Yvonne Souch

Yvonne Souch (right) and friend at Newland Warehouse, c1960.

Yvonne's first job was in Marriott's blanket finishing room in the late 1950s. Her mother and her five brothers and sisters all worked in the industry at one time or another. On going to work for Smith and Philips', Yvonne was taught to weave by her Aunt Gert who was always on hand to sort out any problems. She recalls that the looms went 'clang clang clang' all day and that in the weaving shed the weavers had a special call to get each other's attention.

Yvonne also worked at Early's Newland Warehouse where she finished, folded and packed blankets. She later returned to Smith and Philips' but always felt that Early's was the best place to work.

A recorded interview with Yvonne is available from Oxfordshire Studies - details are available on the Search the Collections page (search for her name).