Previous photos have included the railway station and good transport links always attracts industry.
Thus it was that inn 1947, on what is now the site of Bloxham Mill Business Offices, a carpet-mill was established with just 6 employees
By the mid 1960s it was specializing in high quality Wilton carpets and had expanded to around 30 employees many of whom lived locally.
We can’t recall exactly when the Mill closed – probably the late nineties / early noughties.
So – here’s another photo from Anne Williams of some of those employed at the Carpet Mill.
We’d love to know who you recognise or what date you think it was taken.
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Hi David
That photo brings back many memories for me… Steele’s produced some amazing carpets and was a great place to work. I was there from 1980 until we closed, ending up as Operations Manager (good at drains!)
I would imagine there are many who still have examples of Steele’s products looking good in their homes ….not many things you could say that about these days!
I am sitting in Bloxham Mill looking at some of the carpets woven to order for me in the 25 years I wisely placed my orders in your ,in the main,safe hands. creating a story board about them and their impact on my life.I would really appreciate chatting with any one so that I will give the truest picture of the relationship I have enjoyed.Jim Church was near to the point of his retirement when I first visited.
I look forward to talking to someone soon.
Best wishes to all survivors !
Hi David, hope you’re well, I worked for Steeles as a sales rep in London from around 1988 to 1994, I sure we must have met in the London showroom at Business Design Centre it at the Heythrop Point to Point.
But I guess your main dealings would have been with John Osborn.
Kind regards
Peter Nash
This was taken on the last day of working. January 2000.
Back row–David Gardner,Basil Butler, Robert Lea,Morris(first name unknown), Ed Berryman,Brian Gardiner,Paul Jarrett, Richard Powell.
Front Row–?, June Alsford?, Dawne Jackson, Mary Regnall, Sue Clayton, Julie Stringer.
Details by Richard Powell who worked there from 1971 to 2000.
The business was started by Clive and Ian Steele. Ian Steele moved to New Zealand and Clive and Ellen Steele continued the business. The original factory was in nissen huts the other side of Barford Road from the current building. Sadly, Clive Steele died and Ellen Steele continued on her own and was eventually joined by my Father Jim Church. Tomkinsons eventually took over and the Bloxham business was absorbed into the much larger business. The photo is possibly from the latter days of the business… the only slightly familiar face is the lady at the front right who may be Una Timms?
David, I remember your parents really well and even stayed at their house in Banbury.
We lived next door to Mrs Steele in Kings road.
Hi David – I was your dad’s secretary for a few years!! Jennie Humphries as I was then. I loved that job – such great people and wonderful products. I remember you used to come and work with us in the holidays
The lady front right is julie stringer