THIS week has seen some fascinating new material added to the community layer of Know Your Place Worcester.

Launched just over a week ago, alongside the NHS-hosted Life Stories website, local people are invited to share their own photographs, memories and knowledge of the city.

An incredible audio recording dating to the early 1970s, captures the voice of an older gentleman who shared his memories of 60 years working at Hardy and Padmore, the famous Worcester iron foundry, based in Foundry Street.

Speaking in an unmistakeably Worcester accent, the un-named man recalled his time starting in the drawing office in 1902.

Worcester Bridge in the 1950s, complete with Hardy and Padmore Lamp Standards. In the background can be seen the former Dents Glove Factory premises, on the bank of the Severn

Worcester Bridge in the 1950s, complete with Hardy and Padmore Lamp Standards. In the background can be seen the former Dents Glove Factory premises, on the bank of the Severn

He described some of the many products of the company, and their worldwide distribution to places as far afield as Shanghai, Osaka and Montevideo, as well as across the United Kingdom.

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“The variety of articles made is almost impossible to name,” he declared, though going on to describe a wide variety of products including everything from frying pans to large oven ranges, sand washers to electrical switch boxes and later producing high class castings for the engineering and machine tool trade, supplying to local firms such as James Archdales, H W Ward and MECO.

The approach to the Worcester Foundry (seen in the distance) along Carden Street, late 1950s

The approach to the Worcester Foundry (seen in the distance) along Carden Street, late 1950s

Poignantly, he described being kept very busy during the First World War, manufacturing trench mortar devices, better known as ‘plum pudding bombs’ due to their spherical shape.

The Worcester Foundry, during demolition in 1971

The Worcester Foundry, during demolition in 1971

The sound recording has been made available as a YouTube video via Know Your Place, thanks to Clive Haynes, who many will remember for his amazing historic slide show Changing Face of Worcester, produced alongside his brother Malcolm.

The remaining foundry buildings in the 1970s. These buildings still stand on Foundry Street today

The remaining foundry buildings in the 1970s. These buildings still stand on Foundry Street today

Over the coming months, many more audio recordings will be uploaded to the site. To find this one, go to kypworcester.org.uk and search the map.

You can also quickly and easily add your own images and materials about places around Worcester; get in touch if you’d like to find out more.

Worcester Life Stories

Worcester Life Stories

Worcester Life Stories is a collaborative project bringing local people together through shared stories of the City of Worcester.

It is co-led by Dr Natasha Lord, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and Sheena Payne-Lunn, Worcester City Council and funded thanks to National Lottery players.

For further information or to share your stories, visit worcesterlifestories.org.uk, our Facebook page or Twitter @worlifestories.

You can now also create your own personal, private life story via the new NHS-hosted Life Stories platform https://life-stories.hacw.nhs.uk/

If you’d like to get in touch email worcesterlifestories@gmail.com or call 01905 721133.

And why not visit the We grew up in Worcester page on Facebook?