Together with Kathleen and David Lodmore and Nigel, we had put together a display of about 40 items, some of which had never been shown before and some were not even in any of the known Old Hall catalogues.  They of course included the world’s first stainless steel teapot, a mirror clip only 3/4” long which is probably the smallest item ever made by Old Hall and some of the very first items of tableware from the early 1930s.  Eileen Hill also brought along her unique little table bell which everyone thought was really delightful.

Carol and Ken Cowburn were due to bring some of their early items as well but due to severe delays on the M6 because of a serious accident they didn’t actually make it until around 4.00pm;  to say that they were fed up having been stuck in their car on the M6 for hours on one of the hottest days of the year is somewhat of an understatement.  Many thanks for making the effort, though, the two of you!

Kathleen took details of several new members (including some ex-Old Hall employees) and it was great to talk to some of them with their reminiscences of life in the tool room and other areas of the factory.

Thanks must go to Dianne and Val who provided everyone with such excellent refreshments (all those cakes were sublime!!!) and also to Colin who did the unenviable work of washing up.

By 4.30pm most visitors had begun to drift away and everything was being packed away for another year but talk about all things Old Hall continued as we were once again at the nearby Bridge House Hotel for the evening meal;  a record number of 40 people attended and enjoyed an excellent meal.  Afterwards Nigel gave his speech and various grandchildren of the Wiggin family also said a few words.