Dr. Derek Passmore 2010

My first day at school was in September 1962. My first form master was Viv Marchant, who I always remember for fainting in Biology when he tried to take a sample of his own blood. Among the many teachers I had I remember Alan Garnett, Bill Shepherd, Doug Thwaite.

Bernie Bales and Doug Lewis.

I was in Ramsden House, playing goalkeeper for the House Football XI, and winning the Discus at the school sports in1966. From leaving school I have had a number of jobs mainly concentrating in the Chemical and Paper Industry. After I left Glaxo I joined Scott paper Company, during which time I worked in the UK, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the USA. finally achieving for them accreditation to ISO 9000.

I then left to work in the plastics industry for a German company Schmalbach Lubeka. and was involved in setting up plants in Brazil, India and Russia for “through- the-wall" operations with Coca Cola. Whilst working in Russia it was evident the post Gorbachov era was tough, with personnel in factories not being paid in money but in the items they manufactured. It was not unusual to see a group of men at the roadside selling new car tyres, chairs or pans.

I moved on to work for Rockwood Specialties, an American company owned by the same consortium that bought the Boots Chemist chain. There I spent time in the USA and at test sites in Hawaii, before finally re-locating back to this area to work as a Quality and Health & Safety consultant, and a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor.

I was co-opted to work for Barrow Borough Council as an Independent member of the Standards Committee, whereby we attempted to keep Councillors on the straight and narrow.

I have met many Barrovians in my travels, but unfortunately not many Old Barrovians.

I feel very honoured to be have been President of the Old Barrovians. and hope eventually to be able to persuade more ex pupils around my age group to join the association.