Hi did anyone on here work at Rabone Chestermans on Pomona Street, or know of anyone that worked there?.
Most of my family worked there during the 70s and 80s.
Hope someone can help with this. :thumbsup:

I knew a guy who worked there, called Ted Pegg I think.
He was a mate of my fathers so is probably no longer around.
I think he was in the inspection dept in 60's & early 70's.
You could always get good quality 'seconds' rules and suchlike

my foster mum worked at rabone chestermans on pomona street she was the cook in the canteen she was called betty appleby or bet to her friends I can remember the guy in the time house I think he was called steve I use to talk to him quite a lot when I went to pick my mum up from work. my mum worked there for quite a while right until it shut down I can remember going to alton towers with rabone chestermans but cant remember the year.

artisan.. I knew Ted he was my foreman,
Iwas only 17 and me and a friend came in to work a little tipsy after having a drink at lunchtime in the Rising sun,. we thought that we would be in big trouble but Ted made us sit down and drink black coffee ugh... better than getting the sack though.

bigkev.. I and my sisters knew your mum well, all four of us worked with your mum in the canteen at one time or another she will probably remember us have pmd you :thumbsup:

As i remember him Ted was a great bloke. he used to like a pint himself, so he probably remembered when he was young and let you off. :D

artisan, I dont know if this is true or not and im not being funny or anything, but did Ted have a wooden leg, my workmates said that he had and they used to call him Ted the Peg to this day I dont know if they were having me on or not I never got to find out.:confused:

To be honest it is so long ago i cant remember. I only ever saw him in the dram shop in the White Lion and he was always sitting down! And Icant ask my father cos hes been dead 30 years.
It could be possible i suppose as most blokes of their age had fought in the War, and as I say I think he worked in the Inpection, which is a place a lot of semi disabled people worked in those days.
Or are you just winding me up :D

No honest Im not winding you up, I thought that you could enlighten me, I suppose im never going to find out if it was true or
if my workmates were just pulling my leg, pardon the pun :hihi: :hihi:

Originally posted by flashbang
Hi did anyone on here work at Rabone Chestermans on Pomona Street, or know of anyone that worked there?.
Most of my family worked there during the 70s and 80s.
Hope someone can help with this. :thumbsup: I worked at rabones from leaving school right up to it closing. Started in f&f dept on top floor then served my apprenticeship in the toolroom. Ended up running press shop & chrome shop as chargehand. My name. Can you guest who i am.

Hi is it Dennis?

Re Ted Pegg. Apparantly he lived just over the back from us down Heeley, and had a big family, and my sister cant remember if he had a wooden leg either.

remember the joke about a bloke with a wooden leg called Ted, dont know what he called the other one! :hihi:

Betty always worked in canteen when i was there, also steve in time house, and Doug Hallam was works managertill he retired

My wife worked in the F&F department in 1964 for about eight years. Ray Finlay was the charge hand, other people would be Ray Mayfield, Jean, and a little Italian fella, Irish Chris. My wifes nickname was "Pink Knickers". Kath Fowler, Pat Aston, Christine Stubbs, Dot Buzzie, Christine Kempton. Too many names to remember.

Originally posted by Jossman
My wife worked in the F&F department in 1964 for about eight years. Ray Finlay was the charge hand, other people would be Ray Mayfield, Jean, and a little Italian fella, Irish Chris. My wifes nickname was "Pink Knickers". Kath Fowler, Pat Aston, Christine Stubbs, Dot Buzzie, Christine Kempton. Too many names to remember. I was there from 1974 people i know from your list is:
Jean Chritchlow?
Joe (the italian fella)?
Kath Fowler think i know her.

A mate of mine used to work there in the mid to late 80's. He was called Robert ( Bob ) Jolley. A good laugh when he wasn't angry with someone or other. Just kidding Bob!!!!!

Originally posted by tenerifeblad
A mate of mine used to work there in the mid to late 80's. He was called Robert ( Bob ) Jolley. A good laugh when he wasn't angry with someone or other. Just kidding Bob!!!!!
WOW Bob jolly what a lad, also his mom worked there as well.
Yes he did have a bit of a temper.

Hi Sneaks I suspect you may be Paul Deakin. Am I correct?
hi too to big kev - I rember your stepmum too, a lovely lady!
I also remember Ted Peg and i'm pretty sure he didn't have a wooden leg!
Does anyone remember Billy Badger, Sid Marsden, Ken Glossop, Alf Gregory?

Hi last orders I think you may have got it wrong she wasnt my stepmum but my foster mum and yes she was one of the best people to know and a bl**dy good cook as well. she got on with everybody at rabone chestermans I can just see her coming out of the timehouse now with a big smile on her face and always pleased to see me. I dont know if you can remember this but she once worked in the canteen without her underneath skirt on and everybody could see her knickers through her overall it was made a lot worse when she went near the windows as her overall looked transparent. I can always remember that when she told me what had happened.

