“On Christmas Eve each of the sections organised their own celebration, bringing in food and beer. The celebrations commenced at the start of the shift and continued to about 9 am when everyone went home. It was a half day holiday. With the alcohol in the workshop I was always happy when everyone was gone although I don’t recall any unpleasant incidents on Christmas Eve.

As Works Manager I was expected to walk around the shop and talk to people in each of the sections. Invariably I was given a beer in each of the sections so by the time I got back to the office I was also ready to go home. I am sure it was a deliberate plan of the employees to get as much beer into me as possible! However, it was a good opportunity to talk to the employees on an unofficial basis. I enjoyed the walk around.”