The next phase was the Solar dome (now the Satellite Laser Ranger) where Solar plates were taken every day if possible of the Sun for sunspots. I have a photo of myself with others during its construction about 1950.  The Reversible Transit Circle building came next on the list to be built for the Meridian Department plus the Photographic Zenith Telescope Bauberg and PZT control building which is the craft centre now.  In 1953-4 we started on the Equatorial Group and the construction firm was called Price Ltd.  Our job was the electrical side, to operate shutters and dome rotation etc. During this period NO CRANES were used. It was all done by derricks/pulleys etc.  When the Works Department were digging the main drains for sewerage from the Equatorial Group they came across the Roman remains that are still in the exhibition centres. When travelling up the hill you will notice the ditch that was put across the road. The actual spot was just near the new pine trees at far left at the top. 

The next phase was the West building with its atomic cellar which again has the rare books in safe-keeping for the PHIL-Laurie Project, a very intelligent person always willing to help you.   The electrical section during all these years had to maintain the telephone section, the Time Department batteries, high and low domes etc., clocks in the Castle from our own master in the basement, voltages, boiler room pump, motors and fire alarm bits and siren, which is still situated in the South west foyer, the kitchen area, but all the mains cable from the sub-station to site, was put in by hand by a gang of us; five bit cable, telephone and street lighting, but it was a job well done and has lasted all these years, still in good nick. We must have about 80-100 cable pits with 4/6 and 8 way ducts in.

 The Air raid shelters that were situated to the West of the Castle were left after the last War. These had no lighting in so we fixed up 2 of these for the A.R.s apple store, being nice and dark but locked, and one for the Chronometer Section for storage and the third we kept as an inflammable store for petrol, paraffin etc. away from harm’s way.

 During the early years I met Sir Paul Latham several times after coming down in his open-top Rolls Royce to visit the lads working. He did well driving this Rolls Royce because of his wooden leg – that was a problem for him walking. He lived then in Herstmonceux Place and owned much of the property between the Castle and the Welcome Stranger Public House.