The West Winford Incident

by John Parker

  “Oh! Yes. I agree with you, Peter, those have been surprises, and very welcome ones that I couldn’t have hoped for.”

  “Hmm. Quite so, but there may only be so much good fortune, you know, and you may have had all yours early.”

  Sue replied that she realised that this might be true.

  “Well,” said Peter, “maybe not quite.” He took a small note book from his pocket and handed it to her. Replacing her glass on the table she opened it at the marked place where she saw a drawing, a single branch diagram of a family ‘tree’. It depicted a married couple with five children. Sue caught her breath as she read the father’s name – Henry Potten. His birth and death dates were given, together with his wife, Felicity Groves. The five children had their years of birth included. Then the shock of pleasure made her eyes widen. Thomas Potten 1806. As she had determined to trace Caroline’s family as a matter of importance, of honour even, she had all the relevant information so far acquired, fixed firmly in her mind. She knew that 1806 was the year of birth of one of ‘her’ Carolines’ fathers, the other being about ten years younger. She was delighted. But how? Peter explained that it was a stroke of luck. He and his Highgate friend had spent the morning looking around art galleries in the area. One of these, a small place on Archway, had an exhibition of, lesser known, British landscape painters. One of the rooms was devoted to a Henry Potten, of whom Peter confessed he’d never heard. Apparently he was better known in the middle of the nineteenth century. Along with his works, were odd bits of memorabilia, including a copy of Henry’s family tree.

  “I made a note of where the original can be found on the following page,” Peter continued. Sue saw that this was at County Hall, Maidstone in Kent. She was overjoyed and impetuously leaned across to kiss him. He turned towards her just at that moment and so her intended peck on the cheek became a full kiss, and it lasted. She felt his hand on her breast and resisted the temptation to retreat suddenly, but just gradually moved away from him to resume her position. Her colour was high and she felt breathless. Before she could apologise for her forwardness, Peter stammered his apology, clearly contrite. Despite her confusion, Sue showed remarkable control and made it clear that she was responsible. In a simultaneous nervous gesture they both leaned forwards and picked up their glasses, their hands shaking. After a deep swallow, Peter shook his head.

  “To continue,” he began, and Sue was impressed by his attempt at lightness, “before being so violently attacked, I was going to add that this ‘tree’ extended backwards into the seventeenth century, but I only had time to copy down what you see. Should it turn out to be what you are looking for, then you could contact Maidstone for the complete information.”

  “This is so exciting, Peter, Henry Potten a well-known – to some at least – artist. If I can prove that his son Thomas is my ancestor, then I have so much information. Oh thank you, thank you,” enthused Sue and she unselfconsciously, squeezed Peter’s arm.

  “You’re not about to attack me again, are you?” joked Peter, moving away. “I did just scan the wall chart briefly before we left and although Henry lived in London, his major paintings depicted scenes of Kent. I noticed also that many of the earlier ancestors also had Kentish connections.”

  Sue moved on to mention her Pulham ancestors and Peter agreed that the information from the Pulham registers should enable her to build up a picture of the various Boughton families living in the village around the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and this should be reinforced by the extra information that she was expecting. Naturally, this would take some time, as much had to be unscrambled, but this was a good way of advancing her new hobby at home, rather than in the rough and tumble of the various record repositories. Sue confessed that she had found the periods of waiting between trips to London frustrating and so having work which she could do at home, was welcome.

  When Thursday arrived Sue, with understandable nervousness, prepared for her interview. Although the job was in the finance department and she had several years’ experience in that field, she was under no illusions that huge changes would have occurred since she last processed invoices, all those years ago.

  Surprisingly, the whole thing passed in a blur and was over before she knew it. As she drove home she reflected that it didn’t go as badly as she had feared. True, systems had changed, but she was pleased to find that the present incumbent would be staying on for a month and so her replacement would have the benefit of working herself into the job. So there was a chance. They would let her know within a few days. Before that however, she had some mothering to do.

  *

  Sue was pleased to find Dave in a much more positive frame of mind than recently and when the girls returned home, he greeted them enthusiastically. He seemed almost hyperactive as he gleefully accepted their gifts of sticks of rock. He immediately donned his ‘Kiss Me Quick’ hat with a laugh and acted the clown to their amusement. He listened with interest to Katy’s report of all her adventures during the holiday. Jo showed him the paintings she had done and he was genuinely amazed.

  “Wow Jo, these are brilliant.”

  They were beach scenes. Dave, though not knowledgeable, could appreciate the attention to detail in some areas.

  “The detail on these rocks is super and look at that piece of driftwood, it’s so realistic you feel that you could pick it out of the picture. I expect you’re pleased?”

  “Yes I am. I concentrated on the rocks and driftwood, because I thought that the sand and sea was pretty boring. I’m thinking of making these two part of my school project.”

