One of the oldest surviving clothing factories in the Western Cape, held a reunion for past and present employees over the weekend.
Lancashire, previously known as Envoy school wear, initially opened its doors in Paarden Eiland in 1933 before later moving to Diep River where it is currently situated.
On Saturday 14 October dozens of people arrived at Fairview Primary School in Grassy Park to reminisce about their experiences at the factory.
Event organiser Carmen Rossouw worked at the factory for 33 years before retiring due to health issues. “Life goes by so quickly, so for me this is one phenomenal experience. We were all part of Lancashire at some point, and some are still working there.”
Jennifer Jacobs (71) from Mitchell’s Plain, who worked as a machinist at the factory for 48 years, went down memory lane.
“I started off as a learner machinist and then a manager came along and said he saw potential in me, so I became a supervisor.
“As a learner, someone would teach you how to stitch and sew and I didn’t know anything about machines at the time.”
Jacobs says that she learned how to read and write during that time.
“With no education, I started off at Lancashire. I couldn’t read and write and today I can speak and read English and Afrikaans.
“Those years there were also no trains, taxis or buses, so it was tough to get to Lancashire in Diep River.”
Reconnecting with old friends at the reunion was overwhelming, she added.
“I am so overwhelmed to connect with old friends. I have a full life that keeps me going and I praise God.
Allan Lasher, the thorn among roses at the event, worked as a mechanic at the factory for 37 years.
Whenever something broke such as a sewing machine, pressing machine or boiler I would fix it.”
Lasher, a man of few words added: “I loved to work for the company.”
Johanna Groenewald, who started working at the factory in 1973, is set to retire at the end of this year. “When I started working at Lancashire, I was very young and I had a passion for my job. I’m so grateful to God for all the years I could work at the company.”
As a machinist, Groenewald currently sews clothing and teaches others at the factory how to sew. “Since 1973, I’ve had a passion for my job up until today. I never wanted to stay at home because I just wanted to be at work. We are like a family.
“ As many things changed throughout the years, Envoy remains a very good company.”
Her advice to young people is to be passionate about their work and to take care of their jobs. “As the years passed by and I’ve gotten older I don’t have the strength anymore, so young people look after your job.
“You must have a passion for your job and teamwork.”
