RT TANNER & CO - Key Persons
A Harrison joined in 1951 after travelling for another paper merchant in the North. Lives in Leeds and covers Yorkshire and surrounding areas. Born and bred a Yorkshireman and nay the worse for that. Known in London Office as ‘lad fro' North'.In June 1974, we said farewell to Arthur Harrison, who retired after serving the Company faithfully since 1952. Arthur, born and bred a Yorkshireman, joined us from United Paper Merchants, when this Company went out of business, and soon made his presence felt in Yorkshire. Working with stocks held in a warehouse belonging to the South Leeds Haulage Company, he soon outgrew the facilities provided and a move to 68 Wellington Street followed in 1958.Under Arthur's control the Leeds Branch continued to expand and in 1963 it was necessary to move to yet larger quarters to our present address, Corner House, Whitehall Road, Leeds LS12 IAQ. The business here has been built up to service the north. Deliveries of paper and boards being received from mill lorries, and manufactured goods on a weekly freightliner service from our Crayford factory. Arthur has earned a rest, and goes with the knowledge that he is leaving behind a sturdy youngster ready and able to blossom forth as soon as the present difficult conditions improve. We all wish him and his wife a happy and contented retirement to his new house near Harrogate. The Directors presented him with a leather suitcase.
Job Titles:
- Envelope Department / 1957
Job Titles:
- Secretary to Production Director / 1969
E. Prisley came from a paper mill staff in 1947, and travels mainly in East London and Home Counties. Recently added the Eastern Counties to his travels, just to keep him on the move.
It is with great regret that we have to inform you of the sudden death of our representative Edward Prisley on 16 August 1974. Ted joined the company in 1947 from the sales office of Horton Kirby Paper Mills, and represented this Company in the City and Eastern Counties. He was taken ill some two months ago with a heart condition, but after spell in hospital he gave every appearance or recovery, although he was anticipating taking early retirement. He leaves behind a widow and two sons, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
It is with great regret that we have to announce the death of our director Frank Anthony Garrett. Frank Garrett was a director for almost 40 years. and had followed in his father's footsteps by taking over the financial side on the latter's death. Two years ago Frank Garrett underwent a severe operation and he never fully recovered his health. Early in 1957 he resigned his position as managing director, though he remained a director of the Company. He attended our last annual general meeting in September. His health gradually deteriorated and on Monday, 16th December, as the result of a heart attack he passed away peacefully.
Job Titles:
- Secretary - Leeds Office / 1974
It is with regret we have to announce that George Willis, one of our old employees, recently passed away after a short illness. George had been driving one of our vans. As such he was a familiar character to most of our London customers.
Job Titles:
- Completed 40 Years Service As Transport Manager in 1957
Job Titles:
- Partner in the Business at Foundation in 1877 and Was Made a Director in 1908.
On 30 July 1925 board minutes record ‘The amount to be sent to Mr Pearsall who has been away from business so long £400".
A note in the Company minute book read on Thursday July 8th 1926 at 2.30 "The Directors Report with much regret the death during the year of Mr Frank Garrett and Mr H.S.Pearsall both whom had been associated with the business all their lives. The loss of these two Directors in one year is a very serious blow to the Company."
Henry Still Pearsall was a partner in the business at foundation in 1877 and was made a Director in 1908.
Job Titles:
- Geraldine / Secretary to the Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Invoicing Department / 1958
- Secretary Leeds Office Married 7 June Mr John Greenhalf
YorkshireSports News: Our representative Jim Nuttall was recently selected to represent the Lancashire Paper Trade versus the Yorkshire Paper Trade at their annual cricket match. Although short of practice he acquitted himself creditably, scoring a very stylish 31 out of the Lancashire total of 160, and then weighed in with a sharp one for one spell to help dismiss Yorkshire for 63.
October 1968 Jim Nuttall recently took a day off selling to represent the Lancashire Paper Trade in their annual cricket match against the Yorkshire Paper Trade. Lancashire won scoring 180 to Yorkshire's 166. As Jim scored 14 it could be said that he was instrumental in averting a tie!
Job Titles:
- Secretary to Arthur Tanner
John Leslie Steward, joined the Company in November 1966. He came to us from Mitcham Cardboards Ltd and was on the staff of the London Sales Office until April 69 he then joined the distribution staff at Crayford. He passed the final NAPM exam in 1968 and his knowledge of the trade is considerable. In October he becomes on our reps in West London and Hampshire.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Manager
- Appointed Commercial Manager
John W Muir, now appointed Commercial Manager and is stationed at our London office. He joined the company from Spicers in 1937, and served in the paper Dept. until he joined the Royal navy in 1940. On return from the forces he was appointed Manager of the Paper Sales Dept a post he has held for 17 years.John W Muir joined the Company in 1937. Served in the Senior Service during the war and returned in 1946. Commercial manager and also chairman of the SE Area of NAPM
John Muir our Commercial Manager who has been with the Company over 40 years is taking a slightly early retirement. John who lives in North London has had to travel to Crayford and back daily since we closed the London Office and we know that come the winter he will be pleased to have his feet up in front of the fire rather than waiting on the station for the train which may or may not run!
