In late 1944 a plan for an atomic energy research establishment in England began to emerge, as the home of our scientists on their return from the wartime Anglo-French-Canadian atomic laboratory in Montreal. In bomb-damaged Britain the only means of getting a flying start for such an establishment was to take over a major airfield with its engineering workshops, roads, water supply and above all large hangars for large nuclear machines. It was judged at the time that the airfield had to be near the universities of either Oxford or Cambridge. Cambridgeshire sites were ruled out for one reason or another and the final choice lay between Benson and Harwell. The Station Commander at Benson argued convincingly that his site was too near a considerable number of houses; so the Downs above Harwell were chosen. The Air Ministry handed over on 1st January 1946.
The first Director of A.E.R.E. or Harwell, as it has come to be known, was Sir John Cockcroft, formerly director at Montreal. At the outset the establishment had no terms of reference other than the blueprint in his mind. This was to cover the whole nuclear fuel cycle from prospecting instruments for uranium through the production of uranium hexafluoride and metal to the handling of spent reactor fuel, and to isotopes for industry and medicine. Fifty per cent of the effort was to be basic research, and fifty per cent was to support power production research. The Government struggled to organise an overall nuclear programme which covered the research at Harwell, the work at the engineering establishments in the north and the weapons organisation which was about to be sited at Aldermaston. The whole complex was put under the control of the Atomic Energy Authority in 1954.
With the adoption of the first nuclear power programme in 1955, boosted in 1956-57 by the Suez crisis, A.E.R.E. grew to a total strength of over 6,000 workers spread over nearly 100 buildings. The site was becoming unwieldy and in quick succession, the National Institute for Research in Nuclear Sciences (now Science & Engineering Research Council) on the adjacent site in Chilton, a new reactor site at Winfrith in Dorset and a fusion establishment at Culham were formed.
By 1959 the United Kingdom nuclear power programme was slowed down, as it did not have the lead over coal and oil which had been expected. For the remaining programme, engineering effort was wanted, rather than more basic science. An act of Parliament allowed A.E.R.E. to diversify into some non-nuclear research, but further Government cuts in 1970 made A.E.R.E. attempt to get more work from commercial firms. The then Director, Walter Marshall (later Chairman of the C.E.G.B.) set about this and by 1974 achieved what had seemed to be impossible goals in selling science for hard cash. Manpower on the site was stabilised at over 4,000 and rose back to 4,500 by 1980. Major contracts secured have ranged from robot inspection of the country’s natural gas pipelines to the radiographic inspection of jet engines, and from the automatic sensing of defects on railway track to desalination in Hong Kong.
The Atomic Energy Research Establishment has had an enormous effect on its surrounding area. From 1931 to 1951 the population in nearby villages nearly doubled, while those further afield in Berkshire and Oxfordshire fell. There was almost the same rate of growth in Wantage and Abingdon. By 1985 A.E.R.E. was drawing its work force from towns up to twenty miles away; the whole of this area was covered by its own bus service that brought in one third of the workers. Total annual expenditure on the site was more than £90 million, of which £50 million comes from sales, mostly of research and development. It was one of the largest, if not the largest, research establishment in Europe.
Professor Skinner, one of the first senior scientists at A.E.R.E. commented upon the prefabs in verse (with apologies to Goldsmith):
Foul Harwell, ugliest village of the downs,
Where labs and aluminium prefabs sprout
And houses camouflaged in green and brown
Their military architecture shout.
Bruce Whitehead says
Would like to share my memories of Harwell 1957-1960. Contact me at brucewhitehead008@gmail.com
Eileen says
Did you know a young man called Alan Morris from County Durham?
Alan Morris says
Hello Eileen,
I was idly leafing through refs. to Harwell with no specific purpose other than curiosity when imagine my surprise to see my name mentioned & related to your whereabouts query.
I know several ladies named Eileen, but am unable to place you without a surname & so much of that time is c60 years ago.
John Botterill (Chessington) says
Did you originate from Seaham. If so a friend of mine wonders how you’re getting on.
Anne Spencer nee Constantine says
Yes I know Alan Morris and his wife Annette, . He was our best man when we married in 1962! Ray Spencer – Wack – died in Dec 2017.
I worked in MRC outside the wire
Connie/Anne
Kevin Sanders says
Yes I worked with Alan in B220 for a while
Chris Manford says
I worked in B220 from 1967 to 1970. My first real job. I was very happy there.
Sue Goulding says
Hi did you know an electrical engineer called Cecil Rhodes Basford (Oscar nickname) he worked there for 25 years
Brandi says
I would love to know.
Nancy says
Hello! My sister just shared this site with us today. Our maiden name (which I currently use) is Harwell. We’ve never researched our genealogy before. I was born/raised in Illinois with 2 siblings. I currently reside in Texas.
Gerard G. Vaughan says
Hi Nancy
Google found me this site.
Being an “Electrical” apprentice with the research establishment at Harwell 1964 to 69 – was the best 5 years- apart from the 20 here in Bulgaria since 2006 ! I thought I would try Google at finding others from those happy days.
All the best !
Jennifer Whatley says
Hey
I’m looking for information and photos from 80s and 90s. My family lived at 28 Avon Rd just on outskirts or AERE Site. Whatleys and Nickerson’s. We went to Chilton Primary School
richard connock says
My dad Jim Connock worked at Harwell up until 1958 before emigrating to Adelaide South Australia. How could I learn more about what he worked on ? Rick Connock email r.connock@hotmail.com
Webmaster says
Richard. Try finding a copy of Harwell: The Enigma Revealed by Nicholas Hance MBE.
“The history of Harwell, told for the first time, has been published in a Coffee-Table style book, glossily produced on high quality paper, containing over 300 rarely seen and historic photographs covering the war years of RAF Harwell and the ensuing nuclear research phase. It is told over 350 pages, in an A4 format publication containing Harwell’s history and eye-witness information supplied by hundreds of identifiable sources. It is a book with popular appeal and has already sold over 1500 copies in the UK and overseas.”
It’s out of print at the moment, and I can’t see any copies available online second hand, but a library may have a copy.
Richard Connock Adelaide Australia says
Thankyou. I found a copy in Waterstone’s. it arrived last week, read cover to cover twice. Have emailed archives but no help yet. Any suggestions on who else might be happy to help me with finding out more, dads work included the manufacture of various types of vacuum plant & equipment, a wide variety of mechanisms & experimental rigs, required by various divisions at Harwell, such as high pressure vessels, remote control & recording mechanisms, components & assemblies, which are required for experimental rigs & modification etc, to projects such as Spectrometers, Wave Guide, tubes systems, Linear Accelerator, Cyclotrons. This entailed the working, prefabrication, machining, welding soft & hard soldering a wide variety of metals, plastics and working from drawings & hand sketches.
Andy Boyd says
I have a copy 🙂
Richard Connoxk says
My dad Jim Connock worked at Harwell between 1952 and 1958 and I have just been told he worked in Hangar 9 as an experimental research mechanic, what type of things did they work on in Hangar 9, any pictures available of that era in Hangar 9
Allen Walker says
I worked in Hanger 10 annex 10.5, Pile Radiation Chemistry Group, 1959-1964. We used the services of the H.9 guys, and they were superb engineers and machinists. At that time much of our work was completely experimental; we would design experiments to go into the BEPO reactor and put together something that seemed to work OK, but was obviously unsuitable to be inserted into a reactor. The H.9 guys turned our lash-ups into real engineering, even though they despaired over our so-called drawings! As a chemist I had the greatest admiration for their work, and I learned a great deal about engineering and machining from some of the men there. It was my first exposure to it, and stood me in good stead for the rest of my career. I also played rugby with some of them in AERE RUFC.
John Henry Woodhouse (Chummy) says
I was at Harwell from 1955 to 1963 and worked in Hanger 8. I also played rugby for Harwell. My nick name was “CHUMMY”. Do you remember me at all?
Eileen Gallagher says
My husband, John Gallagher, worked in Hangar 8 from 1946 until we left Harwell (prefabs) in 1956. Did you know him?
Jules Wallis says
Allen did you ever work with John Victor Lindsay Hopkins who worked from Abt. 1958-60?
John Victor Lindsay Hopkins (AKA Hoppy Hopkins/John Hoppy Hopkins) attended Emmanuel College in Cambridge to study Natural science and Physics. Rather than do National Service he chose employment with Atomic Energy Authority at Harwell from 1958-59/60 as a lab technician and worked in the reactor section (unsure how that worked not doing national service by being employed, does this depend what line of work or who you work for to avoid National Service?) However, Hoppy lost his security clearance following a jaunt to Moscow for a communist youth festival and peace mission when i believe he was arrested by KGB and taken to Finland.
What I am hoping to find and understand did every employee had to sign the Official Secret Act, did you ever hear about Hoppy and what was life there and if you had any photos or stories that you are allowed to share?
wallisjules@gmail.com
Looking forward to your reply
Stay Safe and Well
Best wishes
Gill Jasch says
Hi – Yes, my father, Geoff Sparke worked at Harwell as an engineer after the war and before 1949 until his retirement, I remember he wanted to take a cruise in the Baltic sea and it was refused due to security. I think they had to sign an ageeement not to visit the Communist countries..
Did anyone know him or what he did? He was not permitted to discuss it.
