If you have a story to tell then send it to my email, and a photo or two would be nice.
The next two chapters are written by Derann’s own Export Manager Gary Brocklehurst. Gary began his time at Derann just twelve months after my arrival and like myself worked there until its closure. His story comes in two parts – 171 Strourbridge Rd and 99 High St.
Part One – 1976-1978 : 171, Stourbridge Road, Dudley
I left school in the summer of 1976 and applied for the position of Film Librarian, as advertised in the local evening newspaper. On Saturday morning I was interviewed by Derek Simmonds and given the job! A tour of the premises followed, with introductions to the staff, one of which I already knew quite well, this being Mark Rackham who lived in the next street to me. This day was to change the rest of my life! My job entailed working in the 16mm library, assisting Stephen Wellings. Steve would handle bookings and I would dispatch/check films upon return. Within time, however, I began handling large 8mm export orders too. The 16mm library was housed in the extended rear of the ‘two up two down’ building. The 8mm library was housed in the rear room of the premises, at the rear of the shop, with a doorway to the 16mm library. The recording room and stock room were located beyond the 16mm library. Upstairs housed Derek’s office, Ron Hillman’s 8mm booking office and the ‘catalogue room’. Other members of staff were of course Ged Jones, Colin Malin, David Hale plus Anne Simmonds. Steve and Adrian Simmonds were still at school at this stage. John (‘Johnny’) and Sue Thompson were frequent visitors. Within two years Derann would outgrow these premises, where we had some wonderfully happy times, often at the expense of Steve. Some of you may know that he was particularly fond of tinned pies, which certain members of staff used to hide on a regular basis! On one occasion telecommunications engineers were working outside and placed a pie on top of a telegraph pole on our behalf!
Part Two – 1978-2011 : 99, High Street, Dudley
This enormous four storey property was once a car dealership, with an attached service bay, large forecourt and petrol pumps. The main retail area had a partial central dividing wall, with the 8mm/16mm departments being earmarked each side. I was soon given my own roomy office, overlooking the 8mm store, where I could continue handling my 8mm export orders. In time, a telex machine was installed and I still remember the number! Mark handled 8mm mail order in the smaller office below. Ged was always a good all-rounder who was more important than people realised. Upon Colin’s departure Ged began sharing the vast amount of sound recording with Derek. It is at this point that we must all not forget and thank Ged for his long hours of dedication during Derek’s absence due to illness. The business grew quickly with Steve Morris becoming a mainstay of the 8mm store, followed by Darrel Price, Barry Ison, Simon Bytheway and Dale Hemenway. ‘Johnny’ was an electrical genius and became manager of the new TV repair department. It never ceases to amaze me how busy that store was in the early years, particularly on Saturdays. Derek would bulk purchase super 8 sound projectors in lots of fifty in order to get the very best discounts, which would be passed on. Mark left many years later, as did Steve, with the 16mm library being handled elsewhere. Steve later returned, however, working in the 8mm department, eventually producing newsletters, Film For The Collector magazine and finally becoming 16mm Sales Manager. The onset of the video age saw the store becoming more and more dedicated to the retailing of video recorders, televisions, hi-fi systems and related items, together with the the inevitable video library. The first small video library was housed within the 8mm store, with a small stand selling an assortment of chocolate bars, which I always suspected that the staff ate! The replacement video library was huge in comparison, being housed housed in what was originally the car service bay. This would later become the final 8mm/16mm Department. The video days bear some sad memories business wise, throughout which I always strived to ‘push’ 8mm mail order sales by continuing to produce sales lists. I am pleased to say that Derann came out of the other end better than ever, product and sales wise. It was during these times that several staff came and went, names including Andy Jones, Graham Farrington, Vince Wright, Mandy Fellows, Tyna Holt, Sheila Jacob, Bob Hopkins, Martyn Hancock, John Sage, our video sales representative Peter Adams and Matthew Allan, Johnny’s electrical partner. Nick Dunn was a loyal servant and good friend until Derann’s final day. My job was usually to handle export/import orders. I also drove as and when required, with Steve and I often travelling throughout the UK to pick up film collections. Other noteable staff members were Mike Dimmock, Duncan MacLeod, Paul Foster, Dave Worrall, Mike Allan the accountant (oh dear, what a character) and Marlene Kurowski. At the height of Derann’s popularity it was decided to hire a lorry to transport our product to the Blackpool Film Convention. A member of staff who will remain nameless was the designated driver and he duly demolished a large length of the car park wall upon leaving! I didn’t think that I could stop laughing, actually being in pain! What a day and what a career. I was truly blessed. During my time I also enjoyed business tips to New York, Los Angeles, the South of France, Milan, Florence, Munich and Amsterdam. It was also a pleasure travelling to and from Blackpool, London and Pinewood, etc. to attend conventions, not forgetting our Open Days! I certainly met many true collector friends along the way. This post is dedicated to three friends and gentlemen that I will never, ever forget. Rest In Peace Derek, John & Steve. Thanks for the memories
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