I Originally Joined for Marshall's of Cambridge Engineering For Six Months, Leaving After 48 years and 1 Month
Yesterday (30th September 2024) was my very last day at Marshall’s, after originally joining the company on 31st August 1976 for an intended 6-month stint, I’m finally leaving after only 48 years and 1 month.
Marshall's recently agreed to my voluntary redundancy, where I was one of notionally 300 at risk. As Marshall were offering to pay me more than I would have earnt before my notional retirement date, next July, it was an offer I felt I could not refuse.
I’ve been very privileged in my time at Marshall’s and guess this explains why I’ve slightly overshot my originally intended 6-month stint. In my time at Marshall's, mostly in my role as aerodynamicist and flight test engineer, I’ve worked on some really amazing projects with many very talented people, a few example projects that I think notable, and have particularly enjoyed personally, are as follows:
C130 Legacy:
RAF C Mk 1 MAROC, IRCM, HEVS
RNLAF Wing Pods
SAAF Avionic Update including a new digital autopilot
L1011:
Queens Flight Infra-Red Jammer Pods
RAF K/KC Mk 1 & C Mk 2/2A AAR Tanker & Receiver
OSC Pegasus, WIRE & X-34
RAF K/KC Mk 1 & C Mk 2/2A DIRCM/LAIRCM
RAF K Mk 1 MMR
125:
RAF Dominie Avionic Update including moving the weather radar radome forward by several inches
RAF -700 DIRCM
Global Express:
Various differing customers Completions
UAE AERS
I was also involved in lots of interesting bid activities, at Marshall's, which unfortunately did not evolve any further with the company, those listed above all being real projects that actually flew, even if certain of them got cancelled part way through.
These halcyon days are becoming a distant memory, and although I’m sad to be leaving Marshall's, very sadly, with the current work situation, I think I would feel sadder if I wasn’t (leaving).
I do have another part time job lined up for the new year, which I'm hoping will fit in with my new work/life style.
During October to the end of the year, I’m looking forward to having more leisure time, and I hope to be spending more time with my wife, also known as the ‘Supreme Commander’. When I’m not tinkering with RC model planes or motorbikes etc., I suspect that my Supreme Commander will also have a small list of DIY tasks to pick from.
After nearly fifty years of continuous employment with the company, I’m sincerely hoping that under the right direction, Marshall's will be able to overcome the current ongoing crisis, and start to thrive once again.
Regards and best wishes to my former colleagues, Steve Rolph CEng FRAeS