My Godfather Jo Stephenson was also there 1940‘s / 1950‘s. Anyone know him?
Paul Slinn says
Anyone remember Ray Slinn and Teddy King (of Didcot), both worked mid 50s to early 90s when retired. From Hanger 20, Dido, Bepo and Bleep. Also John Collier and Keith Johnson (wife still alive, I think, who we’ve been sending cards to at Christmas)
Richard Brickwood says
My Grandfather – Harold Owen Norwood was one of the Senior Engineers, possibly the Works Engineer, in Hangar 9 and worked on machining graphite – so probably one of your “real engineers” . Ring any bells?
ricjjhrd
Gerard G. Vaughan says
Hello Allan
I was an “Electical” apprentice there from 65 to 69, not counting the year Winfrith 64’65. We were told we would always remember those days. They were right ! It was a very wonderful place just to be.
All the best
GGV.
Bob Turner says
Bob Turner here now living in Australia. I worked in Hanger 9 until 1961 best job I ever worked at great experience
in machining and materials , I will never forget those days , long time ago now, have you heard from any of the other men from there.
Bob Turner
Gerard G. Vaughan says
Hello Bob
We had 6 months as Apprentices in the Electrical training shop H9. I would stand and watch those amazing maching operations ! I’m “half mechanical” !! I skipped P.E. Ga.es Tuesday afternoons at Winfrith, so they kept my toolkit and put it in the display cabinet for visitors!
All the best
GGV
John Gilks says
Richard
Hi
My dad, Bill Gilks, worked in Hangel 9 from 1948ish to 1957, when he moved on a promotion, to Culham.
We lived at 26 Hillside.
Names I remember;
Mr & Mrs Venn, who lived on Upper Hillside,
Coral and Dougie Greaves, my godparents, who lived (I think) at No 24 Hillside.
The Cockbains (pronounced cobain) who lived on Croft Road (Deborah was my first love, we were 5)
I’m trying to put my life into words, so that my kids and their children can at least learn about me, if they ever want to
Pete shepherd says
Would this be the John Gilks who worked at Didcot Power station.
My name’s Pete Shepherd and was there from 1970 to 1988.employed as a mechanical apprentice then fitter
John Gilks says
Yes it would
C Stagger, mechanical maintenance
I started with the CEGB in 1973 and did 5 years . . . .the CEGB was good to me.
Names, just to try and make some links;
Denis Healy . . .mechanical fitter on shift and shop steward
John Rockall . . .crane driver
Dave Rockall . . .fitters mate and crane driver C stagger (I think)
Clive May . . .C stagger mechanical fitter
Terry Rimen . . . A stagger (again, I think) mechanical fitter
If my memory serves (and it is a rubbish memory), weren’t you on shift?
Gerard G. Vaughan says
Good for you! Good idea !
My Dad had a job there (H7 – ZETA) mid 50’s, He was “The cleaner”. Very late home one evening/nite. Worried me to tears.
I had the luck to get onto the Apprenticeship scheme. I dont like to think what would have become of me without that – bizarre as things have been. I baled out of Britain back in 2006, for Bulgaria, ever since.
All the best
GGV
Brian Thomas says
Worked in the drawing office at Harwell, and also Culham, from 1971 to 1974. I remember Pat Lane, Jock Brownlee, someone called ‘Bunny’ Langton, Colin Freemantle. I was the Welsh chap! If anyone remembers, drop me a line! Brian Thomas.
Dave Quinton says
Brian I remember you from tec college, we were in the same lectures, you lived in Wantage, and pestered me for my “HOIST” do you remember me??
By the way it was Jack Brownlee not Jock. worked in Cusack`s D.O.
Dave Quinton
John Gilks says
Not a common surname in the area Brian, are you related to a family with the same surname that were in the area (Churn Estates Blewbury, then Aston Tirrold and then Didcot) and are still in Didcot
Initially, a farming family, Colin Quinton worked for the CEGB for about 25 years
I ask because I am related to the family
John Gilks
Gerard G. Vaughan says
Hello Dave
How it going ?
I’ve been trying to get a life together in Bulgaria since 2006 ! Some success recently, so the world appears to be about to go up in smoke as expected.
You could get me on Facebook “Gerard Gilbert Vaughan”
Google brought me here where I ran into Ray Hutt – who I’d clean forgotten ! – so I hope to hear from him soon – somehow. I suppose this site sends an notice on email.
Martyn says
Was Bunny one of the guys in the induction/training school, I was there in Sept ‘ 73 ?
Anthony Guglielmino says
Hi, I’m trying to find out about what my Grandad did at Harwell, His name was Horace Arnold Weston, if anyone can help, or could tell me where i might be able to find some information that would great, thanks.
Breda Kennedy says
Does anyone know anything about Sean Kennedy, an Irishman who worked at Harwell as Chief Scientific Officer until 1965?
John Dorins says
Hi Breda, is there any chance that Sean Kennedy was the one who donated the Irish language science book to the library at Harwell? Did he speak any Irish?
Breda Kennedy says
Yes, he was a native Irish speaker from West Kerry.
Gerard G. Vaughan says
Hi Breda. Power to the Irish ! They have a Job to do currently!
All the best
GGV
emma says
hello i am looking for a lady called Sandra Ann Bartlett, she would have worked here in the early 60s, can anyone help ??
Alec Inns says
Hi Emma, I know of a Sandra Ann Bartlett but she worked there in the early 70s. Are you sure about the date or can you provide me with more details about her please.
Emma says
Alec did you get my email that I sent last night ? Thanks
Peter Jason says
hi my daughter Emma wrote to you about Sandra, could you please tel me if she is OK??? she will be 71 this year i just hope she and all her family are doing OK? Yours Peter
Thijs van der Velden/Drs says
II like to correspond with my very old friend Brian Sammons,, professor, to remember Oakamoor and Zoutelande/Walcheren ca 1946.
Emma says
Yea it was prob the 70s do you have contact details for her or do you know her married name at least , many thanks
Alec Inns says
Hi Emma, It is best if you send me your contact details to alec@ajisi.demon.co.uk and I will forward them to Sandie.
Miss Sally Carr says
My father, John S. Carr, originally from South Island in New Zealand, worked at Harwell in 1951 and 1952.. I am his daughter, Sally Carr, and I was born in Henley-on-Thames in September 1951.
My father started working at Harwell, approx. early 1951, after studying/working at MIT, Boston. We arrived, by ship to Melbourne, Australia, in March 1953., for my father ‘s new position at Melbourne University in the Mining and Metallurgy Department.
My father signed The Officials Secrets Act, when he started working at Harwell. So he never talked about his work there.
My question, does anyone remember my father and we lived in Streatley , a small village on the Thames in Berkshire.
My father played cricket in Streatley. My mother is still alive and her name is Kathleen Carr. She is 94.
Charlotte Notcutt says
Hello, My Great Grandfather William James Burke worked for AERE most of his life, firstly in Winscale, then Harwell and finally Winfrith Heath. I would be very interested to find out what he did for the AERE if anyone could point me in the right direction. Thank you.
Guy Waller says
I stayed at AERE Harwell for a sixth form course over a long week-end in February 1967. I think the course was called ‘An Introduction to Technology’. Do you have any records about the course and also about the names of those on the course? It would be really good to be able to find a few of those who shared those days with me nearly 50 years ago!
John Dorins says
Hi, I have just bought a book online called Eoluigheacht don Sgolaire Óg by Bean Riaghalta (A Nun). This is an Irish-language science book from the 1930s. It has a stamp AERE Harwell on the inside. At first, I assumed this was probably some kind of religious order until I Googled it and found out what it stands for! I am intrigued. Why would an institution like Harwell have an Irish-language school text in its library? Was there someone at Harwell in the early years who spoke Irish and donated it to the library? I would love to find out.
D.Kennedy says
My father, Sean Kennedy was with AERE in Harwell from the early ’50’s until 1965.
He was a native Irish speaker from Ballyferriter in the south west of Ireland.
A lover of the Irish (and Celtic) languages and associated literature, it may well have been him that deposited it there, possibly for the mischievousness of creating the curiosity so many years later 🙂
John Dorins says
Thanks very much for the reply! I’m delighted that we have a (probable) solution to the mystery. My niece went for a couple of Gaeltacht courses in Ballyferriter. I’m assuming that this was Seán Ó Cinnéide, the professor of inorganic chemistry?
D. Kennedy says
Hi John.
That is him.
DR Colin R Lloyd says
Hi, my first full job after leaving school was at Harwell between 1965-1970. I was employed as a Scientific Assistant in the Chemical Engineering Division in Building 351 and 353. I left because fieldwork was more a passion than laboratory work. I joined the Institute of Hydrology and during the next 37 years until my retirement in 2007 – not only did I travel the world from the Arctic to the Amazon to the Sahara desert to Siberia but also gained both BA and a PhD. I’d really like to find out what happened to my colleagues and bosses from those 1965-1970 years. People such as Bernard Partridge, Edward “Ted” Lyall, Bob Dawson, John Gibbons, John Stevens, Ivan Newton, John Klashka (spelling probably wrong). These were all involved in the Fluidisation, Dragon and Fingal Projects.