Job Titles:
- Accounts Dept NCR Machine Operator Joined 1970 / 1974
Job Titles:
- Secretary for the Southern Veteran - Cycle Club
It is with regret that we have to announce the sudden death of our Mr H Lloyd Roberts. He joined the company in 1948 and served throughout on the accounts side. He was taken ill in the office on 28 December 1956, was admitted to St.Barts Hospital. After a short but very painful illness he departed this life on 4 January 1957 aged 54 years.
Martin Miles joined January 1961 from Wiggins Teape Co. where he learnt paper-making
Job Titles:
- Paper Sales Department / 1955
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Managing Director
- Our Chairman
Arthur Derek Tanner was appointed managing director April 1957
Once again the Envelope Makers and Manufacturing Stationers Association has turned to our Managing Director Mr. A. D. P. Tanner to take over the Chairmanship of the Association for the following year. Mr Derek Tanner had already been Chairman of the Association for the usual two-year term from 1961 to 1963, and for the first time in the history of this Association a past Chairman has been re-elected for another period. Mr. Derek Tanner has been a member of the Committee for 15 years and has served on the Post Office Committee of E.M.M.S.A. for six years, as well as several British Standard Institute Committees. It was felt by the Association that his experience would be of inestimable value in the regular negotiations with the Post Office during the forthcoming year for the introduction of the preferred size of envelopes.The vice-chairman elected was Mr. G. R. Keay of Wiggins Teape (Stationery) Ltd.Not infrequently our Chairman and Managing Director is absent from the office, and of one thing we cannot accuse him is his enthusiasm for variety. In mitigation we list some of the duties he performs:Chairman and Managing Director of R. T. Tanner & Co., Ltd. Director of Tanner Krolle (Leather Goods) Ltd. Treasurer of the Envelope Makers & Manufacturing Stationers Association Deputy Chairman of the Manufacturing Stationery Group of B.F.M.P. Member of the British Standards inst. Tech. Committee PAC/12 Member of the British Standards Inst. Panel on Metrication (Printing industry) Deputy Vice-Chairman of the Sevenoaks Division Conservative Assoc. Chairman of the Rosslyn Park Rugby Football Club Schoolboys Seven-a-Side Tournament and his hobby, when he has the time, is gardening!
Our Managing Director has recently been honoured by two appointments. On the 17th May, The Secretary of State for Employment appointed him to the Industrial Training Board for the Paper and Paper Products Industry Training Board. He has been a member of the Industrial Advisory Training Board for some years and wilt continue also to serve on this Board. On 11th June, he was elected to the Office of President of the British Stationery and Office Products Federation. This Federation came into being in 1972 being formed out of the British Stationery and Office Equipment Association and is the mouthpiece of the retail, wholesale and manufacturing stationers. To this Federation the following associations are affiliated Artificial Flower Trade, British Pencil Manufacturers, Diary Publishers, Envelope Makers and Manufacturing Stationers, Greeting Card & Calendars, Greeting Card Distributors' Group, Letter File, National Association of Engravers and Die Stampers, Postcards, Ribbon Stamp Manufacturers' Guild, Writing Instrument Manufacturers. Mr. Derek Tanner, who is a past president and now treasurer of the Envelope Makers and Manufacturing Stationers Association, is the first President of the Federation to be elected from one of the affiliated Associations. Chairman and Managing Director, of R. T. Tanner & Co. Ltd. Re-elected President of the British Stationery and Office Products Federation for a further year.Chairman of the Manufacturing Stationery Industry Group of the British Printing Industries Federation.Treasurer of the Envelope Makers and Manufacturing StationersAssociation.Re-elected a member of the Printing and Paper Products IndustryTraining Board for three further years.Chairman of the Stationery Industry Advisory Group of the 3 P's Training Board.Chairman of Rosslyn Park F.C. National Schoolboys Seven-a-side Tournaments.Our Managing Director A. Derek Tanner is a man of many parts, believing in the adage all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy He delights in being the last or last but one leaving the office in the evening; and is a member of the Paper and Paper Products Industry Training Board, the Manufacturing Stationery Industry Group of the British Printing Industry Federation, Chairman of the Stationery Industry Advisory Group of the I.T.B., member of the Envelope Makers and Manufacturing Stationers Association, and of the British Stationery and Office Equipment Federation. His main hobby is organising schoolboys seven-a-side rugby, and for 13 years has run the National Schoolboys sevens, which has now reached a total of 250 schools. This year he has reached the summit of his achievements in organising the first ever World Schoolboys Sevens Tournament.Sixteen sides from all parts of the world were hosted by his club Rosslyn Park F.C., and took part in this unique event. This effort, which had taken about three years of preparation, was crowned by the attendance of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who attended the final rounds and presented the trophies to the winners and runners-up.
