Do you have a relative or friend who worked at Sun Printers in the 1950s or early 1960s? You may recognise them in this picture.

This photo was sent to the Watford Observer by Alan Orchard, a former chief electrician at the Watford company, and it shows his father (forth from the right, back row) and some work colleagues on what he believes was a NATSOPA (National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants) trip to the seaside.

Alan found the photo, which he estimates was taken at some point in the 1950s or early 1960s, after his father died in 1989.

He said: “The Sun Printers web site, to which I have contributed, has a list of employees over the years, with in some cases pictures of the individuals.

“Unfortunately, and obviously, there are few people left to actually identify employees of this era. It would be nice if their likenesses could be recorded against the hard fact of their employment data.”

If you recognise anyone in the photo, tell us about them via the link at the bottom of this page.

Reflecting on his own history with the company, Alan said: “My involvement at the Sun began in 1947 when I was employed; out of school at 14 years old for a brief period, as an assistant’s assistant in the letterpress department. Boredom forced me out to become an apprentice electrician after just a few months.

“I was soon back down Whippendell Road as a contractor, relighting the place. I subsequently joined the permanent staff as a maintenance electrician and progressed to chief electrician.

“I retired in 1993 when I had the doubtful privilege of making the Whippendell Road plant electrically safe before turning off the lights and locking the door. The end of a legend in Watford. The company, not me!”

Community answers

Do you recognise anyone in Sun Printers photo?

"Can you help identify anyone from this Sun Printers union members' trip to the coast?"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Jenny Goddard

What is/are the name(s) of the person(s) you recognise?Ethal, Wally and Raymond Parsons

Where are they positioned in the picture?Can't find them

Tell us more about the person(s)My grandmother, grandfather and uncle all worked at the the Sun Printers. Names are Ethal, Wally and Raymond Parsons. Gran was a cook, grandfather was a machine cleaner and I think Ray was a printer. Any information would truly make me happy.

From Steve Ellis

What is/are the name(s) of the person(s) you recognise?Redsull?

Where are they positioned in the picture?Top left

Tell us more about the person(s)Copy and pasted here what my Mum said. The NATSOPAs operated the machines. My Dad was a Photogravure retoucher and worked for the Sun Engraving part. One top left looks like my friend's Dad surname Redsull but I couldn't swear to it. Another couple look familiar, one may be a boss. As children we had lovely Xmas parties with the Sun every year and really good presents! Thank you.