marsden gave his 'My Job' Talk to the Club.

Tim gave a slightly different slant to his “My Job” talk. He split it into three parts.In the first he spoke briefly about his career at the Ministry of Defence and BAE systems, Radway Green. At Radway he served as an apprentice and qualified as an Engineer.He worked in many areas of the Defence industry around the country ending up in the Sales and Marketing Department. He’d thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of working at a big organisation but “ when the Company shoved large wads of money in my direction to accept voluntary redundancy, I jumped at the opportunity to start my own Design Business.” Commercial Artists has now been in existence for 25 years and he still carries out work for the Defence industry as well as customers in the Renewable Energy sector and Education.

The second and main part of Tim’s talk was a fascinating history of the building of Radway Green and it’s crucial work during the second World War.It was built as Ordnance Factory Number 13 in 1940.The site was chosen as it was in a secluded area and on the periphery of Nazi Radar and at the limits of heavy bombers.It was an enormous complex,which even housed its own Morgue.There was an underground shelter( for the top management only) and an electric fence to deter trespassers and enemy agents.At its height, in 1942, the factory employed 15,000 people, mostly women.They worked three shifts a day,7 days a week,producing 15 million rounds of .303 ammunution every week.

Tim emphasised that Radway Green played a key part in providing ammunition for the allies.Including for the Battle of Britain and the D Day landings.

In the third part of his talk Tim returned to his own time at the Factory and his meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh during a Royal Visit to the site.He was one of a handful of apprentices chosen to have lunch with the Royal visitor.They were all told that they shouldn’t begin any conversation but join in when the Duke raised a subject.After the meal Prince Philip asked the other guests if they had any questions before he left.

Before he could stop himself Tim blurted out “What did you think of the Profiteroles? “Afterwards Tim was quizzed by one of the Duke’s minders but refused to divulge what the answer had been.It’s destined to remain a mystery as Tim stayed tight lipped during the questions after his talk.

I think some members concluded that, behind the moustache, Tim himself remains something of a man of mystery.

Phil Pinnington