me at the back.’
There are a few murmurs of acknowledgment, and Walter continues.
‘The time has come to announce the winner of the tickets to the gala lunch with the Beatles, and,’ he adds with a flourish, ‘I’m pleased to say that the winner and guest will now have the morning off and receive free transport from their home in a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, kindly donated by Abbey Car Hire.’
Oohs and aahs fill the room.
I look at Walter Maxwell standing slightly raised up on a little footstool that someone has found for him to balance on. I haven’t had a chance to go back to his office and question him more about his photo, or the reason for him being here, or any of the hundred other questions I have for him, because he’s been out on business all day and has only just come back in time to make the big announcement. I’m determined to try and catch him tonight, though, after everyone leaves, and before he goes home himself.
It’s Friday night and we’re all gathered to find out who will win employee of the month, and, more importantly it would seem to everyone else, also win the ‘golden ticket’ to ride in the Rolls-Royce to the gala lunch and meet the Beatles. I smile at my choice of words. ‘Ticket to Ride’ – another Beatles song, but not quite out yet if my memory serves me correctly. Gosh, I really do know far too much about the Beatles – my parents have a lot to answer for.
‘So without further ado,’ Mr Maxwell says, ‘and in the best award ceremony style, I’m going to read you a shortlist of the top nominees, and we’re honoured that Sir Joseph has joined us to announce the winner.’
A friendly-looking man with thinning wispy hair raises his hand from the chair he waits patiently on. Ah, this must be the famous Sir Joseph Lockwood, MD of EMI. I’ve only heard about him; I’ve never actually seen him around the building.
I look back at Walter Maxwell again.
Can’t you get this over with quickly?
I implore him silently.
I need to ask you some questions
.
‘Cynthia Roper, for her sterling work in accounts this month. It’s been a busy month, and there have been many staff shortages with the measles epidemic that we experienced through a few departments, so we think you’ve coped admirably, Cynthia.’
Cynthia smiles and blushes profusely behind her tortoiseshell spectacles.
‘James Pepper in publicity for his latest campaign for Cliff Richard. A fantastic job in conjunction with the
Summer Holiday
film, I think we’ll all agree.’
‘Bloody great job,’ Harry murmurs, standing next to me. ‘Why would you release a summer movie in February? Jimmy had to sweat blood to counterbalance that.’
I think about the incredibly detailed thought process that will go into every inch of a publicity campaign in the future. Releasing a summer movie in the winter? It just wouldn’t happen.
‘Ellie Williams for her beautiful and incredibly tasty cakes that she generously baked for us all. A kind gesture, and one I understand you’re going to continue, Ellie, am I correct?’ Mr Maxwell looks around the room for Ellie.
I see a petite hand waving from beneath the sea of people. They part a little so Ellie can be seen.
Ellie, bright red, looks eagerly back at Mr Maxwell. ‘Yes, Mr Maxwell, of course, Mr Maxwell.’
‘But with recompense,’ Sir Joseph murmurs from his seat. ‘I hope you’ll be charging us all a small amount for your cakes in future, Ellie? I certainly won’t mind paying for them.’
‘You tried one, Sir Joseph?’ Ellie asks, stunned.
‘I certainly did and it was delicious.’ He smiles at Ellie. ‘I’ll take two dozen next week if you can manage it, Ellie – it’s my niece’s birthday on Tuesday.’
‘Yes, yes, of course, Sir Joseph. You just let me know when and where.’ She grins at me.
‘Our next nominee is Harry Rigby.’
Harry, usually so relaxed, stands bolt upright, like an iron rod has just been dropped down the back of his
There are a few murmurs of acknowledgment, and Walter continues.
‘The time has come to announce the winner of the tickets to the gala lunch with the Beatles, and,’ he adds with a flourish, ‘I’m pleased to say that the winner and guest will now have the morning off and receive free transport from their home in a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, kindly donated by Abbey Car Hire.’
Oohs and aahs fill the room.
I look at Walter Maxwell standing slightly raised up on a little footstool that someone has found for him to balance on. I haven’t had a chance to go back to his office and question him more about his photo, or the reason for him being here, or any of the hundred other questions I have for him, because he’s been out on business all day and has only just come back in time to make the big announcement. I’m determined to try and catch him tonight, though, after everyone leaves, and before he goes home himself.
It’s Friday night and we’re all gathered to find out who will win employee of the month, and, more importantly it would seem to everyone else, also win the ‘golden ticket’ to ride in the Rolls-Royce to the gala lunch and meet the Beatles. I smile at my choice of words. ‘Ticket to Ride’ – another Beatles song, but not quite out yet if my memory serves me correctly. Gosh, I really do know far too much about the Beatles – my parents have a lot to answer for.
‘So without further ado,’ Mr Maxwell says, ‘and in the best award ceremony style, I’m going to read you a shortlist of the top nominees, and we’re honoured that Sir Joseph has joined us to announce the winner.’
A friendly-looking man with thinning wispy hair raises his hand from the chair he waits patiently on. Ah, this must be the famous Sir Joseph Lockwood, MD of EMI. I’ve only heard about him; I’ve never actually seen him around the building.
I look back at Walter Maxwell again.
Can’t you get this over with quickly?
I implore him silently.
I need to ask you some questions
.
‘Cynthia Roper, for her sterling work in accounts this month. It’s been a busy month, and there have been many staff shortages with the measles epidemic that we experienced through a few departments, so we think you’ve coped admirably, Cynthia.’
Cynthia smiles and blushes profusely behind her tortoiseshell spectacles.
‘James Pepper in publicity for his latest campaign for Cliff Richard. A fantastic job in conjunction with the
Summer Holiday
film, I think we’ll all agree.’
‘Bloody great job,’ Harry murmurs, standing next to me. ‘Why would you release a summer movie in February? Jimmy had to sweat blood to counterbalance that.’
I think about the incredibly detailed thought process that will go into every inch of a publicity campaign in the future. Releasing a summer movie in the winter? It just wouldn’t happen.
‘Ellie Williams for her beautiful and incredibly tasty cakes that she generously baked for us all. A kind gesture, and one I understand you’re going to continue, Ellie, am I correct?’ Mr Maxwell looks around the room for Ellie.
I see a petite hand waving from beneath the sea of people. They part a little so Ellie can be seen.
Ellie, bright red, looks eagerly back at Mr Maxwell. ‘Yes, Mr Maxwell, of course, Mr Maxwell.’
‘But with recompense,’ Sir Joseph murmurs from his seat. ‘I hope you’ll be charging us all a small amount for your cakes in future, Ellie? I certainly won’t mind paying for them.’
‘You tried one, Sir Joseph?’ Ellie asks, stunned.
‘I certainly did and it was delicious.’ He smiles at Ellie. ‘I’ll take two dozen next week if you can manage it, Ellie – it’s my niece’s birthday on Tuesday.’
‘Yes, yes, of course, Sir Joseph. You just let me know when and where.’ She grins at me.
‘Our next nominee is Harry Rigby.’
Harry, usually so relaxed, stands bolt upright, like an iron rod has just been dropped down the back of his
Similar Books