Our Managing Director has now informed us that he is returning to normal business forthwith.Mr A Derek Tanner was elected Chairman of The Envelope Makers' and Manufacturing Stationers Association on 8 March 1961. He has been a member of the Executive Committee for a number of years, and has sat on many of the Sub Committees including that which consults with the Post Office on mechanisation of postal services.At the Annual Dinner in the evening, at which Mr Derek Tanner presided, on the illness of the outgoing Chairman, he was presented with a new Badge of Office, kindly presented to the Association by Messrs. Spicers Ltd.
A. Derek P Tanner Chairman and Managing Director joined the company in 1932 and was trained in every department including 2 years ‘on the road' before joining the Royal Artillery from 1939-45. Elected Chairman of The Envelope Makers and Manufacturing Stationers Association in 1961 and re-elected for a second year in 1962.
After nearly sixty years of service A D Tanner wrote a memoir of his service with the company.
Finally leaving the business in 1984 A D Tanner, after a happy retirement, died on 22 November 1995. A fitting tribute was made at his memorial service
Anthony Richard Tanner : Retirement of Mr A.E. Garnham. Most of his territory will be taken over by Mr. Anthony Tanner, who joined the Company four years ago. During this time he has learned his trade in the Paper and Board Sales Office, passing both the intermediate and final N.A.P.M. examinations. During the last year has been assistant Factory Manager, so that he has studied all sides of our business. We wish him luck in his new venture.
Congratulations to Mr Anthony R Tanner on being elected captain of Rosslyn Park Rugby Club for 1963-64. He will be one of the youngest captains, if not the youngest, ever elected to this well-known club in its long history.
Sports News: Anthony Tanner has now retired from playing rugger due to breaking his nose for the sixth time. He has had a long career with Rosslyn Park playing in the first XV for eleven seasons, captaining them for two years, the second occasion being last season. He also represented Kent in the County Championship on several occasions. He has just returned from St. Thomas's Hospital after an operation to clear the obstruction in his nose.
We have recently made a major change in our internal organisation. Anthony R Tanner who has for some years been in charge of our distribution department has changed positions with Robert L.Kent who was previously Sales Manager. It is thought that these two people who have always had to work very closely together will, with the experience gained in their previous jobs, contribute fresh ideas and new initiatives to their latest positions.Anthony R Tanner joined the Company in 1957. He is the great-grandson of the founder. He is a Director, and controls the Stock Sales Dept.
Anthony Tanner one of our Directors, has decided that he requires a change from the paper trade and leaves us shortly for other interests.
Mr Hugh .S. Pearsall is retiring as our representative in the Eastern Counties. This position will be taken over by Mr Prisley. Mr Pearsall will continue to call upon his customers in London.
In this issue we must take our official leave of Mr Hugh Pearsall, who retires at the end of July. He joined the company in 1907 and except for service in the 1914-18 war and for a short period in the early 30's has been a representative throughout this time. A photograph of Hugh Pearsall taken at our last staff dinner and dance appears on P.18.His father, Mr H.S.Pearsall, was one of the original directors of the company when it was formed into a limited company. His son, Mr John S. Pearsall, representing the third generation, is well known to many of our customers as a representative mainly in South-west London area. He will no doubt keep his father well informed of matters affecting the trade in the years to come!
At the end of August our oldest pensioner Hugh Pearsall passed away quietly in his 92nd year. Hugh joined the Company in 1907, and except for a short break in the 30's when he joined a firm of printers, he returned to represent the Company until his final retirement in 1958. He went to live in Guernsey, but when his wife died about two years ago he returned to live in Surrey near his son John. our Sales Director. Hugh visited us at Crayford and appeared remarkably spry for his years. We are given to understand that he was in good form joining his son in a half pint the day before he died, and that his end was sudden and peaceful.
John S Pearsall son of Mr H.S. Pearsall joined in 1933. After war service returned in 1946 to ‘go on the road' in London and Home Counties. Always a smile and a new story every day of the week.
