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Ian Baddeley
 A number of well-known members of UKAEA staff retired from Dounreay
recently. Ian Baddeley, who worked in engineering division, retired after
thirty years service. A native of Stoke, Ian and his wife Elaine, came to
Caithness in 1975. A fitter-turner to trade, he worked in a number of
plants in the fuel cycle area, and in 1980 was promoted to supervisor,
then, the youngest person to hold this position. In the mid-80s the early
stages of multiple sclerosis were diagnosed. By the early ‘90s Ian’s
condition was such that he was registered as a disabled person, and his
employer made adjustments to his work. When he retired Ian was responsible
for the procurement of spares, liaising with plant engineers determining
current and future needs. At his retirement presentation, Maurice Edmunds,
head of site support group, praised Ian’s contribution over the years. “He
was always a straight-talking individual, “ said Maurice. “He did not
stand on any ceremony. Today, thanks to his efforts, we have a superb
system for identifying our spares needs. He then presented with a number
of gifts on behalf of his colleagues. In thanking Maurice and his
colleagues, Ian said he was grateful for the help and understanding he had
received over the years. “These thirty years have provided me with many
happy memories and I wish you every success in the future. Ian and Elaine,
who is a nurse, live in Thurso.
James (Jimmy) Malcolm
 When Jimmy Malcolm started work with UKAEA in December 1957, construction
work was still in progress and he was assigned to the recently completed
safety store. On reaching his eighteenth birthday he was made a safety
attendant before applying to join health physics. On successfully
completing the necessary course he became a health physics monitor. This
role took him into various parts of the site including DFR, PFR and DMTR.
At his retirement presentation, Colin Gregory, head of the directors
support office, said Jimmy represented much of what Dounreay has meant to
this community, these past fifty years. “Jimmy came to Dounreay as a
seventeen year-old when the site was in its infancy, and remained for the
whole of his working life,” said Colin. “As the site developed, so too did
the opportunities. Jimmy grasped these opportunities, and over the years
has contributed to the safe well-being of its employees. On behalf of
UKAEA I thank you most sincerely for your loyal and diligent service.” He
then presented Jimmy with a number of gifts on behalf of his colleagues.
Jimmy, who was accompanied at the presentation by his wife Margaret,
thanked Colin and his colleagues. “These forty-seven years have been very
memorable,” he said. “I had the pleasure of working with very fine people,
and will remember with pleasure my years on site.” Jimmy and Margaret, who
live in Thurso, have a grown up family of three, and three grand-children.
Peter Nichol
 Peter Nichol who recently retired after twenty-six years service with
UKAEA can certainly boast a very interesting CV. As well as being a
time-served fitter, he is also a fully qualified nurse, and has also been
a professional ice-skater! In 1961, Peter commenced his apprenticeship
with Churchill Machine Tools, Bradford, and during this time took up
ice-skating at the local ice-rink. “I used to practice before going to
work, and during lunch breaks,” said Peter. “One day in 1966, I was asked
if I would go for an audition to Richmond Ice-rink with a view to turning
professional.” On passing the audition Peter was invited to join the
Wembley Stadium ice-dancing team where he was to remain for the next three
years. “We performed Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Dick Whittington,” he
said. “When we completed our Wembley programmes we went on tour around the
country.”
In 1969, seeking a fresh challenge, he applied for an auxiliary nurse post
at St Lukes Hospital, Bradford. Having being accepted he was then offered
training as a nurse. “I took up this opportunity and eventually qualified
as an orthopaedic nurse. I met my future wife, Pam, who was also a nurse
in the same hospital.” He was also the recipient of a Nurse of the Year
award. By the late seventies, with pay and conditions in the nursing
service falling behind other professions, Peter decided to revert to his
first trade, hence his arrival at Dounreay in 1979. At his retirement
presentation Malcolm Gray, maintenance resources manager, praised his
engineering skills that he had demonstrated in various facilities
throughout the site. “Two years ago he became a technical author,” said
Malcolm. “Here again he was able to put his engineering expertise to good
use.” In responding, Peter said that Dounreay, and the area in general,
had been very good to him and his family. “I take into retirement many
happy memories of this place and its workforce.” He said his retirement
would give him the opportunity to pursue his interests in music and
hill-walking. Peter and Pam, who live in Thurso, have three of a family. |