Mary's Bottom Line - Headen and Quarmby staff biographies

23 February 2012

Lynn Birkbeck, aged 65 from Rochdale

Headen and Quarmby was founded by Lynn's parents in 1935. Lynn's nephew David now runs the company, while Lynn oversees production. She has worked at the factory for 45 years.

"We were reluctant to let our skilled girls go - we were so very fond of them. It was heart-breaking to say goodbye to them....when we had to move production abroad."

Lynn now heads up the production of Mary's Kinky Knickers and is overseeing the training and development of all the trainees.

 

Jackie Blakeley, aged 56 From Middleton

Jackie works at the factory producing prototypes and new designs before they are mass-produced overseas. She is a highly experienced machinist and only got kept on once the production was out-sourced overseas because she is one of the few who can work every single machine. This skill is needed for when making up samples prior to production.

"It's strange being the only one left. I loved working alongside all the girls, but now it's just me on my own every day."

Jackie is now working alongside Myra to train all the apprentices as a supervisor.

 

Myra Parnell, age 57 from New Moston

Myra has worked as a machinist since she was 15. Since being let go at the factory she has worked evening shifts at Tesco, but desperately missed working in the factory. She was a respected Supervisor and has experience training up school leavers. She was devastated when they were made redundant (she was one of the last to go).

"It was heart-wrenching when the redundancies were made....I'd give my right arm to go back."

Myra has returned to the factory to work with Jackie supervising and training the apprentices.