AP WMS 32 s1 f01 v1 e1
Margaret Sutton of Ashton-in-Makerfield talks to John Reid about working for WT Mather, Ltd, a company which made jams and chutneys. Recorded on 12 February, 1982.
Audio description below:
WHICH COMPANY DO YOU WORK FOR PLEASE?
WT Mather Ltd
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THEM?
Ummm… well I’ve been here for the last 22 years and I did 9 years before that but I’d [?] service before that you know. Uhh I came when I was 14 and worked until I was 23 and then I stayed home to have the little girl. When she was 9 I came back which would have been around 1956.. I only came for the fruit season mind you and I’m still here *both laugh together* . Fruit season used last around 3 month I should think.
WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR WAS THAT?
Well it used start April, when rhubarb was out. And in the olden days we used have to go pick this rhubarb in the fields, all the girls from work we used have to get in the van and go and pick it, bring it back and prepare it for putting in bottles.
WHERE DID YOU HAVE TO PICK IT FROM?
In the fields! At Culcheth,, uhh *laughing* I’m saying bottles which we don’t use today you know, we use cans, it all goes in cans. But in the olden days [mic goes quiet] it was bottles that were made. Uhh it was funny really *laughing* when you come to think of it.
WHAT YEAR DID YOU START IN?
It would be 39’ I think when I was 14.
HOW DID YOU GET THE JOB?
Well I came from school, just came with about 5 or 6 more girls from school and we were all taken on. I always enjoyed working here mind you
Audio Details
| Forename | Margaret |
|---|---|
| Surname | Sutton |
| Middle Name | |
| Township | Ashton-in-Makerfield |
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