My Years with The Press( 1958 – 2000)
When I left school my first job was a van boy with George Outram, publishers of The Glasgow Herald, Evening Times and The Bulletin.
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In 1960, I was promoted upstairs to work as a copy-boy and learn to be a sub editor( journalist) with The Bulletin. Unfortunately, in 1961 this ceased publication so instead I became head boy at the post desk in the main front office and delivered mail to the various departments in the building.
My best opportunity came when I was offered a full-time position in the Telecommunications Department known as the Wire and Picture Room where we received news and pictures from around the world.
My work included going on Mobile breaks covering the Open Golf Championship, the Seal cull on Orkney and the Pope’ s visit to Bellahouston to name a few. I had a mobile transmitter to send back to the office the photographs taken by the photographer. How technology has changed!!!
During my time in the Wire Room the Company moved from Mitchell Street to Albion Street, the home of the Express with newer and more modern equipment. In the early nineties, the Wire Room became the Graphical Reproduction Department( GRD) and colour was introduced. Five years on we were trained with Apple Computers and became the Imaging Suite. In 2000 further training was to take place and I decided that after 42.5 years with the Company I would take early retirement.
To the astonishment of the management I had never throughout my working life had any time off for being unwell!!
After a year, East Renfrewshire Council were advertising for school crossing patrollers(“ lollipop people”) and 17 years later I’ m still taking Nursery to Primary 7 across the road.
Maybe one day I’ ll retire permanently!!!
George Trotter