An Ipswich belonging to years gone by is being brought back to life with the help of the town’s residents. 

Eastern Angles Theatre Company has been busy hosting a series of ‘factory sessions’ as part of The Work Furnace project. 

These sessions, explained project officer Hannah Houghton, bring together people from all over the town to share stories of what it was like to be a factory worker in Ipswich. 

“The focus is to gather the stories of people who worked in manufacturing in Ipswich in the latter half of the 20th century, because of course, Ipswich has changed hugely,” she said.  

“This generation is incredibly proud of the role they played. I think from their perspective, it can feel like this period of history is being forgotten.  

“The whole purpose of this project is to shine a light on the ‘lost industries of Ipswich’. 

Some people have been sharing their own memories, while others are using this opportunity to tell the stories of their parents and grandparents. 

A session on ‘Engineering’ took place on Monday, February 6, and was attended by over 70 people. 

“We managed to reunite some people who had all worked in the closing sector,” said Hannah, 

She was able to meet with people who had worked for Philips and Piper in Christchurch Street, Jaeger, and for William Pretty’s, which was a corset manufacturing company. 

“We’ve even uncovered stories of lesser-known companies, such as Britten and Banister,” Hannah continued. “ 

“This was a shoe factory, and it transpires that they made shoes for royalty.  

“They made shoes for Princess Margaret’s wedding, and on occasion, for the late Queen.” 

The next session will look at ‘Food and Drink’, and will take place on Monday, February 13, at the Eastern Angles Centre in Gatacre Road. 

For more information, search Eastern Angles Theatre Company on Facebook.