We are pleased to announce that Mr John S Pearsall was appointed to the board of directors on the 16th April. He joined the company in 1933 and as a member of the territorial army was called to the colours in August 1939, served in the Far East, rising to the rank of Lt Colonel. On demobilisation he became a representative, and in January 1961 was appointed London Sales Manager, in charge of our London Office. John Pearsall is the son of Hugh Pearsall, who retired from the Company in 1958 and now lives in the Channel Isles. His grandfather was Mr Henry Still Pearsall, who was made a director of the Company in 1908.
We would like to take this opportunity of congratulating our director, Mr John Pearsall, on once again being elected captain of Teddington Cricket Club, now in the 130th year of its existence, and this year celebrating 100 years of playing on the same ground in Bushy Park.Sports News: Our Sales Director, John S. Pearsall, at an age when he ought to know better, is still playing cricket for Teddington Cricket Club, and in spite of the damp summer, has scored runs whenever necessary.
Mrs Sheila Jarvis joined the Company in 1963 in the Production Dept, left to have her son and heir, before rejoining in 1975 as part time secretary to the Managing Director
Peter Derek Tanner the younger son of our Chairman Derek Tanner. Peter has completed a three year course for a Higher National Diploma in Business studies, which involved six months practical shift working in the paper mill of Messrs Townsend Hook & Company at Snodland
Richard Verden joined as a trainee in June 1960. Joined the Company on 20 June 1960 and after training in the Office went on the road 18 months ago. He represents us in NW London, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.Photo in Bull ring on holiday in Spain
Robert G Dingwall joined the Company 1 May 1970 as factory manager. Mr Dingwall brings with him a wealth of experience having been ten years with the Bowater Scott organisation as senior production supervisor and maintenance superintendent, followed by two years general manager of the Inveresk converting factory. He then moved to the Reed Paper and Board Group before joining this Company.
Robert L. Kent D.S.C. now appointed Southern Regional Sales ManagerBob Kent joined the Company from The Hale Paper Co. in 1937 as a rep. During the war he served with the Royal Navy, gaining the D.S.C. After the ware he continued as a rep. And he is now charge of our Southern Sales force working under our Sales Director Mr John S.PearsallR. L. Kent, known throughout the Company and the trade as Bob, commenced service in 1937, after gaining his knowledge with the Hale Paper Co. He served in the Royal Navy during the war years, being torpedoed in the original Ark Royal. Commanding a Tank Landing Craft at the Normandy beaches he rescued a considerable number of men from the sea for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. On demobilisation he returned to the Company as a representative, and in the early sixties he was promoted to Southern Region Sales Manager, a post he occupied until his retirement. Unfortunately his wife died after a short illness a few months prior to his retirement, but he has two married daughters and grand-children to keep him occupied.The Directors and all the office staff bade farewell to Bob at a pleasant little wine and cheese party, where he was presented with a radio and cassette recorder.
Job Titles:
- Invoice Department / 1955
Roy John Tinworth joined our staff in March and is taking over as a representative in London and Buckinghamshire area. Mr. Tinworth serviced his apprenticeship with Messrs .John Dickinson & Co. Ltd at their Croxley Mill, and holds the City & Guilds Paper Technology certificate.
Stanley Hall completed 46 years service in the punching, tabbing, drilling and slotting department.
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of Stanley C. Hall on the 2 Feb 1965. Stanley, or Stan, as he was always called, joined the Company in 1912 and was employed as foreman cutter for the hand-folding envelope department. He retired on pension in January 1962 and unfortunately did not survive long to enjoy his leisure. He had a heart attach some six months ago from which he only partially recovered, and a further sudden attack caused his premature death.
We take this opportunity of congratulating our chairman, Mr Arthur Tanner and Mrs Tanner, on the celebration of their golden wedding anniversary on January 9th, 1954
Our Chairman, Mr Arthur Tanner, was severely injured in a road accident on Christmas morning[sic Dec 58]. In spite of his age he has made a wonderful recovery, and was able to be present at our office dinner and dance on March 13th. His leg is still in plaster, and it is anticipated that it will have to remain so for some time longer to ensure that the bone knits successfully. Mr Arthur has asked us to take this opportunity of thanking his great number of friends in the trace for their enquiries and good wishes for his recovery.