Tony Jenkin says
I joined the INGAL project as an SA under John Grover and Malcolm Elliot in building 353 January 1962 and remember Ted Lyall who worked in the next door fluidisation lab. Would welcome hearing from anyone involved in the 353 and 351 FINGAL project. Dave Auty? I moved in 1967 to the new computer group in building 8.12 as an operator and moved to shift leader in 1969 so would like to hear from anyone who worked there as well. Bob McClatchie, Dave Phillips (Manager), Derek Thomas, John Birmingham.
Phil mewett says
I worked as a scientific assistant in 351 and 353 under John Grover, David Banfield, Ron Gayler on the reverse osmosis research project Jan 1966 until Sept 1969… loved my time there…been living in Texas and several other states since 1976.
Chris Grover says
Hi Phil, I am Chris Grover, John Grover’s son. I chanced upon this website recently and was so pleased to see my father’s name mentioned by a couple of people. My father is 90 now and in failing health. I managed to pick up a copy of the book about Harwell, which has been mentioned by a few people, and it was great to see Dad’s reaction about some things that he remembered from his time at Harwell. I would love to get any memories about my father from people who worked with him to see if it can help trigger more memories for him. Do please drop me an email if you would like to do this. It woudl be much appreciated.
Dr Alan Fletcher says
Chris.
I remember your Dad, John, well. He was Project Manager for AEA radwaste management research contracts funded by the Department of the Environment. I was Commercial Manager for the same portfolio in 1980 to 1984. We had many contractual battles with DoE and your Dad was a pugnacious and valued colleague. Other technical colleagues of his at the time would include Norman Keen, Mike Smyth, Michael Smith, J B Lewis, while my predecessor in the commercial role was Colin Hearsey. Let me know if these names spark any reaction!
Alan
Chris Grover says
Hi Phil, I just wanted to check to see whether you had received my email sent on 22nd February 2021 as there is still a message showing saying that it is awaiting moderation. It woudl be good to hear from you.
Thanks & regards
Chris Grover
Phil Mewett says
Hi Chris,
Sorry I hadn’t been back to this site since I wrote my last post in late 2020, and just saw you emails.
I was a scientific assistant working in the same group as your Dad, talked to him quite a bit but he was about 60 levels above me so we never attended research meetings etc. together…lol. But he was a lovely man to work for. I worked at setting up and running the experiments your Dad and my other bosses devised on the reverse osmosis desalination projects that he headed up. I doubt he remembers me but please pass on my regards to him.
Phil Mewett.
Chris Grover says
Hi Tony, I am Chris Grover, John Grover’s son. I chanced upon this website recently and was so pleased to see my father’s name mentioned by a couple of people. My father is 90 now and in failing health. I managed to pick up a copy of the book about Harwell, which has been mentioned by a few people, and it was great to see Dad’s reaction about some things that he remembered from his time at Harwell. I would love to get any memories about my father from people who worked with him to see if it can help trigger more memories for him. Do please drop me an email if you would like to do this. It woudl be much appreciated.
Ian Stokes says
Hi Chris. I worked AERE Harwell in the Industrial Chemistry Group from 1960 to 1980. I then moved to UKAEA Windscale (now Sellafield) and retired in 2006. However I continued to work for Sellafield Ltd as a part time Technical Consultant. At 82 I currently work a nominal 16 hrs per week. While at Harwell I worked in B175 in the “Tank Farm” with Mike Smyth on Reverse Osmosis Module testing for the B353 team and the BNFL Site Ion Exchange Treatment Plant [SIXEP] development work. I recall having some contact with John Grover at that time also Ted Lyall and Dick Knibbs who all signed my leaving card in 1980 along with many more.
Tony Jenkin says
Hello Chris, I worked as a scientific assistant for your father in building 353 from Jan 1961 until 1967. You mention that he was now 90 in your 2021 mail and I hope he is still with us. If so, please tell him that I remember him with very happy memories. Does he remember a 19 year old SA who was fresh out of the training school with a new yellow and white topped Ford Anglia. He was a very personable boss and I believe he was married to a lady called Barbara. They were kind enough to invite me to lunch one weekend and gave me a rhubarb clump from their garden which I planted in my parents home in south Devon where it grew very well. He might remember building 353 and the terrapin offices with the active lab in the building behind. He might remember Bob Orme who was a co-SA, Knocker White and Taffy Hughes both Process Workers, and Tony Jordan EO and Ron Gaylor SEO as well as Malcolm Elliot SSO. The whole Fingal process was under the control of Bill Hardwick PSO and Keith Johnson SPSO. My work included the leaching of active materials from radioactive fragmented glass a part of the Fingal process. By sheer chance I met John briefly in the early 1980s in Manchester airport on my way to the Shell London IT Training group but sadly there was no time to chat. With happy memories, Tony.
Paul Salway says
I am a cricket researcher and writer and I am currently working on a history of women’s cricket in Oxfordshire. In 1950 a cricket club was formed by women who worked at AERE. It was known as Ridgeway Women’s Cricket Club and it ran until 1956. It was organised by a Miss A. Mummery. Two of its players played for the joint Oxfordshire-Berkshire county team at the time, Miss E. Bowey and Miss K. Little. If anyone has any knowledge or records of this team, or knows anything about any of the ladies mentioned, I would be grateful if you would contact me. I can be reached by phone at most times on 07748 800635. Thank you.
Paul Salway.
Anthony Jeffries Waldron says
Paul
Miss Eleanor Bowey was on the Scientific Staff at A.E.R.E and she lived together with another woman whose name I did not know ( it may well have been the Miss K.Little referred to above, although my wife does not recognise the name.) They lived in a lovely little cottage at the following address:-
Enard Cottage,
Moor Lane,
West Hagbourne,
Didcot,
Oxon.
From 1959 to 1966 I lived in a small bungalow in West Hagbourne named ‘Springfields’ facing onto the main road, but my back garden faced onto Moor lane directly across from Eleanor’s cottage.I used to see them going to and from work on a regular basis. I seem to recall she drove a Morris Minor Traveller. I have no further info and my wife cannot expand on what has been stated either. ( In 1966 we moved to Malvern in Worcestershire.)
Tony Waldron
Nick Bishop says
Hi Tony –
Hope you & Auntie Moll are doing okay? I just happened to stumble across your post from ‘several’ years ago now & I have a feeling that the lady Miss Bowey lived with (maybe just in more recent times) was actually a Miss Hedger?? I seem to think she was a piano teacher & that Richard may have at one time had lessons with her? Then again, I may be completely wrong.
Take care (Nephew) Nick x
Philip Dennett says
Is anyone aware that the former Sussex cricketer Tommy Cook (TER Cook died 1950) worked for the Ministry of Supply there about 1949. he is also the current record goal-scorer for Brighton (established 1929). If anyone recalls him (unlikely) e mail me please philipjdennett
@hotmail.com. thank you.
Dr Colin Lloyd says
Just like to mention that Oxfordshire Libraries have 4 copies of “Harwell: The Enigma Revealed by Nicholas Hance MBE” available for loan from local libraries. And having perused the copy I’ve just borrowed – I’d like to correct an error in my first entry above. John Gibson is wrongly named as John Gibbon – he is featured in the book as being involved with vacuum restoration of books and tapes. He was also highly involved with the IPCS (the Institution of Professional Civil Servants) – our union at the time that is now the Prospect union.
Linda Taylor says
Hi
My late father Bob Hedge worked at AERE Harwell, from the late 50s I believe, until he retired in 1978. He wasn’t a scientist, but rather a lowly GPO telephone engineer. I remember being taken there occasionally as a child to see the exchange – what seemed to be a huge room full valves from floor to ceiling. Rather like 1960s tvs, now and again they blew, and my dad always had burns on his bald head from replacing them. I remember the excitement of queuing to see the first moon dust, which could easily have come out of any domestic vacuum cleaner. I no longer live in the area, but may try and get a copy of this book . Anyone any idea which building the telephone exchange was in? I remember a military looking redbrick place.
Sue Bradbury says
Hi Lynda, I believe the Harwell telephone exchange was in Building 77 (which was the front half of B329 the main Admin Building). If you are on Facebook there is a Group called Old Aere Harwell/UKAEA which you might find interesting. Best wishes Sue
Linda Taylor says
Thanks Sue, found the page, and a theres a photo of B77.
Kevin Sanders says
Yes it was 77 although there were 2 other exchanges one was in reactor site and the other I think was maybe 424 can’t remember exactly they were called a, b, and c exchange and were all linked up
Kevin Sanders says
Actually it was not 424 rhat was too close to 77 so not sure the other one but would have been closer to 220 probably,, my memory needs a clean !!
Adrian Purvey says
I think there was an exchange in B 364.
David Ames says
I distinctly remember queueing to see the moon dust as a child of about 6. From memory only children of employees were invited in to see it and we were very priviliged. I recall queueing in the dark (must have been winter) to see it and the excitement in the queue was intense, unlike the actual moon dust which was under a glass dome and was actually a bit of a let-down when I eventually saw it (that’s 6-year-olds for you!).
Ironically, it was the ONLY time I was ever allowed through the gates during all the time my dad worked there (from 1968 to 1993). Even in 1993 when dad was suffering from a terminal illness I drove him to Harwell but I had to wait outside in the car park. And I never really knew what he did there because he never really told me.
