The Trouser Factory |
Established in 1956 by Richard Harmer of Norwich, the Wayland Manufacturing Company opened its factory in Fakenham in December 1960 and was affectionately referred to locally as 'The Trouser Factory' and or Harmers, who was the parent company.
Each week at their premises in the Drift, the skilled work-force of local women made thousands of garments which were dispatched throughout the United Kingdom. Increasing competition from abroad coupled with skill shortages at home brought about a downturn in UK manufacturing during the 1980s. Sadly, this forced Wayland Manufacturing and its associates into voluntary liquidation and eventual closure in December 1989. While the factory has been closed for more than a quarter of a century it continues to prompt fond memories for all who worked there. The gallery of pictures below have been donated to the Community Archive by former employees and are testament to these lasting memories. |
Premises of the Wayland Manufacturing Company in the Drift, Fakenham
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REUNITED - 2nd May 2017
A wonderful time was had by all at the Crown in Fakenham on Tuesday evening as forty or more former F W Harmer and Wayland Manufacturing employees gathered for a long overdue catch-up. Below are a few pictures taken on the evening by former employee Julie Moore.
A wonderful time was had by all at the Crown in Fakenham on Tuesday evening as forty or more former F W Harmer and Wayland Manufacturing employees gathered for a long overdue catch-up. Below are a few pictures taken on the evening by former employee Julie Moore.
ARCHIVE - Photographs and Memories.
We appreciate that some names, dates or other details may be missing from pictures in this gallery, however, where provided details have been added. If you recognise anyone or are able to help fill in any gaps, please contact us or come along to one of our friendly monthly meetings to chat and share more of your memories.
We meet in The Trinity Room in Fakenham Parish Church from 2.00 to 4.00 pm on the last Tuesday of each month, so why not join us over a cup of tea and a biscuit for a friendly chat! You can see photos of Fakenham and surrounding villages, bring in your own photos to be scanned into the archive, watch a slideshow, browse through our photo albums or search the whole archive on our laptops. - Everyone welcome.
We appreciate that some names, dates or other details may be missing from pictures in this gallery, however, where provided details have been added. If you recognise anyone or are able to help fill in any gaps, please contact us or come along to one of our friendly monthly meetings to chat and share more of your memories.
We meet in The Trinity Room in Fakenham Parish Church from 2.00 to 4.00 pm on the last Tuesday of each month, so why not join us over a cup of tea and a biscuit for a friendly chat! You can see photos of Fakenham and surrounding villages, bring in your own photos to be scanned into the archive, watch a slideshow, browse through our photo albums or search the whole archive on our laptops. - Everyone welcome.
LINKS
If you'd like to learn more about the history of F. W. Harmer, you may find the links below of interest!
* F. W. Harmer – Norwich. The First Hundred Years 1825 -1925. - Michael Harmer 1998
* F. W. Harmer & Company, Ltd. - A Long-Established Clothing Manufacturer. - Andy Anderson. 2008
* F. W. Harmer & Co Ltd Clothing Factory on Havers Road, Norwich, 1948. - Britain From Above
* 1969 Press Cutting - 'Trousers Firm Boosts Rag Trade'
* F. W. Harmer & Company, Ltd. - A Long-Established Clothing Manufacturer. - Andy Anderson. 2008
* F. W. Harmer & Co Ltd Clothing Factory on Havers Road, Norwich, 1948. - Britain From Above
* 1969 Press Cutting - 'Trousers Firm Boosts Rag Trade'
© 2011 Fakenham & District Community Archive.
Created in-house by Fakenham & District Community Archive
Created in-house by Fakenham & District Community Archive