An Enthusiastic Public Launch

The Where Do You Think We Worked? project received an enthusiastic reception when it launched to the public on Saturday 20th July 2013 in the Howard Centre.

We are very grateful to all those who took the time to take a look at our display stand and chat with us about which companies they recalled being based in WGC between 1920-1960.

Hopefully many will be contributing to our project in the not too distant future either by recording their memories of working for one of those companies, looking out photographs and other documentation or memorabilia, or getting involved in tracking down material or suggesting others who might also wish to take part... We do need your help and enthusiasm to make this project a success!

We have made a good start with donations of personal photos, published documentation and even a Welwyn Dept Stores Food Hall carrier bag! The picture above is of the Ardath Tobacco working room girls and dates from 1957-8. Thanks go to Theresa who allowed us to scan her photograph. She appears in the centre of the back row with her friend Molly on her left.

BLM-British Lead, Roche, GSK and Beiersdorf (the latter sent us some wonderful material from their archive in Germany) are companies who also have already contributed to the project. The poster below is one of our favourite items from Beiersdorf (whose WGC factory changed its name to Herts Pharmaceuticals and was later bought by Smith & Nephew Ltd).