Robert Freeman says
I saw the moon dust while I worked at Harwell and I have to agree it was a little bit of a let down, but what did we expect, it was dust after all
David Thornton says
Hi David. Your story echoes mine. As you say, the dust under glass dome, black and bits of sparkle. It only dawned after, the significance. I had great fun with the mechanical arms, trying to light a candle in one of those lead-lined rooms. Both my parents & step-father worked up at AERE. I read something funny the other day on the Old Harwell Facebook page: ‘1 in 10 worked at Harwell. The other 9 stood and watched’.
Karen missen says
Hi, I too remember seeing the moon rock, I was about 8. My dad Ted Teague ran the metallurgy stores.
John Haskell says
Hello Linda, I was a Post Office Telephones apprentice in the early 70s and spent some time with Bob as well as Fred Cornborough at AERE. I lived there at 5 Thames Road as my Dad was PC179 Haskell in the UKAEAC. The main PABX exchange was in B77 but there was another exchange at Rutherford Labs, which I only went to once. The main local exchange was called Rowstock and was in the old mortuary building on Curie Avenue, close to the nursery school, which I also went to. There was another engineer working with Bob. His name was Brian Hessian. He emigrated to Australia in about 1972. p.s. Bob certainly wasn’t a lowly Telephone Engineer – we had a lot of knowledge and were just as qualified as the boffins in our own way!
Linda Taylor says
Gosh, hello John, and thankyou for your reply. I remember Dad mentioning the name of Fred Cornborough although I don’t think I ever met him . I knew my Dad helped trainees, and recall that they often used to rise above him. I believe in the 60s he tried to pass his ‘tickets’ as he used to call exams, but unsuccessfully. But he was a very practical man, with lots of knowledge stored in his head – nothing electrical in our house was new, it was always other people’s cast offs that he repaired. He finished his career with a Long Service Medal – so stayed at AO equivalent grade. Nowadays you could hardly support a single person on that sole wage. So he used to have a green work van and do callouts sometimes – I think that’s how I used to get a trip to his work on very rare occasions. Thanks so much for your memory, and sorry I don’t recognise your name.
John Gilks says
Hello Linda, long, long time, no speak!
I am your friend Helens big brother John.
Obviously, we didn’t know you before we moved to Blenheim Close, but, imagine my surprise, when perusing this forum, your name popped up.
Dad died in 1999, mum and dad had moved to a bungalow on Morrells Close
Mum died in 2108, after 6 years in full time alzheimers care
Helen still lives on Oxfordshire, as does Janet
Lesley lives 9 months of the year in Kefalonia and 2 months near Henley on Thames
Roger lives in Sydney Australia
I live in Essex now.
If you wish, I can pass on to Helen that I have been able to contact you, let me know if that’s OK
John Gilks says
Linda, I’ve spoken to sister Janet, who was amazed at our fortuitous contact
She remembers you by a different married name though, and thinks that your husbands name was Dave, but, like me and for the same reason, her memory is shot.
Janet would love to reconnect with you.
If you think it would be OK, contact me at wjgilksco at Gee mail dot com and I will ensure that the two of you connect
Gerard G. Vaughan says
Hello Lynda
The stories here are fascinating, I’m in the “looking for colleagues from those days” category but have become distracted by it all ! Sorry I was never that familiar with the site map as an “Electrical” Apprentice 65 to 69, bit never visited the “Telephone exchange. I’ve never seen one with “Valves”. The one I saw in Cheltenham was the amazing “Strouger” banks of Ten way rotating switches driven around by the dialing pulses.
I hope someone can help more.
GGV
Teresa Jarvis says
Hi I’m looking for a lady who worked at AERE name of Georgina Kirby
Clare Hollings says
I’m wondering if anyone remembers my dad Aylmer Hollings (Taff) who worked at Harwell between approx 1955 to 1990. He worked in river flow measurements and also designing Geiger counters. Love to know more about his work there.
david smith says
did your dad have a dent in his head?
Barry Eld says
Hi David,
I’m trying to find a Kenneth Michael Gill for my mother-in-law. He had a bad car accident which left him with a dent in his head. Could this be a coincidence? He worked at Harwell in the late 50’s early 60’s and the accident happened during that time.
Andy Gilham says
I work for Megger Instruments in Dover (Formerley Avo), a manufacturer of Electrical Test Equipment and formerly the Avometer. I have been heavily involved in the companies history, having been employed for the company over 24 years now.
During the late 1950’s and early 60’s Avo worked with AERE Harwell on the design of a number of products. I have recently had 28,000 microfilms scanned into PDF (Avo, Megger, Evershed, Foster…..etc) and show some interesting work. I imagine 1000-1500 of the drawings are from the Harwell facility.
For those who may remember colleagues, the names on the drawings are N.A.Ives, L.E. Scroggins, F.S. Oakes, C Warth, GT, DH
I’d be interrested infinding further information on AERE Harwells involvement with Avo during that time and maybe full names of those designers/Draughtsman listed
Feel free to contact me andyrivets@gmail.com
Regards
Andy Gilham
Angie says
I volunteer for the National Trust at Basildon Park. There is a suggestion that some of the workers constructing the AERE at Harrell were billeted at Basildon, but we cannot find any evidence of this. Does anyone know if that is true? Thanks for any help.
John Gilks says
Apropo nothing at all Linda, my brother in law Colin, also volunteers at Basildon Park, I just wonder if you have ever crossed paths
For my sins, I volunteer at Paycockes House
bob hammind says
I lived in bmess in the. 60s.
Worked in h7, and then at culham lab. Best job ever, ,.and met love of my life.
WAYNE BICKERDIKE says
I was in C mess but we regularly wandered over to B mess because you had a snooker table (and girls!). C mess was for the younger SAs, we had a YMCA warden keeping guard over us. Was a great time in my youth, from 1969-1969.
Chris Manford says
I lived in B mess from 1967 to 1970. Made lots of friends there. Also knew a few people from C mess.
Phil Mewett says
I remember you Bob…I lived in B Mess 1966 until 1969
Bob Hammond says
Phil,
Hope that you are still going on OK
Really good to hear from you.
Phil mewett says
Hey Bob, I only visit this page occasionally …good to hear from you too. I’m doing OK, lived in Texas and a few other places since 1975. My email is philmewett@gmail.com if you’d like to catch up on things…I’m in touch with a lot of the old Harwell crew!!
Ian Peter Reeves says
Hi Bob, Only just seen this document, sorry. Trust you are still well. Was the love of your life the policeman’s daughter? I met and lost the love of my life in B mess, but met another in hanger 8. Such is life. Take care, Ian
Bob Hammond says
Ian,
Very pleased to hear from you..
Yes she was the policeman’s daughter whom I let down some years later, and regret it to this day.
Was yours ‘jenny’.?
Still was the best job ever.
Ian Reeves says
Sorry Bob, I don’t look at these notes often, or even remember where they are. Yes it was Jenny, Hope you are OK mate.
Phil mewett says
Your name sounds familiar Ian…I lived in B mess 1966 until 1969, same intake of SA’s as Bob Hammond. Mind if I ask what Jenny’s last name was…may ring a few bells…lol.
Michael Holdaway says
Hi, I am trying to locate a Len Sammons, late 50’s early 60’s. Actually it’s his sister Beryl I am trying to find. She has no connection with Harwell apart from her brother, There family lived in Chadwell Heath, Romford, Essex. Any information would be most helpful, Thank you.
philip Lane says
As a student in 1964/5 of photography in London, I had an 8 week placement in the photographic dept at Harwell during the summer. I was involved with helping record areas of the Establishment including the reactor building and could see the rods deep down in the water tank. I was set a challenge to make a device to record on a Fastax High Speed camera a fast shut off valve working to see if their was “valve bounce”. I still have my handwritten report and methodology. Despite using 600 feet of film in a few seconds my relay delay only captured the start of the valve dropping. We had to watch about 10 minutes of inactivity. A bit deflating! I enjoyed the social side and the Naafi and the very cheap local cider which I used to take home in great containers to Kent each weekend, with pretty strange effects on the girls at our many parties! I ended up as an industrial,estate and aerial photographer and am only just retiring now.
Jules Wallis says
As a photography student in London in 1960s did you ever meet Hoppy Hopkins who worked in the labs for AEA and later became a photographer of the 60’s?
juliet rhodes says
i have a strange request …… but it is serious. I am a teacher in Spain and have a student who needs a nuclear – worker contact because he needs a Cambridge high level exam diploma. However, he has twice failed the speaking part. So, is there anyone who would be willing to talk by skype / telephone twice a month to give him practice and therefore more confidence…..at his expense. He is 36, a systems engineer in a nuclear plant in Extremadura, Spain, and a most likeable chap but shy.
I would be really grateful if someone could help.
Juliet
Ray Hutt says
Hi. Ray (Harry) Hutt here. I was an apprentice at Harwell ’64 – ’69. Worked in 501 and H9 plus others under the late Harry Wells and Wilf. Great place – set me up for my life in Australia (50 years).contact me birchfen@gmail.com.
Cheers
.
Gerard Vaughan says
Hey Ray- Sorry I’d forgot about you but now I remember !
Gerry Vaughan, living with 10 Cats – in Bulgaria !
How are you – in crumbling UK??
Gerard G. Vaughan says
You’re in Australia Ray ? What are you at there. Hope you never got jabbed!
