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Charles Hill & Co Cateswell Road

R

rmtnuke

Brummie babby
Hi. When my Dad, Capt D.E.M. Thornton, came home after three and a half years as a Jap POW, he started work as the works manager for Charles Hill & Co in Cateswell Road, Birmingham. I think the company made coffin furniture. Does anyone know anything about the history of the company - when it started, when it ended production etc? I think Dad lived at 259 Cateswell Road for a couple of years. Many thanks.
 
My mother and two aunts worked at Charles Hill for over twenty years. MY mom worked in the despatch department as forwoman and my aunts worked in other departments. Mom retired in 1973 and Charles and Teddy Hill gave her a lovely leaving party - a gold watch and Charles also organised a pension for her. It was a lovely company to work for - great annual Christmas parties for workers children with delightful and thoughtful presents to take home. The Hill brothers also took staff and works away for weekends annually to places like Brighton with all expenses paid and it was great to see coaches for them parked in Cateswell Road.
 
PatHayward said:
My mother and two aunts worked at Charles Hill for over twenty years. MY mom worked in the despatch department as forwoman and my aunts worked in other departments. Mom retired in 1973 and Charles and Teddy Hill gave her a lovely leaving party - a gold watch and Charles also organised a pension for her. It was a lovely company to work for - great annual Christmas parties for workers children with delightful and thoughtful presents to take home. The Hill brothers also took staff and works away for weekends annually to places like Brighton with all expenses paid and it was great to see coaches for them parked in Cateswell Road.
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hi pat..amazing how many companies large and small used to look after their staff very well indeed..could well be the reason why so many people had very long service records..

lyn
 
Good morning, Pat and Lyn. All these very helpful comments and the stories behind them are so good to read. I do remember my Dad talking about Charles Hill when I was a youngster - now it fits! I didn't know there were TWO brothers. Must have been a wonderful company to work for. Happy New Year to you both! Robin
 
Mom never had to buy firewood as we used damaged coffin handles for that purpose and I always recall her saying that the men in the factory often had a sleep in coffins at lunchtime especially the ones for Catholics as they were lined with purple material and were more comfortable.
 
That's priceless, Pat! I have actually heard about people sleeping in the coffins for a break...rather like a 1960s comedy sketch! Thanks so much! Kind regards, Robin
 
rmtnuke said:
That's priceless, Pat! I have actually heard about people sleeping in the coffins for a break...rather like a 1960s comedy sketch! Thanks so much! Kind regards, Robin
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Charles Hill got married late in life and I still have his wedding photograph - I think the wedding was at Hall Green Church the photo showed a very elegant couple!
 
No Robin I didn’t know him but I know my Mother and other workers held both brothers in high esteem - Charles more so as he was more ‘hands on’.
 
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