Births

On Friday, February 13^th (lucky for some!), Mr. John Horrell became the proud father of a son and heir – William – and latest reports show that the young master is really thriving on the Hargrave air. Who knows, in 1979 we may see Master William landing in the yard in his nuclear-driven space-car and inspecting the latest range of ‘Oral’ interplanetary footwear such as the new ‘Oral Moon beam Casual’ or the very latest in our fashionable ‘Oral Jupiter Brogue’. However we all wish Mr. John and his family the very best of health and happiness in the future and trust that ‘Young Bill’ will turn out to be as good a boss as his father.

On March 12^th at the Park Hospital, Wellingborough, to Mrs. J. Ager (nee Elsie Pidcock) a son, Steven Paul, this also gives Mrs. Vera Pidcock (Closing Room) her first grand-child.

On March23rd to Mrs. Milkins (nee Pam Copson) a daughter, Isobell Jane.

around the factory

Lasting and Making Department

Continuing our tour of the ‘Oral’ factory we arrive at the sewing in of the welt and such operations as inseam trimming, welt butting, welt beating and seat lift attaching.

Before the sole is attached a layer of flexible cork is placed in the cavity of the shoe under the inner sole to act as a cushion to the foot, and this is covered with a layer of damp resisting adhesive. The sole is then attached to pressure and the welt and sole are rounded or trimmed to the shape of the last. During this operation a channel or groove is cut into the sole to take the stitching.

Moving along we come to seat riveting, and the levelling of the bottom of the shoe, and heel attaching followed by top piece nailing.

Bottom levelling	Piece sole attaching	Heel top piece nailing	Rough rounding

FACTORY PROFILE

Jack Lewis joined the firm in September, 1924, to do heel attaching and has performed that operation ever since. A keen sportsman in his young days, having played both football and cricket for Wymington, he is also a good skittle and dart player and was an active member of the Works Dart Team for a number of years. Too young for service in the First World War, Jack joined the Home Guard as soon as it was formed and for his bravery in helping to save American airmen from a burning plane, which crashed at Wymington on August 14th, 1944 on its way back from a bombing raid over enemy territory, was presented with a Certificate for Act of Gallantry. Jack Lewis is a quiet and conscientious worker and liked by all his workmates.

Harold Geary An Appreciation From L to R: Mr. Lilley, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. John Horrell, Mr. Geary, Mr. Allison, Mr. Foxwell

In 1906 the late Mr. C. W. Horrell engaged a clerk and this rather insignificant fact was the beginning of a remarkable career in the annuls of our Company. First, as office boy which included shorthand and typing (as female labour was practically unheard of in the offices of those days), and progressing by easy stages his duties include, among others, such diverse occupations as Clicking Room Foreman, Traveller, Despatch Clerk, etc. On the formation of the Company as C. W. Horrell Limited. Mr. Geary was appointed its first Secretary on 22nd February, 1919, a post which he held continuously until September, 1956. His familiar figure was in great demand as a singer at local concerts and his interest in the church has continued throughout his life – his membership of the St. Mary’s choir must be a record. In March 1936 his services as Secretary and in so many other directions were marked by his appointment as a Director, a post which he relinquished at the last Annual General Meeting after a period of over 50 years in the most faithful service of the Company. His popularity was always apparent and well exemplified at the presentation dinner held at the express wish of the late Mr. William McC. Horrell at the Hind Hotel, Wellingborough, to mark his 50 years of service. It is the sincere wish of the Directors and all employees that Mr. Geary will enjoy a long and well merited retirement, and that his inexhaustible supply of ‘anecdotes’ and reminiscences will continue to entertain and instruct those who are honoured to be in his company.

The face behind the smile . . . . . . belongs to Mrs. Corah Jones of the Shoe room. Mrs. Jones makes all the boxes for Oral shoes and is, we hear, entirely wrapped up in her work. An accomplished darts player too according to reports. (See under 'Shoe Room' below.)

A line of Austins
Bobby Austin	Ernest Austin	Robert Austin
The first ever ‘Factory Profile’ published in the Oracle featured Ernest Austin (Bobby to everybody) and we are pleased to record that there are now three Austins working at Oral – Father, Son and Grandson. Ernest Austin Senior, with 55 years service. Ernest Austin Junior, with 5 years service and now, Robert Austin who has been with us for one year. It may be some years before the next Austin joins the firm but we are prepared to wait!

Department News

Shoe Room

We welcome Mr. Roy Allen as foreman and trust his association with us will be a pleasant one. Mr. Allen increases the membership of our St. John Ambulance Section by one.

The Shoe Room has in Mrs. Corah Jones a very expert dart player. In addition to being a member of the Higham Ferrers British Legion (Women’s Society) team, she has recently added to her laurels by becoming the runner-up of the local Ladies’ Individual Darts Tournament.

Clicking Room

Our cycling enthusiast, Pat Houghton, has already set the wheels turning by winning two track league events, thus giving his team a welcome points boost in the League – and here’s hoping he carries on the good work.

Back in ‘Civvies’

We welcome back Pete Barford from the Forces and the Clicking Room are pleased that their bowling strength has been increased for future ratings.

Grandfather

Mr. John Ager became a grandfather for the first time on 12^th March.

Boot and Shoe Conference

Our representative, Bert Reynolds, attended the above Conference at Hastings, and no doubt discussed tans in more ways than one. The recent collection in aid of the Rushden After-Care Committee raised the sum of £21 11s. 8d.

Office

We welcome Miss Margaret Young, Miss Marion Barnes and Miss A. Babb and hope that they will be happy working with us.

Closing Room

We expect to welcome back Miss Hilary Denton after an operation recently at the General Hospital, Northampton.

Weddings

Congratulations to Miss Margaret Hadden (Closing Room), pictured on the left with her father, Mr. A. Hadden, who was married to Mr. Brian Lewis of Finedon at Park Road Methodist Church on March 7th.

Engagements

Miss Gillian Copson (Closing Room) to Mr. Darrel Farmer of Salem, Oregon, U.S.A. (You see we not only export shoes! Ed.)

Miss Irene Pieczko (Closing Room) to Mr. John Tebbutt of Rushden on June 6^th, 1959.

Forthcoming Marriage

Miss Joan Groom (Closing Room) to Mr. Ivan Jordan of Kettering.

Double congratulations to Archie Berrill who retired from the Company on May, 15th after 38 years service, and married Miss Lilian Norman on May 23rd at Park Road Baptist Church, Rushden. Presents included an electric razor and a travelling rug.