Former Tannery Employees Reconnect Through Heritage Cafe

A new heritage cafe has facilitated the reunion of individuals who previously worked at tannery factories. The former premises of Morlands and Baily’s, situated on the outskirts of Glastonbury in Somerset, have remained vacant since the 1980s. The Heritage Cafe, supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, convenes monthly within the Red Brick Building in the town, which was initially part of the Morlands factory complex. Alison Horgan, the event’s organiser, stated her intention to gather the former employees, highlighting the factories’ significant role in the town’s historical legacy. These companies engaged in the processing of raw sheepskins and the production of sheepskin, leather, and suede items, though each possessed its distinct operational identity. Reports indicate that both establishments provided competitive remuneration and employee benefits. A number of the former staff members, including Jo Woolridge, have continued to reside in the vicinity. “There was a comradery. We had good times,” she stated. “I lived in Street and we used to cycle in together.” Ms. Woolridge mentioned that the company provided her with modelling instruction after opting to utilise its own personnel rather than hiring professional models to promote its products. “We used to do it when buyers came in,” she explained. “They made me a pair of leather trousers but when it came to going up the stairs I couldn’t because there was no give in them,” she further noted. Ms. Woolridge recounted forming enduring friendships during her employment at the factory. Marlene Pursey commented on encountering individuals at the gatherings whom she “hadn’t seen for years.” “The people were my favourite thing at the factory,” she remarked. “I worked for Mr Clark who always came into work in plus fours, and the chairman would come through the factory every day – he was quite eccentric.” Ms. Pursey indicated that the majority of her family members were employed at the factory, characterising it as an establishment where one would “stay for all of your working life.” Roger Bond commenced his employment at the Morlands factory in 1954 and departed upon its closure in 1982. “Nearly every department had a sporting side and we all played tennis, cricket, hockey, football, that was the best bit,” he stated. “I was there till the very end, but I missed it very much.” “Looking back I think what wonderful times they were.” Ms. Horgan expressed that it has been “really lovely” to observe individuals “bumping into old friends.” “Sometimes older people, particularly if husbands or wives die, find themselves on their own,” she commented. “It’s nice to give them a reason to come out and meet other people.” “I know there are lots of options out there, but we thought that because Morlands and Baily’s was such an important part of Glastonbury’s industrial heritage and identity…we thought it was a really valuable thing to do for the workers.” Readers can follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X, and submit story suggestions via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.