  Sue was delighted the following morning when she received a bulky letter which came from a Miss Fox of Pulham. It contained a transcription of notes, by an old Pulham resident, who had written of his research into the families of Pulham. This included some Boughtons, one being ‘Barber’ Boughton who, in addition to working in the glove trade, also acted as village barber. These snapshots from the past were fascinating and allowed Sue to put her ancestors into historical context and imagine them going about their daily lives in Pulham all those years ago. The details copied from gravestones, sited in the old churchyard, and the information which Sue had collected herself, appeared to offer the possibility of her being able to work backwards and follow the Boughtons to the beginning of the eighteenth century. It would take some time to sort through but the prospect gave her immense pleasure.

  *

  Dave had arranged a meeting with Tony to report upon his recent results. He felt confident that they could not now refuse to publicise his work. He realised that it would be some time before he saw his full results in print in a scientific journal, which was his main aim. He had completed his modified internal report and this would form the basis of his paper, with perhaps an extra section upon the crack initiation process when he had resolved it. He had slogged away examining sections taken through the samples after exposure, but nothing of significance had been revealed. Days had passed. All he could do was to expose more specimens and take more sections, in the hope of finding some clue to the initiation process. There were just so many specimens to sort through.

  Thankfully, his technical note containing his major findings was complete and he hoped that it might be in time for the September issue of International Power Digest. Once this was done and he had highlighted his concerns regarding the safety of other operating units, he would feel easier in his mind – his duty done.

  So he could now be completely focussed upon his crack initiation studies. He worked frantically and although his colleagues admired his dedication, there were times when they were alarmed by his single-minded zeal. Recent developments appeared to have affected his approach to his work.

  Tony received him. If Dave had intended to keep the smugness out of his voice, he did not succeed. Tony agreed that the results from his second series of experiments certainly overcame the criticisms about possible contamination. The fact that several test pieces had failed gave added credence to his hypothesis.
Tony thought that Dave’s investigations into how cracks initiated would, if successful, be a neat addition to the whole thing and would certainly add to the quality of the proposed external paper. He was enthusiastic about it, this was an absolutely wonderful piece of work and just the sort of thing that was hoped for, when the department was set up. Dave reminded his Section Head that his full paper had no chance of being published for some months, but there was a clear need to alert other turbine operators quickly. Fortunately, his report to the sub-committee, together with a technical note for International Power Digest, could be circulated quickly and in his view, this was essential. He hoped that he had Tony’s support to submit it without delay. He was given this assurance, but of course they would require Sweety’s approval.

  Later that day, Dave received a call from Mrs Murray requesting his presence in Dr Honey’s office. As he waited in the outer office, Dave eagerly anticipated Sweety’s acclaim. He sensed that this was the sort of development his department head would welcome in his efforts to get SSD on the map. The whole concept of the Strategic Supplies Authority, although primarily to ensure the integrity of essential services, also required a credible and effective technical back up service. Sweety was all smiles and invited Dave to take a seat. Tony was already settled.

  First the sugar coating.

  “This is a fine piece of work, David. Just the sort of thing that we want here in SSD, a well-run investigation, leading to unprecedented results of high scientific value,” beamed Sweety. “Very well done indeed.” He went on to say that they had been impressed with Dave’s work from the start and, in particular, the way that he had handled the running of the Materials Section during the Winford site investigations. They realised, he continued, that this had had an adverse effect upon his ability to produce any meaningful research results from his own project, in time for his technical appraisal, which would mean that he would miss out on, what Sweety was sure would have been, an upgrading.

  “Well, you’ve no cause to worry on that score,” he added. “Although I had intended to let you know nearer the end of the year, I can reveal now that, on my recommendation, the national grading assessors are intending to sanction that upgrading with effect from the first of January.” Dave was delighted that his efforts had been rewarded.

  Then the bitter pill.

  “So I hope that you feel that you are appreciated. However, as far as your recent results, relating to the Winford situation, are concerned, we want you to hang on to your data just for the present. It would not be a good time to publish just yet.”

  Dave was flabbergasted. “But this is a most significant development and if it isn’t publicised now it will lose its impact,” urged Dave.

  Sweety went on to explain that he had been in discussion with, not only Tony, but also the Head of Research in the SSA and that was what had been agreed. Accordingly, both Professor Fletcher and the press office had been directed to withhold publication. It had been decided that the Slough hypothesis should stand and that the Corrosion Sub-Committee would, for the present at least, be suspended. David would surely agree that it would bring the credibility of the Authority into question if, after sponsoring a conference explaining the conclusions of the Winford disc failure enquiry, they were to come up with a different explanation only a month later. Dave was tempted to say that he had questioned the Slough hypothesis from the start and now he was being punished, however, what he did point out was there was an important safety issue involved, as well as the risk of further failures.

  “David,” soothed Sweety, “you can take it from me that our decision to halt all overspeed testing and our introduction of a rolling turbine disc refurbishment programme, will reduce any slight risk to an acceptable level. In fact, if we did publish your results, it would not make any difference. It just wouldn’t be practical. We certainly couldn’t close down all our turbines with the winter approaching, I’m sure that you can appreciate that.”