This issue of our Journal is dedicated to our Chairman Mr. Arthur Tanner. The youngest son of our founder Richard Tupper Tanner, who incidentally died on his son's first birthday, he joined the Company on October 1st, 1897. At that time the Company was under the control of his elder brother William A. Tanner, and when it was formed into a limited company Arthur Tanner became a director. During these sixty years he has been instrumental in guiding the Company from small beginnings to its present position in the paper trade. Always one to study detail nothing has ever been too much trouble to him, and he has laboured to build the business up through many difficult times and two world wars. Known to all the employees as Mr. Arthur, this shows the affection in which he is held by all. It is one of the attributes of his character that he has the knack of managing staff. Any employee in whatever humble a position can always find Mr. Arthur ready to listen to his or her problems and give sound counsel. His calm temperament enables him to remain quite unruffled when all around him get highly excited. Sixty years is a long time by any standard, but to complete this in one company is worthy of wide recognition. Mr. Arthur is continuing to give his full time to the Company and it is hoped that he may be spared to us for many years to come. One item which gave Mr. Arthur considerable pleasure was that his grandson Anthony Richard Tanner joined the Company a few days prior to the date on which he celebrated his 60 years service. This means that three generations are serving the Company at the same time. To mark the occasion. Mr. Arthur was presented with a photograph of himself. This photograph was mounted on a large mount, which carried the signature of every employee in the service of the Company on October 1st. 1957. This photograph suitably framed will be hung in the Board room, and every employee from apprentice to fellow directors contributed an equal amount to the cost. It was felt that this rather unusual gift was most fitting. in that it would provide for present and future members of the Company, a tangible record of an unique and well-loved character.
55 years ago by our Chairman, Mr. Arthur Tanner I entered R. T. Tanner & Co. on 1st October. 1899, in the old premises at 15 Dorset Street, when the office hours were 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.. and every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the first three months no salary was paid me. after which I received £4 3s. 4d. per month, not exactly a princely sum even for those days. We were then a private company, the partners being my brother W. A. Tanner, C. T. Green and F. Garrett. father of my present co-director Frank A. Garrett. We had an office staff of five, with five travellers, eight warehousemen and two van drivers. One of these vanmen named Josh got into debt to the extent of 12 shillings, and as he was then earning 18s. 6d. a week it was quite impossible for him to pay his debts. He therefore took his van to Blackfriars Bridge. left it on the bridge and threw himself into the river. He was picked up and had to appear at the Mansion House court. W. A. Tanner paid his debt, and all was well. Josh came back to work for us for some time afterwards. Another amusing thing happened on one of our annual outings. Freddie Bays. a traveller, had very little hair, but he had a pigtail which he greased and curled round and round his head to cover it. During the morning he thought he would have a bathe, and when he was in the water, all we could see was a long piece of hair floating on the top of the water, and when he came out from bathe, we discovered that except for his pigtail he was entirely bald! I may add that we never forgot the sight. and never let Freddie Bays forget either! On another of these outings we went to a rather palatial hotel for lunch, where we were served with a large portion of roast beef. The waiter came round to ask if any of us would like a second portion. When he came to Josh, our vanman, he replied at once, Yes, and cut it middling thick this time. The look on the waiter's face was worth seeing. W. A. Tanner was exceedingly hot tempered. and on one occasion a mill representative came to see him, and because he could or would not do what was wanted, W. A. Tanner threw him down the stairs, and for those of us who remember the stairs in our old premises. this was some distance. The representative did not call again for some considerable time but 1 am pleased to say that he is still alive, though now in retirement. I would hasten to add that his retirement was not due to his hasty journey down the stairs. We had no telephone or typewriters in those days and all the work had to be done with pen and ink. Of course there were no girls on the staff, and the first one joined us, I think, in 1908. but it was not until several years later, during the 1914-1918 war, that we employed girls in any number, and then mostly in the Counting House. It was usual for a warehouseman to have a week's holiday, but one of these characters called Spider by one and all, and who, incidentally, was with us for 50 years. always spent his holiday sitting on the front step of the warehouse watching the others work. Spider had a tremendous thirst, and although he did not drink during working hours, as soon as the bell rang for the finish he rushed across the road to "The Rose and Crown" where his pint was standing ready on the counter. He downed this in one draught, as he said, to get the dust out of his throat, and then proceeded to enjoy his succeeding pints at leisure. I am sorry to say that only three of us from those days are still alive: Mr. Bird. formerly the secretary, and latterly a director, now retired; Jack Cremin warehouseman and country packer, also retired after 60 years' service; and myself. I may add that the spirit of comradeship which was so apparent in those days of small staffs, is still with us today. We still get our laughs at each other's expense, and the friendly inter-departmental rivalry is still in force and helps to keep us all on our toes. We are an old firm, but young in heart.
Wally Ellwood joined the manufacturing dept in 1955. After experience in costing and estimating was appointed factory manager in 1963Wally Ellwood joined the Company in 1945. Was appointed factory manager and then production controller and programmer