Staff from Archant Norfolk’s Dereham office took a trip down memory lane.

Employees, both new and old, gathered to relive the good old days at Archant’s new premises which were officially opened in the town last month.

The reunion welcomed back more than 40 people who have served the company as editorial, advertising and admin staff.

Some of those unable to make it sent messages and a mock video of a company promotional film made by staff in 1982 was shown, to much amusement.

Among the guests were Richard Batson, now chief reporter at the Cromer office, Dereham receptionist Rosemary Parsons and Norwich sub-editor Andy Russell.

Dereham’s present chief reporter Ian Clarke (left) with ex-reporter Nick Manthorpe

Also present were reporters who had worked at Dereham as far back as the 1960s including Keith Skipper, who has since worked for BBC Radio Norfolk, and Charlie Catchpole who is famous for his columns in the national tabloids.

Guests had a look round the new office and then enjoyed a reception at a local hotel.

Dereham chief reporter Ian Clarke, who organised the reunion, said: “It was quite an effort for us to track so many people down but it was well worth it and we had a really great evening.

“So many memories were shared and old friendships renewed.

“It was terrific to see people swapping contact numbers and I’m sure this will lead to more get-togethers in the future.”

Comments

staci-leigh (27/06/2008 13:21:46)
i think this story of Ian clarke who i know as he works in dereham in the EDP office is brilliant how does he do these stories maybe he could help me with my newspaper stories as i am making my own newspaper xxx