Hi, last orders, do you remember the Matthews sisters that worked there?

Hi flashbang
yes I think I do remember them. Do you know which department they worked in?

Carpenter squares, holesaws, cant remember other department but John Shirtcliff, Marie and Betty worked there.

yes, certainly remember john shirtliffe (good footballer)and marie

What department did you work in, and do you remember Jean Hall?

Originally the tool room and then later in the drawing office.
Jean Hall did she work in the steel rule dept?

No she worked in the carpenter squares, she was in her 50s she retired just before Rabones shut down.I remember an Indian lady called Merlyn Samuels, she worked in A tapes.

I recall most of Carpeters Square Department being replaced by one guy working on a CNC machine. Thats progress for you!
I think Len Slack used to be foreman in their at one time.

Found this thread a bit late but I used to work at Chesterman's from about 1970. Did my apprenticeship in the tool room. Foreman was Ernest Dunn, Chargehand was Reg. There was also Ian Steele, Paul Redfearn, Ken (Sharky), 'Jelly', Vin (on the lathe), Frank, Nick, Tony, Ged, Kim, Andy Lister, Henrik Wyzykawych (well, something like that), Andy McClean, Terry, Tom (who was in charge of us apprentices).

Had loads of fun working there - many happy memories. :) :) :)

Hi jass, Do you remember an Indian lady Merlyn Samuels or any of the Matthews sisters.

Hi Jass
I rember most of those names and they certainly bring back fond memories. I started my apprenticeship in the toolroom in 1963. I was apprentice to Tom (Leversley) a great guy.
Met Vin a couple of years ago singing in a pub near York. I was talking to Henry last month he still works at Stanley tools, as does Nick Vickers. Regretfully I think Ian Steele, Jelly, Frank and Tom are no longer with us.

I worked there from about 1961 my name is Terry Oates Can anyone remember me ? I was an apprentice electrician with Arthur and Brian Can anyone help me out here after all i am now 61 and the brain is going a little

Hi I remember a lot of the names mentioned,i worked in the fitting shop as an apprentice
from 1966 i left in 1978 had some brill times there,

Do you know me Terry Oates and whats your name

i remember when it was just chestermans , my dad was sales manager then and i used to spend summer placements working in the offices

Worked in the Sales Office from Feb 61 to March 64. W S Antill was the Chairman and his sons Michael and David were Directors along with Mr Hartley. Other names: Mr MacCalman (Accountant), Robert Bell, Graham Nicholson (Home Sales Manager), Eric Beeley (Export Manager), Mr Booth (Sales Office Manager), Doug Worsley (Stock Controller), Cyril 'Sid' Marsden (Personnel Manager), Mike Badger (Advertising), Ken Glossop, Eric Ward, Bert West, Derek Wood (ran the cricket team), Barry Farmiloe, Pauline Lucas, Kathleen Scotrick, Brenda Wain, Winifred Blakey, Mary and Zofia who worked in stock control, Addie Klein, Marylin Coward, and two of the reps Graham Smith and Michael Coates. Also recall little Teddy who acted as WSA's driver amongst his other jobs as well as a guy called Johnny who belted around the yard on a Lister truck.

Will always remember the big meeting in the canteen, August '63, to announce the link up with Rabones and old man Antill promising that "no one will lose their job as a direct result of this merger." In the November all of us in the Sales Office & Stock Control were told that we were being made redundant in March. So much for promises.

Even so, still the best firm I ever worked for.

I worked there from about 1961 my name is Terry Oates Can anyone remember me ? I was an apprentice electrician with Arthur and Brian Can anyone help me out here after all i am now 61 and the brain is going a little

:) Hi Terry, I started in the toolroom in 1963 and I'm not sure I rember you but I remember Arthur Lax. He and his wife Joyce were still working there when I left in 1989. A nice bloke but I think he has passed away now.

I know Jenny Brown used to work there, who was a colleague of mine at a different firm.

My Aunty worked there for many years, must have been in the 1950s her name was Beatrice Hodgson She was always called Beaty.
Anyone remember her?

i cannot remember you Terry,remember Arthur Lax Gary Stringer,Alan Clarke,Brian Gunstone,Frank Smith,Polly,Maurice Grainger,Jim Swift,Harry Shaw,Ted Myers,Alf Pinder,
Alf Gregory,Harry Eastwood,plus loads more already mentioned,

I remember Arthur and Gary Stringer the foreman Do you remember Gerry at all he came to my wedding in 1969 What,s your name please ?

i cannot remember you Terry,remember Arthur Lax Gary Stringer,Alan Clarke,Brian Gunstone,Frank Smith,Polly,Maurice Grainger,Jim Swift,Harry Shaw,Ted Myers,Alf Pinder,
Alf Gregory,Harry Eastwood,plus loads more already mentioned,


now OLDOWL from the names you mention it looks like you worked in the fitting shop, certainly some characters amongst that lot....:hihi:

now OLDOWL from the names you mention it looks like you worked in the fitting shop, certainly some characters amongst that lot....:hihi:

You are right Last Orders i served my apprenticeship in the fitting shop firstly with Alf Pinder Then with Harry Shaw And Jim Swift,i must admit i was a very
cheeky apprentice but Harry, Jim and Ted sorted me out smashing blokes they were,without their knowledge and training i would not be in the good job i am in now.

