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From: Bernice Lashbrook
Category: Story
Date: 29 Apr 2004
Time: 10:44:46 +0100
Remote Name: 195.92.67.69
I, too, like other contributors have fond memories of Ian. We worked together almost twenty years ago when I was secretary to Uwe Lamann in the Electronic Components Group in the 'Grey block' in Sunbury (England's answer to the 'Pink palace' in Munich ! In those early days the products were arranged in 'Product/Business groups' and Ian came to us to head up the Electromechanical group. He had one of the most difficult targets to aim for compared to the other groups. He soon endeared himself to every member of staff not only in his own group but with the other groups too. He had the ability to get the best out of everyone. No matter what was thrown at him, he gave 110% to the task in hand. I remember well the 'Norton' days. Before the office was closed, Ian came to Islington where the main office was situated. He was the first man Uwe Lamann thought of to help with the critical task of turning the company around after the acquisition by Siemens. To this end, as Alastair wrote in his contribution 'Golfless weekend at the Belfry',Ian took on the task of working with Alastair to create an event at the Motor Museum in Birmingham which was crucial in winning the hearts and minds of the staff. And it was a great success. Ian worked extremely hard, but he also played hard as we all know. Ian always put as much effort and thought into the social side of his work as to his business side. I was asked each year to organise 'End of Year' business parties for Components Group staff and guests. The first was a'Bavarian' evening held in the depths of Surrey and I cannot now recall the location - someone out there might remember ! All attending were asked to wear something typically Bavarian and if they didn't they could expect to pay a forfeit ! Well as you may imagine, guests arrived in all sorts of wonderful creations. Ian's was by far the best though. He had really gone to town, as only Ian could, and arrived dressed top to toe like a typical Bavarian country boy - almost like a full sized Pinnochio, but without the nose !! This last story is only one of so many and I cherish the time I was able to work with Ian. He was a great man.
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