Our Working Lives

My Working Life - John McGrann

This is a summary of my jobs and recollections of people and places.

British Oxygen - 1976

I worked as  a production control analyst with Ron Mason, Pat Consett, Pam, Jim and Steve Basnett. I vaguely remember the first Xmas office party in Wigan...

Eurafric Trading Company - 1978

The company was located in the Liver Buildings and belonged to the Dickensian era! It was a terrible place! No wonder Alan Gough of Derry and I frequented 'Ye Hole In The Wall' so often....we got sacked after a long lunchtime session...then went back to the 'Hole' with our pay..! 

Post Office - 1980

I worked in several Liverpool Crown Offices. I met some good lads in those days especially Tommy Brocklehurst. Also Steve James, Tony Smith and Chris at Everton Valley. Also Gerry Henesy a mate of Tommy's. I remember may a Liverpool game with Tommy and Pete McIntosh too.

Berni Hotels and Restaurants - 1983

I was married now and we ran Bernis in Eastcote, Bromley, Hayes and Canterbury.

The hours were very long but it was a rewarding job as a general manager. I worked for a good guy Vince Bellam who later went to Domino Pizzas. I remember fondly so many people; Carol and Barry Stevens, Armando and Sharon Cioffi, Charlie and Anna Smullen, Bob and Elaine Hanley, Terry and Muriel Carelton,  Liz Hand, louise Hammond and Tom Van Der Meulen, and many lovely people at the George (Hayes) and the Tudor Tavern (Canterbury).

The managers went to 'Ladies Day' at Ascot a few times...I don't recall seeing any horses but the bars were good!

Ministry of Defence - 1993

I worked as an accountant in Catterick. Longtown and Warrington. The MoD was a huge bureaucracy and things moved very slowly but I met many nice people who gave long service.

I met Aldo Gaeta and Charlotte Copeland there and we are friends to this day. Also in Catterick I recall Sarah Houghton, Alba Killick, Clive Layfield, Tony Hills and Margaret Baister too.

In Longtown I worked for a  gentleman in Colonel Chris. It was a very cosy place and I lived in the Officers' Mess. The staff there were very nice. I worked with Paul Culley and Ann Lamont and we got on well.

In Warrington.

I worked for Ken Wray at the Defence Housing Executive. Sadly, Ken died and we were all very upset. Fond memories of some lovely people there: Diane, Chris, Jo, Paul, Richard, Sarah, Ann, Paula, Sandy and many more...    

General Electric - 1998

It was great fun working at the HQ on Oracle consultancy projects and support. I met lots of people from Europe and the USA including Jana, Merv, Tom, Caroline, Greg, Angela, Paul, Muriel, Pascal and many more.  

Canon Europa - 2002

More Oracle work in Amsterdam. A great location and lots of nice people. I got on well  with John Z, Hans, Olivier, Mike, Eric, Sebastien, Glen, John T and Martina...   

Saudi Telecom  - 2003

This was different! Worked for a terrible comapny Atos Origin. More Oracle work and HR buisness. Met some good guys Paul, Grant, Graham, Haiyan and Taleb. I moved on after the bombings to Cyprus...