Old Leeds Firms

BLAKEY · Post by **BLAKEY** » Sun 11 Oct, 2009 5:58 pm

Looking up Oxford Place to Great George Street, a red neon sign indicated the upstairs premises of "Gladys M. Atkinson - Invisible repairer". I'm told she did superb garment repairs - IF you could find her Joking apart, Tthe Insurance office where I worked on leaving school used to send all damaged garments claimed by policyholdersand satisfaction was guaranteed.

Dobbie54 · Post by **Dobbie54** » Sat 17 Oct, 2009 7:10 pm

Can't believe nobody has mentioned Kirkstall Forge probably one of the most famous engineering firms in Leeds.My Dad and Grandad were there the night it was bombed.I worked there years after and remember there was photo the Germans used for the layout of the river locating all the factories that laid at the side of it.Also the noise of the hammer could be heard for miles around.

colwn · Post by **colwn** » Mon 19 Oct, 2009 5:47 pm

Bert wrote: Anyone remember the Silver Cross pram company? It moved from Hunslet to Guiseley in the 1930s. My Dad worked for it as packer for years before eventually being sacked for thumping the foreman. Saw the thread around this as I was looking up Silver Cross Street which used to be in Hunslet and was where the firm started. I'm writing a history of the company so if anyone has got any info I'd be very grateful. And I can tell you the brand name was bought by a British firm and they are still making SX coach prams out in Bingley to the same high standards. They also sell a modern range which is designed in Yorkshire and made in the far east as that's the only way to stay competitive on those lines. And, while I'm here, don't suppose anyone remembers a company called Simpson Fawcett? They also made prams and William Wilson may have worked for them in the 1870's before starting his own company.

Post by **chameleon** » Mon 19 Oct, 2009 6:22 pm

colwn wrote: Bert wrote: Anyone remember the Silver Cross pram company? It moved from Hunslet to Guiseley in the 1930s. My Dad worked for it as packer for years before eventually being sacked for thumping the foreman. Saw the thread around this as I was looking up Silver Cross Street which used to be in Hunslet and was where the firm started. I'm writing a history of the company so if anyone has got any info I'd be very grateful. And I can tell you the brand name was bought by a British firm and they are still making SX coach prams out in Bingley to the same high standards. They also sell a modern range which is designed in Yorkshire and made in the far east as that's the only way to stay competitive on those lines. And, while I'm here, don't suppose anyone remembers a company called Simpson Fawcett? They also made prams and William Wilson may have worked for them in the 1870's before starting his own company. Interested to see some are made in Bingley colwn. At the time they went awol. there were items in the press saying they'd been bought out by a firmwhich would produce in India - can you shed light on what did happen?

Chrism · Post by **Chrism** » Mon 19 Oct, 2009 6:59 pm

Anyone remember Yorkshire Engineer Supplies (YES)? Used to be on Upper Wortley Road near the Fleece. I did 5 years there as a semi skilled laithe operator, 78-83. Trimming off castings 8/10 hours a day... ... ... booooooring job but the money was ace at the time.

slw · Post by **slw** » Mon 19 Oct, 2009 10:51 pm

Some info on the history of Silver Cross here http://www.silvercross.co.uk/about-silv ... our-story/

Trojan · Post by **Trojan** » Sun 22 Nov, 2009 12:20 am

Does anyone remember the horsemeat butchers on Kirkgate, adjacent to the market. It was certainly there in the 70's but I wouldn't like to guess when it packed up. I have eaten horse in France but never had the courage to buy it here in those days.

Uno Hoo · Post by **Uno Hoo** » Sun 22 Nov, 2009 11:00 am

Trojan wrote: Does anyone remember the horsemeat butchers on Kirkgate, adjacent to the market. It was certainly there in the 70's but I wouldn't like to guess when it packed up. I have eaten horse in France but never had the courage to buy it here in those days. Not in Kirkgate, Trojan, but ISTR a horsemeat shop next to the Lloyds Arms, almost under the railway bridge.

liits · Post by **liits** » Sun 22 Nov, 2009 11:30 am

From Leodis; The Marquis of Lorne public house selling John Smith's Magnet ales is number 121 Woodhouse Street. Next 127 is the business of R.H. Driver butcher. It was a speciality shop, selling only horse meat.Seems like pubs and horse meat go togther!

Trojan · Post by **Trojan** » Sun 22 Nov, 2009 12:46 pm

Uno Hoo wrote: Trojan wrote: Does anyone remember the horsemeat butchers on Kirkgate, adjacent to the market. It was certainly there in the 70's but I wouldn't like to guess when it packed up. I have eaten horse in France but never had the courage to buy it here in those days. Not in Kirkgate, Trojan, but ISTR a horsemeat shop next to the Lloyds Arms, almost under the railway bridge. TA