Arnold “Dennis” Molen

Posted: August 7th, 2024

FORMER Mirror Reels man ARNOLD “DENNIS” MOLEN died, aged 95, on July 13 [2024], following a fall at home

His wife Anna told us: “Arnold, who was always known at work as Dennis, started at the Mirror when he was in his 20s. He was a keen rower and didn’t want to give it up, and as he did not want to work nights he was employed in the Reels department.

“He belonged to a rowing club on the River Lea. He rowed in 4s and 8s, and he was in a 4 that broke the course record at the Bedford Regatta.

“He and I married in 1958, and when the children came along rowing finally had to take a bit of a back seat. We had three sons – Jason, twins Grahame and Gregory – and finally a daughter, Sarah. We were blessed with five grandchildren: Ben, Laura, Henri, Eden and Ruby, and one great granddaughter, Harper.

“Arnold was always game for a laugh at work. I’m not sure what year it started, but he helped to run children’s parties at Christmas, sometimes as a clown, sometimes Master of Ceremonies. The parties were very popular, and I believe Arnold and his colleagues used wear their clown getups when visiting sick children. I think Seymour Hall was also a venue.

“Arnold stayed at the Mirror until he was made redundant in 1988. After 35 years living in Woodford Bridge (Essex), he and I retired to Walton on the Naze where we spent many happy years.”