All the best,
Gerry V.
V sorrell says
Lived in Oxfordshire from roughly 1965-1991……… The standing family joke was if someone said in conversation ‘ ah, well,’……. We would reply ‘ it’s a power station’….. True story.
Richard Brickwood says
……just stumbled on this site: my grandfather, Harold Norwood, a skilled production engineer, was very involved in setting-up Hangar 9 immediately after WW2 and worked on BEPO and several other projects – amongst many other things of a similar nature.
Was also Chairman of the Harwell cricket club and donated the Norwood Bowl to it.
I have a few interesting papers and photographs from that era (1946-1954) – but many, many gaps.
I would be very nterested in hearing from anybody who either knew of him – or knew a source of further information.
Richard Brickwood
Mix-Movie.com says
During the 19 the slowdown of the British nuclear energy program resulted in a greatly reduced demand for the kind of work being done by the UKAEA. Pressures on government spending also reduced the funding available. Reluctant to merely disband a quality scientific research organisation, UKAEA was required to divert its research effort to the solving of scientific problems for industry by providing paid consultancy or services. For example, an Operations Research Group was set up at Harwell, and developed shipping fleet scheduling software that was used to provide a service to British and overseas shipping companies
Maureen Morris says
Does anyone remember my father who worked at harwell in 1951 his name was James Arthur Sharp?
Anne Spencer nee Constantine says
19 June 2020
I am trying to find out about 2 ‘Harwell lads’ – Alan Holmes and John Boag. In 1957 they along with5 other young men travelled to Austria in a Modle ford A , nicknamed Bonzo. They all had accomadation in Harwell hostels, some on site ans one in Abingdon.
I have just looked into this epic trip but am unable to locate these two. Can anyone out there help please?
Anne Spencer
Keith Playford says
I worked with Alan Holmes for a number of years in Bldg 364. He was involved in radioactive analysis but I cannot remember the details of what he was working on. Regrettably I have a feeling he passed away several years ago.
Chris Harrison says
We knew Alan Holmes very well (but of course there may have been more than one). He retired and eventually moved to Ennerdale Bridge in the Lake District, re-married (a lovely local lady called Jane) and moved to Cockermouth where he lived until he died a few years ago.
Ursula Gilbert says
I am looking for JOHN DALE who was based at Harwell early 1970’s. He was a nuclear physicist. He later lived in Countesthorpe, Leics, then joined the Royal Navy and was based at Royal Naval College Greenwich after training at Manadon Plymouth. Thanks in advance
Mr Geoffrey Marsh says
My Dad, Uncle & Cousin worked in Harwell 1950s.
Sid Marsh, Bobby Mcdowell, Donald Mcdowell,
did anyone know them?
Marcus Howell says
My Father Francis Vincent Howell, nickname Dinky worked at Harwell from 1947 to 1957, he was then posted to Winfith
Does anyone remember him?
Regards
Marcus Howell, Son
Neil Sephton says
Hi Marcus,
By chance I’ve stumbled across this page. My Dad, Graham Sephton, worked at both sites and I remember him talking of Dinky, I think they were colleagues and friends. I have a photo from what I think is an AEA function, possibly at Winfrith. Happy to email a copy over in case you can spot your Dad?
Best wishes,
Neil
Jaimie says
Hi Neil,
I recently found out that my father worked at Harwell in the mid 50’s, his name was Robert Jamieson. I would love to see a copy of the photo, could you email it to me at jaimiejamieson@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Jaimie
Neil Sephton says
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for your message. I’ve just emailed you with the photo.
Best wishes,
Neil
Marcus Howell says
Hi Neil
Just seen your entry.
I would love to see the photo.
I lived in both
Weymouth and Dorchester , and the early years lived in
Abingdon until .i was eleven, we moved in 1957 to Dorchester.
Until 2 years ago we were living in North London, now living in East Molesey.
It would be nice to hear you and your fathers story.
Kindest Regards
Marcus Howell
Neil Sephton says
Hi Marcus,
Thanks for your message. There is much overlapping geography here! We can swap stories.
Drop me a line at germanracinggreen-101 at Yahoo.com and I’ll send a copy of the photo over. Have broken the address down to reduce but am sure it makes sense. Any problems post back here and I’ll check in a few weeks.
Best wishes,
Neil
Marcus Howell says
Hi n
Hi Neil
I will send you an email on the racing green email
Marney Teasdale says
Hey Neil,
We are looking for information about a scientist in the family for a school project and stumbled upon this page searching for your Dad! xx
Geoff Marsh says
Hi Neil.My dad Syd Marsh also worked at both sites was transferred to Winfrith in about 1960,would love to see the picture.Thanks,Geoff Marsh.g66marsh@aol.com
Valerie Otton nee Gunnill says
Hello Marcus, yes I remember your father and your mother very well, a lovely couple and close family friends for many years. We lived down the road from you in Manor road Dorchester in 1958 and also in Chalbury Close, Preston in 1962. My father Gordon ( George ) Gunnill died in 2000 but Mum is still alive and in her 99th year in a care home now. I remember your father liking jazz and he lent me one of your Rolling Stone albums.
I am wondering if anyone on this site knows of an archive for Atomic Energy memorabilia – I have a large collection of Dad’s papers, photos and books all relating to his time with UKAEA, or can advise me of what I am allowed to do with them .
Best regards Valerie Otton nee Gunnill
Marcus Howell says
Hi Valerie
Have just seen your message .
Peter Fry whose dad was the director of Winfrith and still lives somewhere in Weymouth or maybe in his parents house, a brick house overlooking Bowleaze Cove has written a book on Winfrith.
I remember digging your parents front garden in Chalbury close.
Please give my kind regards to your mum Millie.
Do you still between The Great West station and Pounbury ?
We moved to East Molesey not far from Hampton Courtfrom Winchmore Hill North London 3 years ago next Christmas
We also have a little house on Portland.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Kind Regards
Marcus Howell
Dorothy Jefferies formerly Pyrah says
Valerie, you must be the little girl who came to our wedding 17th July 1965 at Abingdon. I lived at 17 Kennet Road at remember your dad and mum Mildred and Gordon very well. I think we visited them when they lived in Dorchester sometime in late 60s. Somewhere I have a lovely photo of you at our wedding in a very pretty dress. We live in Sturminster Marshall now and please remember us to your mum if she can remember our family she was such a kind and lovely person.
James Renwick says
Hello Marcus,
I’m the son of Christina Renwick née Pratt, who is the daughter of HRC (Clive) Pratt, who worked at Harwell between 1948 and 1958. They lived at 7 Letcombe Avenue on the Fitzharris Estate and my mum recognises your name. Do you have a brother called Tony? My mum and her brother, Robert still reminisce about the fun they had living there.
Does anybody else in here remember the Pratt family?
Kind regards,
James
Jean jamieson says
I just found out my biological father, Robert William Jamieson, worked at Harwell Atomic Research in 1956, I don’t know how long he worked there for. He disappeared August Bank holiday weekend 1956. Can anyone out there tell me the best way to try and locate any records of employment?
Jules Wallis says
I am trying to research John Hopkins (aka Hoppy Hopkins 1937-2015) who came from Cambridge Emmanuel college Uni from about 1958-60 as a research scientist Possibly to avoid National Service.
I am hoping someone may know what life was like at the time and whether all employees had to sign the ‘secrets act’ 1954.
Jules
reg o'neill says
ANY-ONE KNOW ERNIE VANSTONE FROM CANTEEN 150 I AM REG O’NEILL THAT WORKED THERE IN 1960 THEN IN THE OTHER CANTEEN AS A FISH FRIER (CHIPMONK) EMAIL ADDRESS REG.SOBRAONHOUSE@GMAIL.COM
Gina Wagstaff says
This is a long shot but I’m hoping someone will remember my Grandad, Robert Edward Lane. I’m not sure of his role or exactly when he worked at Harwell unfortunately but I think he was probably born around 1919 if that helps.
Alec J Inns says
Hi Gina, I occasionally scan this site and noticed your request. I was aware of a man called Teddy Lane who, if he was your g/father, worked in Chemistry Division as a scientist involved in chemical processes associated with the nuclear mission. He worked in Building 429 which was not the main Chemistry building but one involved in developing chemical methods for solvent extraction processes used in nuclear fuel reprocessing;. I hope this is helpful.
Stewart Gaudie says
B. 429 location was as an L shaped building aligned with Thirteenth Street & Faraday Avenue on this map:-
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5788279,-1.3183421,1144m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4
It is no longer there, on this map! I spent quite a few years in this building! With some of them with Ken Hyde as my boss & Teddy Lane as his boss! They were about the best combinations of bosses I have ever had! Lovely people! It was mostly inorganic chemistry research into high surface area materials for catalyst coating that I worked on with them.
On a few occasions, Ken would tell stories of his wartime service, with the Royal Artillary (big guns), fighting through North Africa, Sicily & a long time at Monte Cassino, Italy. Within the last month I saw a documentary that said about 200,000 were killed there!
