What a factory and what a set of memories you have of it. That’s Dewhirsts which once employed hundreds of workers at sites across Sunderland and Peterlee.
And when we shared a photo of staff pictured in 1997, it got dozens of you reminiscing about the good old days.
Some of you talked about the friends you made, the work trips to Scarborough, and the Christmas nights out.
One former worked said she cried her eyes out when the news came through that her factory was closing and others said they would ‘go back in a heartbeat’.
IJ Dewhirst operated major clothing manufacturing sites on the Leechmere Industrial Estate and at Pennywell. The former Pennywell clothing factory was eventually demolished around 2009.
Tell us about the former workplaces you would love us to feature in a nostalgia spotlight. Get in touch and tell us why you loved it so much, by emailing [email protected]
1. Reflections from 2004
These Dewhirst staff were pictured in July 2004. Margaret Stubbs said: "I worked at Leechmere for 17 years, great place to work still very good friends with a lot that worked there fabulous memories." | se
2. Great Christmas memories
These former Dewhirst workers had plenty of reason to smile after they were back together for a reunion party in 2004. Vicky Herron said: "Aww the good old days. Loved my free turkey at Christmas lol x" | se
3. Edel met her husband there
Back to 1997 when , from left: Ann Adams, Jackie Finnigan, Pat Spooner, Julie Wales, Stephaney Brown and front, Wendy Purnell, were pictured. Edel Moon Holyoak 'worked at Pennywell factory 1 on Overcoat line, Yvonne Myers was my supervisor. Met the hubby Jimmy there he worked in cutting room. 39th wedding anniversary this year."
4. Stars on film
The day that a film crew came to the Leechmere factory in 1997. Helen Coyne said: "Best times. We had some really good times, worked at Pennywell 1 and Hendon, had some really good laughs and made some lovely friends x" | se