Albert Coleman dies on the job (almost)

Albert Coleman was the composing room manager for many years. He was quite small and as usual in those days, a fairly heaver smoker. He had a barbed tongue and never gave out praise – not to the apprentices at any rate. He was totally obsessed with the job and the only time he was known to talk about anything but the job was in 1966 when he became equally obsessed with the World Cup. In fact, it was the only time he ever smiled and became animated. His demise was quite sad.

One Friday afternoon, he suddenly slumped in his chair which was situated in the open office island near the front of the comp room. He turned a nasty colour and was obviously having some kind of ‘funny turn’. Next to his office was the composing frames for the ‘Textile Weekly’ magazine, run by Bob ‘Jod’ Carr. As he was being stretchered away, he called out ‘Don’t forget the Textile bag Bob!’, a reference to the page proofs which were sent out to the Textile Weekly office which was based on Blackfriars Street Manchester, now inevitably turned into apartments. These word the last words he ever spoke in Percy Brothers. He was taken to hospital and died that weekend from a heart attack. He was visited by ‘Old Annie’ who was a copy holder in the reading department and who was rumoured to be the ancient equivalent of today’s ‘friend with benefits’. Although he wasn’t the most popular, there was no doubt that his knowledge of printing was immense and at a result he had a great deal of respect from most of the staff. He gave his life for the job and was a lesson to us all that ultimately, there is a limit to how much you should give to your career. After all, you are soon forgotten…

 

 

2 thoughts on “Albert Coleman dies on the job (almost)”

  1. Hey Mate, This is brilliant!! I’ll be in touch. Sorry not to have contacted in a while. Hope your Christmas was brilliant, and, meanwhile, have a Happy New Year Professor Cammings!!! Best to Liz.
    PS: I was the proverbial ‘Little Bastard’!!!

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