We start volume 2 of the ‘Oracle’ and our second year of publication with the season’s greetings to all our readers, and with best wishes for 1959.

Lasting room

Continuing our ‘Around the Factory’ we now come to the assembly or making of the shoes, the first stage of which is the Lasting Department. Here the insoles are first tacked on to the last, and then heel stiffeners and toe puffs are inserted into the uppers. Then, to the pulling over machine, which positions the uppers on to the last. Next follows the various operations such as side lasting, toe lasting, seat lasting, etc. all of which are the processes by which the upper is moulder round the last and so to the sewing in of the welt.

The Lasting Dept. showing the initial stages in the positioning of the upper on to the welt.	The Pulling Over machine	The Toe Lasting machine	Sewing in the welt

by L. ABRAHAMS (Finishing Department)

I have been asked many times for my advice on how to keep the feet healthy. Firstly, I would say, socks and stockings should be changed as often as possible, and secondly, those of us who can should get into the habit of wearing a different pair of shoes on alternate days. Cleanliness is essential for foot health and constant rinsing should be encouraged, but here I must give a warning, do not, as many people with sore feet seem to do, soak them in hot water, adding more hot water as it cools. This can do great harm to the feet so for a foot bath use only warm water, in fact the cooler the better. Do not use soda in the water, but add a little ordinary table salt. Even more beneficial to the feet is alum, which can be obtained cheaply from any chemist. Add one tablespoonful of alum to each gallon of water. Alum is antiseptic and will help to alleviate the condition of feet that perspire too freely. Whenever possible have your feet completely uncovered and allow the air to get to them. At the same time clench and unclench the toes and finish by giving your feet a brisk massage with the hands. This will help the muscles of the feet and improve the circulation.

Factory Profile

Reg Stokes - In the year 1911 Reg Stokes commenced his services with Oral in the Lasting Room, so he has now 47 years’ service to his credit. His first job with the firm was inserting stiffeners and tacking backs up, later he went on to the Pull-over which he continued to do for many years, until 1955, when ill-health forced him to take a lighter job. Reg then moved to the Veldt Department but when the production of these finished, he moved into the ‘Mudguard’ Department, where he still works.   Reg is always willing to give a helping hand in any part of the room if needed and is a very conscientious worker. Reg served with the Field Artillery in World War 1 from 1915 to 1919, and was wounded on the Somme in 1916. Sport is one of the things Reg has always been keenly interested in, he has played both football and cricket for various teams in his younger days, but now he gets his enjoyment out of watching a county cricket match from the comfort of a deck chair.

These child’s ankle boots were found when a cottage in Stanwick was demolished before the last war. The boots fasten with two buttons and have a pegged heel and were probably in use about 1860. They were presented to the Northampton Museum by the late Mr. W. M. C. Horrell, and we are indebted to Alan Warhurst, B.A., F.S.A., A.M.A., the curator, for our photograph.

Departmental News

Finishing Room

A very pleasant day was spent at Southend on October 4^th. The coach left Rushden at 7.45 a.m. and arrived back at approximately 2.30 the next morning. Many found their way to the fun fairs, some went sightseeing, others went to see Southend football team win at home. The main attraction, however, were the lights in the evening – indeed a sight worth seeing.

Lasting Room

In a fishing competition organised by the Rushden Trade Club at Wyboston in September, Mr. R. Neal won first prize (a cup and miniature) for the biggest catch of the day. Weight of fish – 14 lbs.

Making Room

On Friday, October 3^rd, a collection was made among Lasting, Making, and Finishing Departments for the benefit of Leo Tobin, who has been away from work for several months. A total of £6. 17. 6d was collected, and was taken to him by his old workmate Jack Lewis.

Press Room

Tom Furness, who is President of the Rushden Allotment Association, and makes a special hobby of Chrysanthemum growing, and by competing in the various flower shows in the district, reports a good season. On August 30^th, with his first entry at the Irchester Working Men’s Club, he was awarded a first, special and a blue ribbon for the best exhibit in the Show. The following week, September 6^th, at the Rushden West End Club, with three stands, two firsts and two seconds. On Saturday, September 13^th, at the Rushden Windmill Club, in a very high-class competition, he gained one second and one third. On Saturday, September 20^th, at the Rushden Working Men’s Club, with three stands, in some keen competition for club members, one second and one third.

As a point of interest we think it worth while recording the service of Mrs. Attley, well kown as Alice Freeman – her maiden name. She first came to the firm in 1918, making her the longrest serving femaile employee with 40 years’ service and still going strong.

On Friday, October 24^th, Frank Pugh celebrated his 65^th birthday with a very nice gesture. He gave everyone in the department a small gift. A presentation was made to him of a Moroccan leather pocket wallet which he is having engraved to commemorate the occasion.

In wishing everyone the compliments of the season we extend our regards to Miss Mackness and her helpers in their efforts for local charities, and to the ‘Oracle’ on completing its first year of publication. We wish it every success for the coming year.

Office

We welcome to the staff Mr. Mervyn Knowles, who takes an appointment on the administrative section and hope he will be happy working in his new sphere.

. . . and we say ‘goodbye’ to Mrs. Krause after a very brief stay at Oral. She returns to her native Bradford, where her husband takes up a business appointment.

Births

On November 11^th Mr. Knowles became the proud father of a son, John. Grateful thanks to the staff of the Barratt Maternity Home and G.P.O. telephone operators who were constantly in action. This also boosts the population of Easton Maudit by 1 per cent.

On November 12^th Mr. O’Connor, General Manager, became a grandfather for the second time. We strongly deny the rumour that we are turning over to kiddies’ production.

Weddings

Congratulations to Pam Copson and David Milkins, pictured left, whose wedding was briefly reported in our last issue. They were married on September 13th, at Rushden Park Road Baptist Church.

Congratulations also to Eileen Linger (Powers Samas Dept.) and James Law of Stewartby, pictured right, who were married at St. Peter’s Church on September 6th. The wedding presents included a carving set from the Office Staff and a steam iron from the Directors.

Forthcoming Weddings

Mavis Felce (the Editorial representative for the Closing Room) to Barry Smith, R.N. of Finedon, at St. Peter’s Church, Rushden, on December 20^th