Happier times at Dewhirsts in Sunderland

In February 2002 we reported on the announcement that clothing firm Dewhirst planned to close its Leechmere ladieswear factory, with 390 employees impacted by the decision.
Dewhirsts staff hold a red and white party in May 1996.Dewhirsts staff hold a red and white party in May 1996.
Dewhirsts staff hold a red and white party in May 1996.

There were claims that work was being switched to Morocco, but a Dewhirst spokesman said it was being “transferred to other company sites.”

At the time, Dewhirst still had its factories at Pennywell and Hendon.

Dewhirsts staff hold a red and white party in May 1996.Dewhirsts staff hold a red and white party in May 1996.
Dewhirsts staff hold a red and white party in May 1996.
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For this week’s picture-piece, we thought we would search the archives for photographs of more happier times at Dewhirsts.

Take a look at our selection of pictures from the factories sited at Pennywell, Leechmere and Peterlee.

Do you recognise any of these smiling faces?

Were you one of the people who appeared in the film Mockingbirds, a comedy about workers at a Sunderland clothing factory which was filmed in Sunderland in 1997.

Are the reunions still being held every year?

If you have any memories you would like to share, contact [email protected]