Others that were in B. 429 were, Jim Woodhead, Ron Avery, Roy Nelson, Dave Sammon, John Wilkins, Jane Gibson (an extreme vegetarian secretary) Beryl Sampson? (Our very jolly tea lady)
Helen White says
I worked with Teddy Lane at Harwell from 1969 to 1977. I shared an office with him in the Chem division and can tell you lots of anecdotes about him! My name in those days was Helen Carratt. I now live in Perth W Australia. I also remember Ken Hyde, Jim Woodhead, Ron Avery, Roy Nelson, and have a photo of us all taken about 1969 if you would like a copy
Martyn says
Hi Stewart, maybe you are the Stewart who went around with myself Martyn Snelling, Jim Gulliver, Dave Bolus, Mick Roffe anx others in Rush Common ’73 to ’77ish when we all went our separate ways ? I was in Hanger 8.
David Corrigan says
Hi Martyn, it’s been a long time but I think you are the Martyn who showed me, David Corrigan, how to play some riffs on your electric guitar! You and Jim Gulliver, Dave Bolus, Mick Roffe, Stewart Gaudie, Greg Parker, Terry McBride, Paul Pownall and others all started at Harwell exactly 50 years ago in September 1973. I went to the Culham Laboratory with Greg, but I remember one time a hair-raising ride on Jim Gulliver’s motorbike and also going round in various cars that Stewart rebuilt. And I think it was Mick Roffe who bought my first car from me – an Austin 1100. We stayed at Rushcommon House – like so many things, not a trace of it still exists now!
Stewart Gaudie says
Hello, Martyn S. Dave C. & Dave S. (& others from the (Mon.) 10/9/1973 & 11/1973? intake to Rush Common Hostel) It was especially great for me (as I was so far away from home & couldn’t pop home for a weekend, to have an “instant family”, of almost a dozen buddies!) (The dinner ladies “had a soft spot for me, because I was so far from home & gave me bigger portions, I think!) We had a few pub crawls around Abingdon & on 2 occasions after going out for a late night in Oxford, my carload went down to the south coast! Once to Bournemouth & another time to Bognor (but as it seemed very dead at 5am on a Sunday morning), so, we carried on to Brighton! I think Dave Bolus was there both times! On at least one occaision there was Phil Allen, Nick Beesley & Dennis ? Another time a car load went to see the Who at Charlton Athletic Football Stadium – a very wet day!!! Another time to the Watchfield pop festival! Another time me, Dave C. & Terry McB. went to a nurses party in Oxford!!
I thought about having a 50 year reunion at the pub at Didcot Railway Station, but forgot about it in the end!!
David Corrigan says
Hi Stewart – you were thinking about having a 50 year reunion – better not leave it until 60 years, there might not be many of us left…
I believe that it was a Ford Prefect that you asked a farmer to drag out of his pond where it had been for many years, and then we heard a lot of hammering and drilling for a while until a sparkling new-looking car emerged from your garage!
We made good use of it to visit almost every pub in Oxfordshire.
Prof. Greg Parker says
Greg Parker here guys, I remember 1973 – 1975 fondly. I left Culham with a decent HNC and went to Sussex Uni (1975-1978) where I scraped a First in Physics, Maths & Astronomy. First job was Philips Research Labs Redhill where I was able to do a PhD with Surrey Uni which I got in 1982. Several jobs until I ended up at Southampton Uni where I did 23 years porridge. Got out early Sept 2010 and have been on holiday ever since. Be good to hear from any of you guys (the only ones I am in contact with are Paul Kirk and David Corrigan). Bit of a shock when I moved back near Abingdon for one of the jobs to find that RCH was no more. Things change VERY quickly.
Helen White says
I worked with Teddy Lane at Harwell from 1970 to 1977. I shared an office with him in the Chem division and can tell you lots of anecdotes about him! My name in those days was Helen Carratt. I now live in Perth W Australia.
Gina Wagstaff says
Hello, I’m so sorry I haven’t responded to you sooner and thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Your suggestion is really helpful and will help me give me ideas to look further.
Mavis Blackler (name at Harwell) says
I went from Grammar School to work at Harwell in 1955, when I had just turned 17. I lived in B Club until 1958. I was an SA in Chem Eng and worked with Heavy Water and later Mineralogy.
It was very isolated in those days because hardly anyone had a car and all entertainment was on site except for rare trips to the theatre in Oxford. I visited Harwell in 1963 and everyone now seemed to be driving, the culture had changed.
I am reading a book about Klaus Fuchs, by Frank Close about the giving away of atomic secrets by Fuchs, a most interesting read.
Jean Jamieson says
Hello Mavis,
I recently learned that my father worked at the AERA in 1956. I am trying to learn more about the authority in the 1950’s. I am also helping my 85 year old aunt (his sister) to retrace his steps. Can you tell me about the different departments and also the range of the village? Was it a large village, or did everyone know each other if everything was contained?
I am fascinated that my father had the opportunity to work in this Important environment.
Thanking you in advance for any insight you can give me.
Sincerely,
Jean Jamieson
Alec J Inns says
Jean, There has been reference on these pages to a book by Nick Hance called Harwell; The Enigma Revealed. I suggest this is a very good place for you to learn more about Harwell; it seems available to borrow from Oxfordshire Libraries or purchase a secondhand one from Amazon.
Elizabeth Pease says
Hello Mavis:
I attended the Grammar School for a year. My father was part of the Canadian and Australian contingent supporting the British Atomic Energy Research Establishment in the mid ’50’s. They were nuclear physicists and engineers. It was an interesting experience. We had a car and made many trips to visit the wonderful country.
Yes, I have read the book.
James Renwick says
Hi Mavis,
I’ve just been listening to my mum (Christina Pratt) reminisce about her time living in Abingdon. Her dad (my grandfather) was HRC (Clive) Pratt who also worked with Heavy Water at Harwell between 1948 and January 1958. Does the name ring any bells?
Robert Freeman says
Hi, Anyone remember the “Beat Atomic” held in the canteen until 71? I am trying to find out who played at these shows
Regards
Rob Freeman
Kath Luker says
I worked in Bld 532 Restaurant where they held Beat Atomic and these are the ones I remember.
Kenny Ball and his jazz men
Acker Bilk
Dave Dee, Dosey, Beaky, Mitch and Titch
Brian Poole and Tremeloes
Dave Clark Five
Rob Freeman says
I went to the last one in 71 and saw Ashton, Gardener & Dyke plus The Equals, I can’t find out who else was on the bill, and what bands/performers where there in the other years, would be nice to know
Rob
John Hskell says
The Rolling Stones in 1963. Mick Jagger arrived at the main gate to ask where he had to go. Vic Hitchman, the Police Officer on the gate told him to go to Pryor’s and get his hair cut. True story!
Jacob says
My Great Grandfather worked at Harwell, his name was Leonard George Ralfe (Len) he was previously at the TRE then moved from radar to Nuclear research, would be very greatful if anyone has any information about him!
Regards,
Jacob
Marcus Howell says
Hi Jacob
My father FV Howell ( Dinky). knew Len at Harwell, my father left for Winfrith in Dorset in 1957
I have no further information other than did Len live in Goring?
Regards
Marcus Howell
Jacob says
Hi Marcus,
Apologies for the (very late) response! He did indeed live in Goring for a while! Len continued to work at Harwell until his retirement in 1974!
Jacob says
Amendment – looks like Len also ended up in Winfrith, not sure on the dates though!
DEREK SMITH says
Hello Marcus
You may remember a Picture Post Magazine photographer doing a story on Atomic Children in 1951 at Harwell. I am researching a book on the magazine and came across some superb prints from this visit by Thurston Hopkins, there is a fine pic of yourself with Gillian Cook. Other children from Abingdon estate were also photographed. Some names are : Eric Campbell, David Wood, Jimmy Slatter, Teddy Slatter and Irene Herring . Lorraine Broomfield, Pauline Foster. I’m keen to find out what happened to these children and maybe also discover why the story was never published, because the photographs are superb Maybe this will mean something to other readers too.
Robert (Bob) Loader says
I remember Dinky Howell he was a fighter pilot during WWII. I remember him in a lab room on the 3rd floor of building 10.5 during 1956. At the time I was working in a group at the north end of that floor involved amongst other things with fission product detection.
Bob Loader: (SA then AEO from 1955 to 1968) lived in B- Mess, Grimsdyke, & Chilton Prefab
Fiona kempton says
My father john Malcolm Lowe was seconded to Harwell from 1952 to 1959. He would have signed the official secrets Act. I know he was seconded there from Metropolitan Vickers in Manchester following a graduate apprenticeship after a physics and maths degree from St Andrews. He was inHamburg in 1961 working on a nuclear accelerator when the Berlin Wall went up.
My parents lived in Lightborne Road manchester during this whole time. My mother would mention obliquely at times that there were various health problems suffered by either those seconded to Harwell , or children born to those working there had birth defects. She said everyone in Lightborne Road who had a connection to Harwell had a connection with radiation induced illness. My older brother Iain was born with a serious bowel defect in 1959 and survived until almost aged 3. I have no other siblings.
Has anyone ever carried out any research into radiation-related illness or injury or sequellae for employees at Harwell or has the signing of the Official Secrets Act effectively closed up that matter? I would be interested to learn more on the matter.
