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grinning, he goes over to the light switch he says the magic words. “Abracadabra.” He flicks the switch on and off three times. With a swish the locker swings into the room disclosing yet another tunnel Alec says. “We won’t bother going along it Adam. The Ladies will wonder where we are. I have already followed it to the end, it’s quite long. Would you believe it emerges in the crypt of that church across the other side of the coast road? Well Adam what do you reckon on this lot then?”
    Passing my opinion I thoughtfully reply. “I think it was either some kind of secret communication centre, or the buggers made this place in case the Boche captured all of France. It’s almost a certainty the Boche senior staff would have taken this place over for themselves if they got this far just like our Brass hat lot did. A nice comfortable head quarters to get their fat arses in. Think of this Alec old mate, if they had occupied this place the British would have a readymade spy post in the heart of the enemy.” Alec laughs. “You’ve got a good imagination Scouse no doubt about that. Ha-ha. Who ever heard of such a thing, the Boche capturing France? There was no chance of that happening in a million years you daft bugger ha, ha. Who ever heard of such a thing, the Boche beating us and the Frogs, no chance my old mate.”
    We return to the Ladies in the lounge. Saturday morning we all gather together in the dining room. Alec had arranged two tables in a boardroom manner. I take my place at the head of the table. I have to admit to myself I am very apprehensive. This is the part of the business I do not like. I am totally dependent on the experts I have surrounded myself with. I will be relieved to hand over the technicalities of running the ever expanding company to them. Sometimes I have this dream of just owning Pompey Lill and doing what I intended doing initially when I was demobbed. Just to be responsible for myself and Denise and taking tours around the war time battle grounds. But it is too late now. I have a responsibility not only for myself and my family but an ever growing number of people, but I keep these dreams to myself. Thank goodness ever efficient Harry had formulated an agenda with my approval and placed a copy in front of all those in attendance. All the proposed board members are present except of course Denise who has declined to serve on the board of OSCADA. Bob Hawkins is at sea but has already agreed and signed contracts with the company for his new position in the maritime part of the company. Harry will represent the shipping interests at this meeting.
    All the business is conducted in a remarkably short time thanks to the work carried out by Harry, Gunter and Bob prior to the meeting. Louise agrees to keep minutes until Harry appoints a company secretary. Harry informs us this is already in hand the last applicant he interviewed was successful and begins work next week.
    Finance and profits are discussed and agreed. We are evidently making a great deal of profit even after purchasing the ten new Renault trucks and buying out two of our transport competitors and the construction company. The coffers of OSCADA are loaded to over flowing. Remuneration for board members and salaries for managers and other personnel are discussed and agreed. All the legalities have been drawn up by Gunter and these are agreed by the board. It is only when I see how much paperwork is involved I realise how haphazardly we have been running the business up to now. We move on to discuss
    Individual sections of the business.
OSCADA Transport.
    Already well established and managed by Harry. There is nothing much to discuss except to congratulate Harry and Alec for the success of the company. Alec is completely involved with the hotel from now on. At his request he is only available for consultation, emergencies and board meetings.
OSCADA Construction.
    This is completely Marcel’s baby. He enthusiastically embraces the