My father in law Cliff worked at chestermans in the 70's 80's and my other half did for a short time as did most of the family.

I worked at rabones from leaving school right up to it closing. Started in f&f dept on top floor then served my apprenticeship in the toolroom. Ended up running press shop & chrome shop as chargehand. My name. Can you guest who i am.

is you'r name Tony?

is you'r name Tony?Not Tony I definately know who Sneaks is my fellas cousin!

Not Tony I definately know who Sneaks is my fellas cousin!

Next time you see Paul tell him an old toolroom/drawing office pal was asking after him.........

Next time you see Paul tell him an old toolroom/drawing office pal was asking after him.........:hihi:I will

i will tell paul as soon as he gets back from work later.

i will tell paul as soon as he gets back from work later.Ask him if he is coming to the wedding.

did you work at Rabone Chestermans alongside, trevor rowbottom, peter parker, maurice Grainger, Fred widdowson, Mick Wall, Harry Church, Dave Jones ETC

what ever happened to Jonny Lister who drove around on that little lister truck.

me ex is carl pye
his father joe and brother joe worked there

jean critchlow is a nasty piece of work from what I recall

Threads merged

i know my dad worked there i think in the 70's george darwent ,van driver so must have known the people in the timehouse' and at dormer twist drill on cemetry rd , so did most of my family (on and off). i went to school with alan the son of the rising sun landlord in the 60's

I can remember your dad as one of the van drivers.

I also remember big Alan "jellytots" from his time in the toolroom.
Good lad who sadly died some years ago at a very young age.

Next time you see Paul tell him an old toolroom/drawing office pal was asking after him.........

hi nice to see this thread suface once again. Now then last orders would you be Ian Skinner at all.

not much gets past you Mr. D. :D

20 years since those old RC days but many memories, hope you are keeping well. :thumbsup:

not much gets past you Mr. D. :D

20 years since those old RC days but many memories, hope you are keeping well. :thumbsup:

Yes fine thanks Ian. Im at caravan this week (you know things that old gits do) LOL. You still in sheffield about time to get together over a pint or 2/3/4 who knows. (sorry did'nt see North Yorkshire). So no pint then. Damm Tut Tut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In York at the moment but occasionally visit Sheffield.

We will have to try to get a few of the lads together for a few beers, perhaps in the new year. I am meeting Ian Hague sometime before xmas, be the first time we've met for 20+ years. I will suggest it to him, I also have Henry W's number so we could get in touch with him as well.

Enjoy your break old timer, hope you took your "zimmer"

In York at the moment but occasionally visit Sheffield.

We will have to try to get a few of the lads together for a few beers, perhaps in the new year. I am meeting Ian Hague sometime before xmas, be the first time we've met for 20+ years. I will suggest it to him, I also have Henry W's number so we could get in touch with him as well.

Enjoy your break old timer, hope you took your "zimmer"

Yes that would be great if it can be arranged. Just pm you

hi Everyone I have just found this forum and remember some of the names. My Dad was Charlie (Wag) Dunmall who worked on a lathe. He worked there for 50+ years until 1974. He had a Norton,& a BSA Gold Wing m/cycle & sidecar & then a "new" Ford Pop car. I remember that when I was a little girl I used to go down Frog Walk and wave to him through the windows at the back across the river Porter. The names I remember are Alf Gregory, Alf Pinder, Keith Burgin, Bill Badger, Sylvia Matthews & her Dad (can't remember his name), Albert Bagnall.... there must be more.
I also remember the Sports Days they had at sports ground on Tom Lane.
I still have a lot of my Dad's rules, micrometers, tapes, feeler guages etc.
I am also trying to research my family history & wonder whether my grandfather & great grandfather worked at Chesterman's. Does anyone know where I can find any employee records please?

hi Everyone I have just found this forum and remember some of the names. My Dad was Charlie (Wag) Dunmall who worked on a lathe. He worked there for 50+ years until 1974. He had a Norton,& a BSA Gold Wing m/cycle & sidecar & then a "new" Ford Pop car. I remember that when I was a little girl I used to go down Frog Walk and wave to him through the windows at the back across the river Porter. The names I remember are Alf Gregory, Keith Burgin, Bill Badger, Sylvia Matthews & her Dad (can't remember his name), Albert Bagnall.... there must be more.
I also remember the Sports Days they had at sports ground on Tom Lane.
I still have a lot of my Dad's rules, micrometers, tapes, feeler guages etc.
I am also trying to research my family history & wonder whether my grandfather & great grandfather worked at Chesterman's. Does anyone know where I can find any employee records please?

