AUGUST, 1928

At the age of 14, it was my "lot" to enter the weaving shed to learn the mysteries of warp, weft, shuttle, loom, float, picking sticks, lathe, weaver's knot, reed hook, and much more.

Forty-eight-hour week starting at 7.45am each weekday, finish 5.30pm, except Saturday finish at 12am. One hour off midday for a meal -- no canteen. Hot plate to warm up food. Urn, hot water to brew tea. Flag floors, gas lamps, cold water toilet, roaches, clogs, pinnies was the mode. The mill gates were promptly closed. A few late minutes and you went in by the watch house to have your name put in a book and a fine of twopence.

Provided I showed aptitude I was paid seven and sixpence weekly; put in charge of a 'Mrs' who had four looms. After six weeks I was given two looms, weaving plain fabric, two-fold poplin. This was a closely-woven fabric with a sheen. The warp threads were fairly strong. Should any break, that was where the weaver's knot came in, the reed hook to bring it into place. A cop was placed on the spindle in the shuttle, then the "shuttle kiss", which was the cop thread to be rucked in the relevant opening -- this was weft, now to warp in a darning action. "Picking sticks" -- wooden arms with leather bands that sent the shuttle flying from side to side. The noise was quite horrendous.

At 14, one did not question one's "lot", but got on with it.

Mrs Elizabeth Ann Mansley

Carlton Avenue

Deane

Bolton