An optimistic note from Mr. J. C. Horrell

In spite of the recession in trade which has affected a number of shoe firms, our own trading position is sound due to our maintained quality and high standards. We can, by continuing to produce shoes for which we are well known, look to the future with confidence.

Factory Profile

Frank Clayton - August of this year will complete 49 years service with Oral by Frank Clayton in the Finishing room. Born in Rushden in 1895, Frank (as we all call him) commenced his services with the firm in August, 1909, at the age of 14, when a normal day of work started at 6.30 in the morning. His wages were 5/6 a week. Frank has always worked in the Finishing room, his first job was heel scouring, from that he went on to bottom scouring and bottom making, which he still continues to do, as well as other various operations, and making himself generally useful. Frank served throughout the First World War, being wounded no less than four times. Six years ago Frank had to give up working on piece-work after being away from work through illness for a few weeks, but has kept up a good attendance and gives a fair day’s work. Frank is always ready to give a hand with any activity connected with the Finishing room, and is the secretary of our savings group.

How we started – by H. GEARY

In referring to some old records of our business we find that it was founded in the year 1895 by the late Mr. Charles William Horrell. From small beginnings it soon flourished until at the turn of the present century it was well established.

Mr. Horrell was one who foresaw the possibilities of the machine age and soon extended the premises to accommodate the plant. The types of those days were machine riveted, screwed or machine sewn, with machine stitched soles for better grades. The quality manufactured in Rushden in those days was, for the most part, of a cheap grade. The records show wholesale prices from 4/3 to 5/6 a pair. The introduction of chrome dressed upper leather such as Box Calf and Willow Calf brought in a better class of production with prices raging from 6/3 to 8/9, still made by the above methods.

About the year 1910 the machine welted method of manufacture came into use and a further large extension of the factory was made to allow for installation of the necessary plant. The welt replaced the undersole or half-undersole and a lighter weight and more flexible boot evolved which soon attracted a ready market.

Around the Factory

When, on a tour of the Oral factory, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by beauty on all sides, then you know that you are in the Closing room. Here, all the component parts of Oral shoes come for assembly by modern machines and nimble fingers. Workmanship, or rather workwomanship must be of the highest quality to ensure that the completed uppers accurately fit the last. The girls themselves take a pride in their work – a pride born of years of experience.  

A general view of the Closing Room	The supervisor distributing uppers for closing	Attaching French Binding to uppers

Joining the vamps or fronts of the shoes to the quarters	Post under edge trimming

Departmental news

Closing Room

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. R. Peacock, who celebrated their Silver Wedding on April 17^th. And welcome back: Mrs. Rose Neal and Mrs. Elsie Ager after a spell in hospital.

Making Room

It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr. Bert ‘Pigeon’ Maddams after a seven month’s illness. He was 66. He had been with the firm in the Making room for ten years. He served with the Northamptonshire Regiment during the First World War, and was a member of the British Legion. He was also a keen foorballer, having played for Rushden Town and Rushden Fosse. Also he was a member of Rushden Town Band Club.

There are four workers with well over 30 years’ continuous service; George Read with 42 years, Leo Tobin and Horace Attley with 36 years and Jack Lewis with 34 years. All four had to make long journeys in all kinds of weather for many years before the bus service started.

Lasting room

Congratulations to W. Lyman and his wife, who now have a baby daughter, Susan Irene, born on April 10^th last.

M. Slack left to do his National Service on March 27^th in the Army.

Press room

Mrs. Mitchell, who is keenly interested in ‘Arts and Crafts’ is busy preparing her illustrated scrap books, which are very colourful and interesting. This year she is sending them to a children’s Spastics Hospital, of which the well known B.B.C. personality, Wilfred Pickles, is president. We feel sure that they will give these unfortunate children a lot of joy and pleasure.

Mr. R. Banks has recently become a proud grandfather, his daughter Jean gave birth to a son in the Barratt Home. Many thanks to the medical and nursing staff for their unselfish care.

Mrs. Wills, who has recently retired after twenty years’ service with the firm, has also become a grandmother again. We wish her the very best of health, and a along and happy retirement.

We are pleased to report that Don Denny, ‘Pressman’, is making good progress after his unfortunate accident, and will shortly be with us again.

We also welcome the return of George Clements, caretaker.

Clicking room

Campanology

With bell ringing making news, it is interesting to know that in the clicking room we have a first-class bell ringer. Mr. William Wilby (Trilby) has for 30 years been ringing the bells at Higham Ferrers church, and although never a record breaker, he has rung three peals of five thousand rings, which takes just over three hours.

Once again Mr. Ron Stuttley (pattern cutter) became the proud father of a son born on Saturday, April 26^th at the Park Hospital, Wellingborough. A brother for Robert.

Shoe room

The retirement during April of Mr. Robert ‘Bob’ Denton brought to an end a long period of service with the firm. Bob joined the firm in 1904, and except for one year at another factory and two years with the during World War One, has spent all his working time with the firm. A splendid record and we wish both he and his wife a long and happy retirement.

Finishing room

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. H York, who now have a son. Stephen Edward, born May 9^th, 1958, at the Barratt Maternity Home.

And a bouquet

We would like to say “thank you” to the three ladies in the canteen who week in and week out continually serve a very good meal. We are sure all those who go to the canteen are well satisfied and welcome the opportunity to show their appreciation through the columns of ‘The Oracle’.

Weddings

The wedding took place between Douglas Smith (Office) and Audrey Houghton (Shoe room), pictured left, at the Methodist Church, Higham Ferrers, on Saturday, March 1st last. Both are well known and popular members of the firm, and we wish them lots of happiness together. Among the numerous presents were an electric blanket from the Directors, blankets and linen from the staff and bed linen from members of the Shoe room.

Congratulations also to Pat Houghton and Dorothy Chapman, pictured right, of Mill Road, Wellingborough, who were married recently at St. Barnabas’ Church, Wellingborough. Both are members of Wellingborough Cycle Club.

. . . to Michael Slack (Lasting) and Nancy Kerr (June 7^th).

. . . and to Paul Butlin (Clicking room) and Norma Freestone (June 7^th).

Forthcoming weddings

Pat Dickens (Powers-Samas Dept.) to Edward Bradshaw at St. Mary’s Church on July 26^th at 10 o’clock.

Engagement

Congratulations to Eirwen Evans (Closing room) and John Allan (Clicking room) who announced their engagement on Saturday, April 26^th.