Sue Goulding says
Hi Fiona someone was investigating premature deaths in particular heart failure
They phoned me about twenty plus years ago as my Dad died at 46 of renal kidney failure but he was not suitable for her research I don’t have her name sorry
Peter Ferrer says
Dear all
Does anyone remember my uncle, Graham Hawkins? He was in radar during the war and then at AERE. He died during an experiment at Harwell in 1955. all best Peter
Anthony Thistlewood says
My father, Geoff Thistlewood, worked at Harwell from 1948 to 1958 when he transferred to Winfrith. He was a Chartered Engineer, but I have no idea which hangar he worked in. We lived in a prefab on the Chilton side. Any information would be of interest.
Best wishes to all.
Tony
Roger Burnett says
Hello Anthony
My father Ron Burnett worked at Harwell and Winfrith at the same time as your father
I believe they were colleagues and friends
We too lived in a prefab – 10 Downside – just up the road from the primary school
Roger Burnett
Dorothy Jefferies says
Gosh Your name stirred some memories. I lived at 17 Kennet Rd and my sister Lilian and her best friend Diane Hampshire (Avon Road) used ti have a crush on your brother John who I think was a year or 2 older. Both Lilian and Diane are still around and pretty active at 85!
Susan says
I am looking for any information about my uncle Seamus Bickerstaffe (Irish ), I would be grateful for any information,
Kind regards Susan
Amanda Hall says
I’ve just found this site after looking up where my late Father used to work.
Does anyone remember Stephen Kelly, he used to talk about hanger nine a lot, I think he was something to do with fixing maintaining radiation equipment.
He worked there until the mid to late 80s I think and often spoke about someone called smudge.
Valerie Otton nee Gunnill says
Dear Harwell and Winfrith folks. My father ,now deceased, Gordon ( George ) Gunnill worked at Harwell Atomic energy up until 1957/58 then onto Winfrith and he retired in the seventies. Does anyone remember him ? quite charismatic , a great Dad. He died in 2000 and I have the task of custodian to his many technical books, papers ,photographs etc. I feel after 21 years these should go to an Atomic Archive somewhere. Can anyone help me with this, is there such a place.?
Gerard Vaughan says
Hello Valerie,
Firstly I don’t see any way that I can help at present, but your letter touched something in me so I thought I must make some contact
I am looking for other apprentices of the 1964 intake but my Dad likewise worked for a while, back around 55? when I was about 7. One day he was very late home, and this worried me so much. He was “The Cleaner” in H7 !!
What is the weight of all these interesting documents approximately ?
Malcolm Martin says
Hello my name is Malcolm Martin I worked at AERE Harwell from 1968-1974 as a clerical assistant from 1968-1974. I used to catch the non-industrial coach from Swindon every day.
I was in Chemistry Division B.220 but my duties took me into B540.1, B429 B10.5 as well. I remember Pauline ??? (Dr. Wild’s secretary), Wendy Pitts(Mr McKay’s secretary), Ann Mc(somebody), Marilyn Macaulay(10.5 John Wright’s secretary) Nan Suttar(Dr Amphlett’s secretary) & tall long legged blonde Jackie ??? ( Mr Mcilroy’s secretary) Marion Galloway (429). My immediate boss was Fred Northeast who lived in Beenham and we reported to Roger Thomson and Norman Jollyman. There was also Jean the photocopying lady and an Anglo Indian lady whose name escapes me at the moment. There was a watch keeper on the door and you had to show your pass to enter the building even if he’d known you years. Edgar Pottinger was the postman.
Malcolm Martin says
My mobile number is 07818003388 thank you.
Stewart Gaudie says
I started in b. 429 late in 1973, so quite a short overlap with you, but I remember Colin & Nan but I had forgotten about Marion Galloway as the secretary in B.429. Some others in my group you may have known – Colin Lyon, Bernard Greenfield, Teddy Lane & Ken Hyde.
Helen White says
I worked in B 429 with Teddy Lane, Colin Lyon,Bernard Greenfield, Ken Hyde and others….it’s a small world! We then moved over to B 220 in about 1971 I believe.
david smith says
Stewart are you the person that regarded himself as an Orkadian
Sue Goulding says
My Dad Cecil Rhodes Basford was an electrical engineer at Harrell for 25 years he died in 1976 of renal kidney failure
His nickname was Oscar
I don’t have many memories but I do remember he had a friend called Sandy ( red hair ) that used to visit him at home
He had a bad fall at work while he was there and was given enough dime compensation.
I also have a book he was given by someone from his work place which is signed but can’t read the signature .
I would love it if anyone has any memories of him that they could share .
John Phillips says
My dad and family lived at 5 South Drive in the 60s and the 70s (same house). Ben Phillips (Dad) was Head of Administration at Harwell. As children we went to Chilton Primary School. Mr and Mrs. Denzie [sic] were headmaster and wife at the school. We were probably the only mixed race family on South Drive.. (John, Carol, Janet, Stephanie, Lesley & Penny). Mum was Joyce Phillips. My best friend was Tony Dagnell [sic] whose parents ran the Post Office in Harwell. Stephanie Phillips (my sister) was Head Girl at Chilton Primary, and Mr. Denzie would carry my sister Janet around all day. We lived next door to Nicky Brown and my sister Janet would always tell him about our budgies. My dad drove a Green Humber Super Snype and and we always had a caravan parked outside the house. Would love to hear from you if you knew us.
Dave Mordue says
Hi John, I don’t recall you directly but I do recall Tony and my Mother taught at Chilton
Sharon Bowles says
Hi John
I remember your family well. We lived at 12 South Drive – me Sharon, brother John and parents Percy & Florence Bowles. I was same age as Stephanie. I used to play a lot with Gay Bown at No 6 and at times I remember climbing a pear tree to talk to her over the fence. I remember Stephanie and Lesley particularly as our paths crossed most. I left Chiltern county primary after 2 years and went to convent school in Abingdon. I have lived in Hertfordshire nearly 40 years.
Wayne Bickerdike says
Hello Sharon. I remember you, Gay Bown and Juliet Wiblin. I caught up with Neil Parker a few years ago. Happy days in 1969.
Sharon Bowles says
Hi Wayne, yes happy days. I only saw Gay once while I was at Oxford, I saw a post you made saying she had passed on. I saw Juliet last in 2012, went down to Cornwall. It was not long after David Stinchcombe died – they had stayed together. I live in Hertfordshire now and still in touch with several people from B mess and Portway, and we live relatively close. You may remember John Lomas, Roger (Rover) Wiltshire. As my brother mentioned in a post I ended up in the House of Lords so no such thing as retirement. Hope life has treated you well.
Sharon Bowles says
My typo we lived at no 11! The Jacksons were at 12.
Richard Parkes says
Hi Sharon. Juliet died a couple of years ago age 69 in Truro I believe. I knew her and David well when I was living at ‘B’ Mess 1968 – 1970 then Rush Common. Yes, remarkably they stayed together . Met my wife Helen at Rushcommon and we married in 1975 we are still together and live in Devon now. I am 76 now but I fondly remember those days despite the all the ups and downs in relationships. I worked at Rutherford Lab where I believe your father was chief engineer?
You were the girl with red hair and smoked a pipe!!
Do you remember those times in the Social Club (now demolished).
Happy times.
Hilary says
Hi John. My mother has just passed away aged 97. She taught you along with Mr Frank and Mrs Mair Denzey. I went to Chilton as well I remember your family.
Tony Dagnell says
Hi John !
Wow , never knew this page existed . Hope you and all the family are all well . Please get in contact if you can , it would be great to hear from you
Judith Ashworth says
Does anyone remember Eric Heritage please, he worked at Harwell for many years?
Christopher Craske says
Hi all,
Does anyone know my grandfather Peter Craske? He worked there from the early 60s to 1990 and died of bone cancer, most likely brought on from radiation. My question is did other families experience family members with this type of cancer and has anyone every raised this?
I remember being 8 or 9 years old in the early 90s and him being in incredible pain and you just don’t forget it.
Please email me with any information?
Chris.craske@hotmail.com
Ming Ho says
My father, Wai Kwong Ho, was there from about 1960-64, and later at Dungeness Power Station. He died of bowel/liver cancer in 1988, at the age of 52. My mum did wonder if it could have been connected to his reactor work (more obviously at Dungeness), but I didn’t think so at the time. Would be interested to hear if others were affected though.
Ed Todd says
I was at the site for a year or two in the mid-70’s, an IBM Systems Engineer. Even spent a week visiting the other side of the runway to show off a new ‘luggable’ computer. I ran a programming workshop.
WAYNE BICKERDIKE says
Hi Sharon,
I do remember John Lomas and Roger Wiltshire. Your brother John told me of your elevation to the House. You must have worked hard to get there.
We have travelled a lot as a family, from the UK to Australia, with stints in Indonesia and California. I retired last year and don’t know how I found the time to work. I’m honorary Treasurer at Geelong Christ Church and currently president of a local Lions club.
Great to hear from you.
Wayne
Max Hoare says
Hello everybody,
I am looking for information about my grandfather who worked at Harwell, whom sadly passed away prematurely before I ever met him.
I believe he worked as a photographer if I’m not wrong, last name Hoare.
If anyone has further information that you believe could help, please email me at: hoaremax@gmail.com
John Haskell says
Not sure, but a boy about my age lived in a prefab on lower Hillside. His name was John Hoare. He would be 67ish now give or take a couple of years. Did he emigrate to Australia with his parents?
