Sponsored by
'It was 80 degrees during work time'
Flashback's feature about Initial Textile Services continues to spark memories for former employees.
The firm's building in Harpers Lane, Chorley, has been a target for vandals since it closed and is set to be partially demolished.
Earlier this month we published a story about Chorley resident Bertrand Potts, 84, who was the third generation of his family to run Chorley and District Hygienic, and is now hoping to produce a book about his memories.
Since the story appeared we have been contacted by many people with memories, the latest of whom is Eleanor Brown (formerly Lister) aged 84.
She now lives in Leyland and said: "I started work at the laundry around 1937 at the age of 14. I think at the time Mrs Prescott employed me, but I also worked for Bertram Potts, his father and Allan Gregson.
"During my years there I started on the calender( steam mangle) feeding sheets with a girl called Nora Prior.
"I was doing about 51 hours a week for 10 shillings, then the war started so extra work came in from Washington Hall as the Americans were there.
"A man called Mr Sutton asked me to work till 9pm with a few younger girls, for which I got five shillings extra.
"It got hot and was 80 degrees during working time. Then I was moved into the full department on the calender, which meant everything had to be perfect, doing sheets along with a lady called Phyllis Hiking.
"As time went on I was moved to the shirt presses and had to fold around 15lbs every quarter hour. We were quite a good crowd and worked very hard.
"After I married in 1947 I moved to Leyland, but still travelled to the laundry for a couple more years. We had an annual ball in Blackpool."
Mrs Brown, who has one daughter and two grandchildren, said: "I was thrilled when I saw the story in the paper. It brought back lots of memories."
Share your memories of Initial Textile Services with Flashback by ringing 01257 264911 or email guardiannews@lep.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Chorley
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
