A visit was arranged by Trevor, M5AKA to the local emporium produced a
very full party of Club Members to sample the delights of this well-known
establishment.
Mark Francis, Marketing Director
After a brief welcome and introduction by Mark Francis, a
tour of the Warehouse and Museum gave some idea of the stock held, enabling
in most cases, a rapid response to requests.
Bob, M1DTA and
Mike Sullivan looking around the shop
The requests for a large
variety of equipment come from shop visitors, telephone calls and by
letter. On visiting the out going order department later, we were to
discover some 150 items are dispatched daily.
John Bowen, G8DET
with Colin, G0TRM holding a Morse key
The Museum collection gave rise to many expressions of passed experiences
of ownership or familiarity, with some of the fine examples of an
earlier generation on display.
We next were shown the excellent in-house Service Department which
contributes greatly to the success of W & S - staffed by a dedicated
band of Amateurs.
Mike
Sullivan, Mike, G4ZPE (hiding), Matthew and Bob
Boddy, G6AKL, Service Engineers.
Mike,
G4ZPE (Zippy) in his workshop. Note, each
of his toys produce a different test audio frequency.
After a break for some excellent food and drink we were shown the in-house
facilities for producing all the copy and photographs required for
advertising leaflets etc, as well as the excellent colour brochure we
all know and love.
John Bowen, G8DET
with Robin Hall, G4DVJ, Media Manager.
Director, Peter Waters then demonstrated some new products to us and
talked proudly at length about the Company as a whole and how they are
the leading suppliers in the Country and have recently won an award for
the best growth.
Martyn,
G1EFL with Peter Waters.
After which, time was taken to talk to all the staff
present and ask questions and in some cases spend some hard-earned cash.
Summing up Mark thanked us all for coming and invited us back in a year
or two to see how well their planned expansion to their stores and
dispatch areas are progressing, which will be in keeping with the
recently enlarged shop and excellent working equipment display areas.
On leaving we were all presented with a quality Kenwood mug with which
to quench our thirsts during long nights on the radio.
From my point of view it was a most enjoyable and worthwhile visit.
Trevor, M5AKA
with MP-1 HF-VHF-UHF Portable Antenna.
Many thanks to our hosts and to Trevor, M5AKA for arranging it.
Report by Colin G0TRM.
