Clocking Off.

A day full of the unexpected.
Started as we parked up and saw people lining the main street of Farsley.  ( near Leeds)
It turned out they were waiting for a parade of Aston Martins.SEE EXTRA
You may not know but these cars were made at Newland Works in Farsley in the early 1950's.
We had actually come to meet some friends, and have a tour round Sunny Bank Mills, which is where C worked as a mender in the early 1960's. So the parade of cars was a bonus.
We had a wonderful tour, led by John Gaunt, the 6th generation of Gaunts, who with his cousin now own the mill.
It no longer produces the exceptionally fine worsted cloth which was exported all over the world, butthey have a very good archive museum, and now let out some of the space to business. There is much more to do, and they have big plans to renovate the rest of the buildings.
The mill and the Gaunt family have a fascinating history.
Brief History here

We were fascinated with the way the girls had to mend any faults which were in the cloth. Such beautiful fine worsted cloth too.
I had no idea how hard it was.
Fancy pulling an exceptionally fine thread through 70 yards of cloth.
We learnt where the expression " being on tenterhooks " comes from too.
Amongst the photos was one of C's friends at the Christmas  "Fuddle" in 1964. Haven't heard that word in a long time!
No going out for a meal in those days. You trimmed up the work place, and brought in your own food and drink.
Those were the days, and C says were probably the happiest of her life.   ( Just don't  tell her husband!)
Extra shows C looking round the oldest part of the mill. Still waiting renovation, and Mr C looking at a weaving loom. All so a notice of Health and Safety Rules. Written by W.C.Gaunt about 1920.
3rd rule...."Records show accidents do not happen about holiday times -  this proves they are avoidable."  Wonder what they thought to that!

We then had a look round the art gallery and cafe, where we had tea and cake, and where I took this photo.
The painting is of Sunny Bank Mills and is called " Clocking Off".
As well as the fabulous painting, I liked the way you could see the mill through the window.
Unexpectedly we were entertained by the Burley Ukulele Jammers. What a great set of musicians.
It was certainly a wonderful day allround, and we never noticed the downpours!