Wednesday 4th June.2025. A Trip down Memory Lane
Well what can I say, today’s outing for the majority of our group would be full of memories from their working past, firstly it would involved a trip to their former employer’s establishments, that of Johnson and Johnson, or as they knew it, Charles F Thackray. A prominent building Situated on St. Anthony’s Road Beeston, Leeds. Just a hop ,skip and a jump for some of the boys back in the days.
It would be almost a dozen of the Lads that would participate in this organised tour of their former factory etc. A suggested time of 10:00 am was set up for this visit to begin, after signing the visitors book we were on our way, familiarisation was their first obstacle, it had been many many years since they had set foot in these grounds. Luckily our tour guide Ray was able to help resolve this issue, so before not too long we found ourselves on the workshop floor and being introduced to members of the present workforce who were only too willing to talk us through present day procedures, processes and products, very informative, a far cry from the days of yore. The whole factory as undergone massive restructuring with many of the old methods of manufacturing being replaced with modern state of the heart machinery to say the least.
As our tour progressed quite a few former colleagues got wind of our visit and took the opportunity to come and say hello, a pleasant surprise for everyone involved, faces from the past appearing from every angle, just great.We experienced a glimpse of the infamous Clean Room and the importance of its functions etc, then onto the plastic division and there involvements in the production line, fascinating to see young people following in our footsteps.
Our tour continued with a viewing of all the modern facilities that have been installed for today’s workforce, restrooms, showers, gymnasium and a up to date canteen, all providing a more relaxed environment to be working in. Finally we passed through the administrative offices and the expanse of their functioning towards the final products destinations etc.
As we gathered in an appropriate restroom to reflect upon our visit , a few of the lads were given the chance to experience some product from the Med Tech innovation section here at Johnson and Johnson, how to mix a fresh smoothie drink whilst sat peddling a bike, a joyous moment for John and Mark.
After almost 2 hours our tour of the facilities here at Saint Anthony’s Road were over, so we said our farewells and thanked the members of Staff for this memorable opportunity and experience.
It was time to move on now to our next venue, that of The Railway Inn at Drighlington and enjoy a Birthday celebration meal courtesy of the staff here at this location. It would be the upcoming birthday of our dear friend Keith Bland , he had unfortunately missed the opportunity to visit his former work place.
We sat and briefly chatted about our visit along with many other topics as we awaited the arrival of our chosen meals , all of which were consumed with much delight. Nice to see Keith again and catch up with things etc. We spent a good 90 minutes here at the Railway Inn discussing this ,that and the other before finally saying goodbye to each other and heading homeward bound, reflecting upon today’s events, a bittersweet moment for some of the lads tinged with a little sadness about certain aspects of our day. Nevertheless most rewarding.
Cheers Everyone.
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