Will try and get some photos.   I have (hopefully) attached one of Mum and Dad together in their courting days taken somewhere up the North Coast

 

I spoke to Mum this morning and have given her instruction as to how to find the site and have a look for herself - she was thrilled to hear about your site, this might even give her the impetus to become a "silver surfer"! 

 

I was reading the history of the company which was extremely interesting.  It's sad in a way as the Textile industry has all but disappeared, bar outsourcing, in N.I.  After University I followed Dad into the Textile Industry - working for Desmond & Sons as a Training Officer and then Training Manager for a number of years and from that making my way to specialise in Health and Safety consultancy.  In 1997 I was in the Newtownards factory working on a NITA health and safety project  - the Berkshire was one of nine companies involved in that - so I was back there 40 years after the photo taken of my Dad at the Christmas party (1957) on your website.   While I was in the Factory I was given several pairs of socks - I think they were Coolmax socks, which were being made at the time - my other half still raves about them saying they were the best socks he ever wore!

 

I was also wondering how many romances started in the Berkshire - like Mum and Dad - and how many Berkshire babies there are around - there are four in our family! 

 

Will be in touch soon with the photo's and any amusing stories Mum has about the factory

 Regards

     Cathy