9th April 2025
When enquiring what my beloved would like to do on his birthday this year, David Pawley had the answer! A trip round the John Smedley Factory in Lea, near Matlock. Having worked in the industry in the 1970s he thought it might be an interesting trip.
A family business since 1784, it is now managed by the 8th generation of the Smedley family.
After coffee we were shown a couple of videos about the history of the company and the obligatory health and safety. Divided into 2 groups we started outside by the arch over the road showing the Jay Bird trademark registered in 1876. We could then see the buildings from the outside including where the waterwheel used to be to provide the power for the spinning machines. These were originally for cotton but then converted to spin fine quality merino wool as well.
Inside the factory, as it was a lot warmer than outside and Woody’s first comment was “well they’re not on piece work.” Quite a lot of the machinery was very familiar to him and we were all very impressed with the linking machines, although it seemed a bit of a mystery as to how they kept track of which bits to attach where.
The old weaving machines were a lot noisier than the more modern versions and it was fascinating to see the complete jumper emerging from the bottom of the machine. There seemed to be a lot of finishing, washing and pressing, not to mention quality control.
Eventually we returned to the room where we had started to collect coats before heading out to the shop where some people found a few bargains. Having seen all the work involved it is not surprising that the products are quite pricey. Fortunately for Woody, there wasn’t anything I liked in my size.
A short trip up the road took us to The Jug and Glass where we had a lovely lunch before heading home.
Many thanks to David and Judith for organising everything.
Words: Carol & Woody
Pictures: Paul Fileman