Your fantastic memories of working at Littlewoods in Sunderland - the factory you'd return to 'in a heartbeat'
‘Started Brian Mills at 15 .. I’m now almost 83’
Dozens of former workers have inundated the Sunderland Echo with their memories of working at one of the city’s most popular factories.
The place may have had many name changes over the years - from Brian Mills to Janet Frazers, and from Index to Littlewoods - but people have never forgotten it.
And lots of them shared memories after we posted a photo of the reception area at the front of the factory.
Many said they would ‘go back in a heartbeat’ including Lisa Marie who added: “Loved working there. Great people.”
Gladys Moran said: “Started Brian Mills at 15 .. I’m now almost 83 . Still have lunches out with several of the girls I worked with. Wonderful memories.”
Jackie Caffrey reflected: “Over the years as Brian Mills, Janet Frazers and later as Littlewoods, this unique place of work not only created lifelong friendships but also engagements, marriages and of course babies, from 1955 until it's very sad demise in 2010.”
Linda Pallas was another to look back. She said: “Remember going in here and getting interviewed with Jenny Sinclair. What a formidable character. This was 50 odd years ago and still meet up my workmates approx once a month. Great friends for life.”
Ruth Fisher began work as a 15 year old ‘straight from school. Worked on consignments, filing, then trained as a typist. My supervisor was Ena Toner.”
David Garth remembered: “Luvved it there. In the Laburnum at dinnertime for lunch ha. Happy days.”
Vicky Morris said: ‘Best place I ever worked’ while June Wintrip commented: “I started work at Janet Frazers on leaving school. It had just opened. I was a Credit Sanctioner.”
Alison Markides Weikel commented: “Some of my most memorable years with good friends working there.”
She said she worked in the ‘commissions dept and a spell on other departments. Loved being a Progress girl, walked all over the two buildings loving it all.”
The memories kept on flooding in. Bev Franklin said: “Started there at the tender of 16, three days after leaving school. Here I am 49 years down the line and the people I met in those years are lifelong friends.
“Without question , the best place ever for the friends, the characters, the laughs and for that I am forever grateful xx.”
Karen Klein remembered: “Work experience here some 50 odd years ago...miles n miles of index cards lol xx.”
Our thanks go to everyone who shared memories. We would love to hear from people with memories of other Wearside workplaces. Share your reflections by emailing [email protected]