Anne Carrick says
I am going through my father’s memorabilia and have found a photograph titled “U.K. Atomic Energy Research Establishment Isotope School, Wantage – 1963” “General Course Seventy Two” is on a thin board at the foot of the participants. There are three rows of participants and 35 people in the photograph. My father was John Carrick.
Would this photograph be of interest to any archive collection?
It would be great if you would email me if you have any information on this photograph or the course. acarrick@senet.com.au
Many thanks.
Ian Stokes says
Hi Anne I also have a photograph of the participants at the U.K. Atomic Energy Research Establishment Isotope School, Wantage – “General Course Seventy Seven” this was held in Nov 1964, which I attended. Again three rows of participants and lecturers 35 people in all. I worked AERE Harwell in the Industrial Chemistry Group from 1960 to 1980. I then moved to UKAEA Windscale (now Sellafield) and retired in 2006. However I continued to work as a part time Technical Consultant, currently at 2 days per week.
Dean Gardiner says
My Grandfather used to sub contract to Harrell, Leslie Gardiner ofWDM LTD in Bristol,can anyone shine some light on his involvement please,
Best regards Dean Gardiner.
John Haskell says
The three books about AERE available form local libraries are:
AUTHOR: Jay, Kenneth,
TITLE: Atomic energy research at Harwell.
BARCODE: 3200379287
AUTHOR: Hance, Nick.
TITLE: Harwell :the enigma revealed.
BARCODE: 3200705623
AUTHOR: Sandalls, John.
TITLE: Thirty-six years at the Atomic :my time at AERE
BARCODE: 3200747782
They are all interesting to read.
John Haskell says
By the way, Nick Hance has recently passed on at Stratford-on-Avon. Condolences to his wife Joy and their family.
Jean L. Jamieson says
Did you by chance know a gentleman by the name of Robert William Jamieson?
Elizabeth Smith says
My father, Dr. Alan Edward Comyns (died 27/11/2022) worked at Harwell in the mid 50’s. He did his Nation Service there…He was informed that he could research whatever he wanted to, with a no limit budget. He never spoke of what he did there. There were about 6 men who all worked there and who called themselves the ‘Harwell Fusiliers’, including Roy D’Eye regularly kept in contact after they left. If anyone has any contact with these men, I’d be very interested to get in touch. My email is liz.smith333@yahoo.co.uk
Edward Sonstadt says
I read an article published by AERE scientist Dr. Robert William Hummel (https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/1957/an/an9578200483/unauth). Does anyone know him? Is he still around? I tried to find his biography, but could not find anywhere. Can anyone help please? My email id is sonstadt@pm.me
Melvyn Webb says
Hi i am trying to find out if the Company Drake and Scull Engineering Ltd was working on site around 1967/68 as i know my father worked at Harwell and used to catch a bus to there from Tadley every day. I found a P60 of his from 67/68. I am trying to establish his work history for his order of service at the end of this month 27th. If anyone can help could you please email me on m.t.w@btinternet.com. Thank You
DEREK SMITH says
Marcus Howell, Eric Campbell, Irene Herring, Rosemary Dewhurst, Pamela Burgess, Lorraine Broomfield, Gillian Cook, Pauline Foster, James Randall
were all children photographed at Harwell and the estate in 1951 for Picture Post magazine . The photographer also did a story on the adults at work.
I have discovered an unpublished file with their photographs during research for a book about this magazine and I am keen to have get some comments from any of these people mostly now in their 70’s. They might also like to see these fine photographs taken by Godfrey Thurston Hopkins.
Can anyone help ?
dereksmith48@btinternet.com
Derek Smith says
Sorry David Wood is also in the photographs mentioned in the last message.
Wendy Shaw says
I worked at Harwell from 1968 to around 1979 in the Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Service which was part of Chemical Engineering. For the first few years I lived in B Mess.
WAYNE BICKERDIKE says
Hi Wendy, were you in the training school late 1968 for SAs? I remember a girl named Wendy. A few names from that intake: Mick Belcher, Phil Warrington, Peter Oliver, Paul Beale, Harry ???..
Phil Mewett says
Hi Wendy, I lived in B Mess January 1966 until September 1969…and I worked in Chem Eng Bldg 353 on Reverse Osmosis project. Is Shaw your married name?
WAYNE BICKERDIKE says
Phil, did you work with John Lewis and Gwillum Williams?
Phil Mewett says
Hi Wayne…if Gwillum Williams was ‘Taff’ then yes…not sure on John Lewis…I worked with John Grover, David Banfield, Ron Gayler, etc on the Reverse Osmosis project in Bldg 353 from 1966 until 1969.
WAYNE BICKERDIKE says
Taff would be Mr Williams. Very strong Welsh accent. Small guy. John Lewis worked on reverse osmosis in 1969. I was over the road in the small building behind the one opposite 353. We would wander over at tea break time.
John Lewis was in Portway House with me and a lot of other SAs. He had a BSA motorbike and sidecar.
John W Blake says
Hello
My name is John Blake. Started an engineering apprenticeship in 1959 by spending a year in Winfrith before returning to Harwell. I completed my apprenticeship in 1964 and worked another year before leaving.
Worked with George Blowfield from East Hendred, and Anthony ? (I think from Grove, had an old airline MG – 1930’s ish) and many other intakes from 1959. I remember the apprentices set up a rugby team to play in the 1960 — 7-a-side tournament. Just a bunch of rough teenages – but we beat all other teams and won the series, quite an achievement. I played scrum half.
I remember working in one of the engineering hangers for quite a while, and then a very small engineering workshop with just 2 of us. One senior was John ? from East Hagbourne, who lived with his sister in the close by village. The Apprentice Manager, Mr Devlin (died long time ago) but I still know his wife, now about 95 and lives in Newbury.
All such a long time ago. I have now just turned 80 yrs..
Jane Bell says
My grandad worked in Harwell between approximately 1949-53 I think. He had a degree in physics and atomic fission. His name was Thomas Johnson but known as Tom. He was an avid rugby fan so could have played?? I know very little about what he did but sadly I do know that his cancer was due to radiation exposure and my aunty was also affected and was born with disabilities. Any info at all would be greatly appreciated. My grandma is still alive and is 96 years old. Kind regards, Jane.
Anthony Doran says
My Grandfather sadly passed when I was 8, my family always talk about him being a very clever man and I remember he always loved solving a problem. We don’t really know what he did as I presumed he had signed the secret act.
Recently we discovered his business card which says he was the Head of Design for the Research Reactors Group. I’d love to know a little about the department and if anyone has any connections.
His name was Dennis James Dawson, I think he may have been known as DJ.
Rachel Huntley née Waldron says
My father Malcolm Waldron work in the early days at Harwell until around 1963 when he moved to Surrey University we lived on the Harwell estate in Abingdon Fitzharries Rd. I would love to know anything about his time at Harwell. He worked ( with Klaus Fuchs) on Plutonium and used to go to Los Alamos.
Rachel Huntley
Ming Ho says
My late father, Wai Kwong Ho, worked at Harwell from about 1960-64. I think he would have been involved with the applied nuclear research section, looking at reactor fuel technology – when he joined, he would have been a recent graduate of Imperial College, London University, and he went on to work at the newly-opened Dungeness Power Station in 1965. He lodged at Cosener’s House at one time and also 65 High Street in Oxford, in both instances with colleagues from Harwell. He met my mum, Glenys, at 65 High Street, where she was also staying; they were married in January 1965 at St Peter in the East in Oxford, before moving to Romney Marsh; a Harwell friend, David Pardoe (?) was his Best Man.
He died in 1988, so I was unable to learn much about his time in Harwell when he was alive, although I do remember visiting Cosener’s House in the 1970s to have a look around.
I know it’s a long shot, but if anyone remembers him (or has memories of any Chinese men working there at that time – I think there may have been a few), I’d love to hear from you. (I’m a drama scriptwriter, and am interested in maybe writing something about it. I have read the book cited by others above, and found it somewhat dry…)
Derek Langborne says
Hello folks, loved reading all above about our shared memories of dear old AERE B Mess & Culham Rush Common Ho 1968 to 1976, I went through SA Apprentice School c/o Bruce Booty et al in 1968, would love to hear from or descends of lovely pals: Neil Pashley, Kev Erents, Steve Beetham, Steve Sambell, Ian Booth, Bob Ballard, Tom Prentice, Hamish Gunn, Mick Galpin, Pete Burrows. Great times.
Richard Parkes says
Hi Derek, (Syd), you didn’t mention me in your list. I remember some of those people. You were from Shanklin, right? Rush common has gone now of course. ‘B’ Mess building still there though. I am 76 now. Good to see you posting on here.
Daniel says
I’d be interested to know if anyone worked with my father Brian Clear. His work address at the UKAEA was Building 418 and his last title was I think Higher Science Officer. He worked there from early 60s until he retired around 1990 (I think). We lived in Stanford in the Vale until 1971 then moved to Southmoor.
He is sadly no longer with us but I am looking for any information on what he was working on. I visited while applying for a trainee role there in the 1980s and most of what he told me went over my head but I do remember he was designing and building electromagnets to steer particle beams (he took me to see one).
Chris Westwell says
My. Cousin ..David Scott worked at Harwell as a scientist in the 1950-60s
Is there any record of him..one of his great nephews has started an apprenticeship in nuclear science based at Sizewell and would love any information about his uncle.
I hope you can help us !