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Gilbert Over
• In choosing Gilbert Over as its first President, recently, the newly unified British Association of Removers chose wisely. He. was a principal architect of the merger of NAF1NR and BAOFR (not forgetting the educational institute). The initials BAR may provoke a smile, but the removers' mouthpiece has a solid job of work to do as Britain enters the Common Market. The professional interests of removers need skilful leadership in this age of consumerism.
Gilbert Over is chairman and managing director of R. P. Over and Sons, an old-established family furniture business in Camberley. For some years he ran the firm's sizeable removals section and his abiding • interest in this activity is apparent. "When you move a family's home, maybe across Europe, you feel you've given them a service in depth; selling a piece of furniture involves less effort — and you never know if the customer needs the article.
This theme of service constantly recurs in talking with Gilbert Over. He has been active in removers' affairs for many,years and was sub-area chairman of the RHA at Reading in 1969-70. For 16 years he was an independent member of • Frimley and Camberley UDC, chairing the principal committees. A Rotarian, and supporter of worthy causes like National Savings, he confesses to a near passionate interest in sport, especially cricket and golf which he played extensively until breaking a leg six years ago. As a cricket umpire he has stood for teams including famous test players. He was a top-class junior chess player.
As chairman of the Association's Labour Relations committee, Gilbert supervised a masterly pay and conditions. survey. He regrets the introduction of the Industrial Relations Act, 'objecting to anything detracting from free bargaining. He is not afraid to think through the frightening 'implications of inflating land values on the • commercial and labour relations problems of removers and the rest of us.
Despite the increasing competition of shoe-string operators and do-it-yourself removals, Gilbert Over meets many viable, efficient operators in his travels to area meetings. But he says take-overs will continue so long as some small operators ignore the need to operate at a sensible
margin of profit. J. D.