If you Google the National Archives and then enter Rabone Chesterman in the search box you will get details of the records that they hold. Those in the Hawley Collection may be the most useful.

Hope that this is of some help.

Great. Thanks very much. I'll give it a try.

If you Google the National Archives and then enter Rabone Chesterman in the search box you will get details of the records that they hold. Those in the Hawley Collection may be the most useful.

Hope that this is of some help.

I remember your dad very well.He was a truley great bloke. I worked in the same dept as your dad. I was also present in the fitters shop the day he retired. Roy Bradley the manager over the maintenance division did a speach for Charlie and presented him with a gold plated tape measure and some cans of beer. We (the blokes he worked with) also had a whip-round for him which I remember it came to nearly a weeks wages. My last glimpse of Charlie was seeing him walking out under the arch for the last time on his last day, as he turned left into Pomona Street he glanced over at me and simply nodded. His eyes were full of tears. I often think of that moment and of Charlie.

Oh thank you. That's very nice of you. In fact you reduced me to tears, He was certainly a lovely man. I miss him so much. I was always a "Daddy's girl"!
I still have the gold-plated rule. If I remember rightly he was given a pressure cooker too.
I also have a blue Wedgwood commemorative dish from Chesterman's.
He & my Mum were invited to a wedding at the church at the bottom of Cemetery Road, by one of the apprentices called Vin I think. He thought it was such an honour and treasured that memory. Are you that person?

Hi I remember a lot of the names mentioned,i worked in the fitting shop as an apprentice
from 1966 i left in 1978 had some brill times there,

I remember an old owl who worked in the fitters shop, he was a great bloke, his name was Peter Parker and he was there around the period of time you worked there along with Trever Rowbottom, Mick Wall, Morris Grainger, Harry Eastwood, Fred Widdowson, Brian Gunny, Wag, Garry the Miller, Jock Miller from the steel store, Polly in stores and finally that other man who was on the very end of our bench who used to talk to himself I think he used to get high on that glue we used on buffing wheels. If this is the same Peter Parker, HELLO LONG TIME NO SEE MATE.

P.S. What was the name of the forman, another nice guy but very quiet.

Would that be Alan Clarke?

I remember an old owl who worked in the fitters shop, he was a great bloke, his name was Peter Parker and he was there around the period of time you worked there along with Trever Rowbottom, Mick Wall, Morris Grainger, Harry Eastwood, Fred Widdowson, Brian Gunny, Wag, Garry the Miller, Jock Miller from the steel store, Polly in stores and finally that other man who was on the very end of our bench who used to talk to himself I think he used to get high on that glue we used on buffing wheels. If this is the same Peter Parker, HELLO LONG TIME NO SEE MATE.

P.S. What was the name of the forman, another nice guy but very quiet.
Hi FIRTHPARKLAD
Hope you are O/K I have just sent you a PM
The Foreman was Alan Clarke Nice bloke like you say
The bloke who talked to himself was ODD BOB like you say
too much shellac glue

You know, this has really taken me back. I worked at Chestermans from 1967 (ish) to 1975, in the maintenance fitters. A lot of those names were familiar to me, though no-one has mentioned mine yet. We certainly had some good times. A large proportion of the maintenance staff were quite young and always game for a laugh, usually to the disaproval of the older gentlemen in the fitting shop!!!!!

And what is your name

hi last orders who are you??? pm me please

You know, this has really taken me back. I worked at Chestermans from 1967 (ish) to 1975, in the maintenance fitters. A lot of those names were familiar to me, though no-one has mentioned mine yet. We certainly had some good times. A large proportion of the maintenance staff were quite young and always game for a laugh, usually to the disaproval of the older gentlemen in the fitting shop!!!!!

If i am correct you are John Davies i used to be your apprentice along with Jim Swift like you say we had some good times do you remember me.

If i am correct you are John Davies i used to be your apprentice along with Jim Swift like you say we had some good times do you remember me.

Sorry to have been so long in replying. Thats right, that is my name, and I would guess that you, Oldowl, would be Pete Parker. If you are, then I certainly remember you, I even remember the day you came to work with a somewhat bruised face. Mostly happy days then, but where has the time gone? Anyway, all the best to all you ex "Chestermonians", Happy New Year, and remember to lift a glass to all our "absent friends".

My late father worked at Chestermans, Colin Mylne. He contracted asbestosis, i belive from the furnaces there