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]
5. The work trips were fantastic
Workers from Dewhirst's clothing factory at Pennywell were heading off to Whitby for a works trip in 1998. Susan Wall said: "I worked at Pennywell factory on the new jacket line and then on the trousers press line. Scarborough trips were fantastic."
6. Tea testing at Dewhirsts
Dewhirst workers were pictured during a tea-tasting test in 1998. Pictured left to right are Jeanne Tough, Audrey Haynes, Christine Worthy and Martine Joyce. Lyndsey Hamilton said: "I started 97 till it shut, cried my eyes out i did when they announced closure."
7. All in red and white
Staff held a red and white themed part at Dewhirsts Pennywell in May 1996. Kay Orrell Henson said: "I started at Leechmere in 1992 for 10years, then up to Pennywell in Press room for couple years. Finishing of at Hendon for 8 years The good old days." | se
8. Pictured in Pennywell
These workers at Dewhirsts clothing factory in Pennywell were pictured in 1986. Lesley-Anne Gardner said: "Fab days back in the 80's, lots of happy memories and would go back in a heartbeat."