Reunion for Kingfisher staff

A reunion for former workers of furniture makers Kingfisher Limited in West Bromwich is being held next month, 30 years after it shut down.

The company, which made furniture for schools and offices, was based in the Black Country for around 70 years before folding in 1977. But workers still enjoy the chance to catch up and reminisce.

The factory, which was based in Charles Street, West Bromwich, employed around 60 people and reunion organisers Stan Sharman and Alan Griffiths are hoping that as many of their old colleagues as possible will go along to the event.

Mr Sharman, aged 75, of Hallam Street, West Bromwich, is an award-winning cabinet maker and worked for the company for decades.

He said: "I worked there for 30 years and the reunion will mark 30 years since it closed its doors. It was a wonderful place to work and I made a lot of friends there that I am still in touch with. It is a great shame it had to close when it did."

In an illustrated book presented to workers at the factory, entitled From Forest To Schoolroom And Office, the process of transforming wood into desks, chairs, cabinets, benches and cupboards is detailed with pictures of each process.

The factory not only produced classroom furniture but organised visits for schools, churches and community groups.

Mr Sharman said: "I have been very lucky, working in a job I enjoyed so much, with such a good company. I got a lot of job satisfaction at Kingfisher. As this is the 30th anniversary of the company closing down it is more important than ever that people come along to take part."

The reunion will be held on December 4 in the lounge of the Greets Green Social Club in West Bromwich at 8pm.

Call Stan on 0121 553 0725 or Alan Griffiths on 0121 502 1536.