  “But what about the other utilities, they have similar turbines running, in addition to many overseas. My results have international implications. If just one other turbine fails someone else could be killed.”

  “I’m sorry. The decision has been made, there is nothing I can do, even at my level, to alter it. There would be nothing gained by causing panic. We shall be advising the other utilities in due course.”

  “I’m afraid that I cannot accept that.” Dave was shaking with emotion. “Don’t forget that the national press have already been involved.”

  “I shall ignore that remark,” said Sweety firmly. “There’s nothing more to be said.” Dave looked across at his Section Head and, to give him his due, Tony had been uncomfortable throughout these exchanges.

  Dave had, by this time, worked himself up into a state which didn’t entertain any thoughts of calm reflection and he voiced his feelings, suggesting that resignation might be his only option. Sweety did not appear to react in the way that Dave had anticipated. He was still reasonable.

  “Come, come, David, do take time to think things over. Give it a couple of days. Resigning wouldn’t achieve anything, as you would still be bound by the Official Secrets Act.”

  Dave was confused and angry. He realised that he was not thinking clearly. He was so damned mad and Sweety was sitting there so smugly. He needed time to think properly. He stood up abruptly and left. Back in his office he couldn’t face his colleagues so, grabbing his jacket, he hurried to his car and drove off the site.

  He was pale and still shaking an hour later as he sat in his car in a lay-by on the A4 just below the White Horse at Cherhill. His reaction to the situation was intensified by the past weeks of gradually increasing tension, leading up to this crisis. He got out and walked briskly up the chalk path to the monument. He hadn’t realised how quickly he had been walking, but when he reached the summit he was breathing heavily. He sat down on the steps of the monument and gazed across the patchwork Wiltshire countryside spreading to the north. There was a stiff breeze blowing, which was often the case at this spot, but Dave didn’t notice. He contemplated the situation more calmly. He believed that resigning was his only option, but there was still the problem of the Official Secrets Act. What would he achieve? These thoughts annoyed him; made him feel impotent.

  He acknowledged that he had handled things badly. There was no doubt in his mind, however, that Sweety and his paymasters were completely out of order. No matter how blandly they put their argument, they still could not justify risking people’s lives. Turbine operators and other operating staff should be warned of the risk. If the unions or the newspapers found out, there would be hell to pay and where would he stand? As he attempted to put these thoughts in order, his annoyance at the way he’d mishandled the interview galled him. He had achieved nothing. If he did nothing he would be as culpable as the rest, should the worst occur.

  If he acted immediately, he felt confident that a technical note could be in print in the next edition of The Digest, which was September. This would serve as a warning to other utilities at home and, as it was an international publication, it would also attract worldwide attention. This would cost him his job and possibly lead to prosecution. Was he prepared to accept this?

  He drove home to an empty house. Sue was out with Pam. At any other time this may have annoyed him, but he hardly noticed and was surprised when Sue and the girls came chatteringly in. Sue, together with Pam and the girls, had spent the day in Bath.

  Later, Dave related the day’s events with increasing animation to Sue, who showed her concern which, genuinely, was for her husband’s feelings, rather than the more general risk to the family’s stability. In view of these developments, she decided not to reveal that she had received a phone call from the Chief Accountant of Henderson Engineering that morning, notifying her that her job application had been successful. It was this news that had prompted her to invite Pam out. Had she been aware of the appalling treatment her husband had received and his understandable reaction, she would
have cancelled her day out and gone to look for him. She would have been alarmed, as she had been concerned about his mental state recently. As it was, Sue took the opportunity, whilst Dave was rummaging through his work papers upstairs, to call Tony to get a better idea of the situation.

  Tony expressed his regret, but impressed on Sue that there was nothing he or Dave could do to alter the situation nor, for that matter, could Sweety. The decision had come from a much higher quarter, and so they might as well just accept it and move on. Certainly, the threat of her husband resigning would have no impact at all on the levels of management from which the decision had been handed down.

  21

  Sue awoke with a start and found herself alone. Donning her dressing gown, she went down to the sitting room where, to her relief, she found Dave. He was sitting staring out through the French windows, clearly distressed. He had been weeping. She was amazed to think that in just a few months her husband could have changed so much. At the beginning of the year he had been so different. He was a conscientious worker, always had been, but he had a great personality and enjoyed family life with her and the girls. They weren’t a burden in those days. The change was alarming. He had joined the SSA and had worked hard, which was quite natural when beginning a new job. Then, a more noticeable change in his behaviour, as he took on a leading role in the Winford investigation. He had sensed that this was his big chance. Such opportunities didn’t come along often, especially for someone with his background. He had been determined to grasp it. From that moment he had been completely driven by ambition. Sue felt herself to be responsible, although she had had no way of knowing how things would turn out. She determined to redouble her efforts to get their relationship back to how they were. The timing was unfortunate, but she would have to turn down her job offer. She consoled herself in the belief that there would be others. Her first priority was to support her husband. To begin with she needed to establish the situation from his point of view, which required calm discussion.