We are delighted to confirm we are hosting an event on the 15th Feb 2024 with historian Peter Dunn on the history of footwear manufacturing in Rossendale, Lancashire. Hosted at our Whalley HQ, the event will run approximately 5:30pm till 8pm. Click here to book, tickets include a complimentary drink on arrival.
As a taste of what to expect, below is a short piece from Peter himself...
"Rossendale once had a thriving footwear industry. At it’s height in the 1950’s it had 10,000 union members and probably another 10,000 people working in the industry not in the union. One factory alone had more than 1,000 workers producing 72,000 pairs of slipper per week and they had offices across the world.
In addition to the mills there was an infrastructure that supported manufacturing. There were supplies of materials, components, machinery etc. Rossendale had its own independent union. We had a footwear college where people could go to learn footwear technology, pattern cutting and design. There was also the social side of the industry, football clubs, bowling, cricket, golf tournaments, we even had a beauty contest! It was more than making shoes, it was a community.
Like my father and mother before me, I was part of this community and with the passage of time the world got smaller and we saw it the industry decline and disappear. The footwear industry is part of my heritage and I spent 18 months researching its history and talking to people that was part of that history. Today I am happy to share this heritage and hope future generations can see how important the footwear industry was to the people of Rossendale."
In addition to the mills there was an infrastructure that supported manufacturing. There were supplies of materials, components, machinery etc. Rossendale had its own independent union. We had a footwear college where people could go to learn footwear technology, pattern cutting and design. There was also the social side of the industry, football clubs, bowling, cricket, golf tournaments, we even had a beauty contest! It was more than making shoes, it was a community.
Like my father and mother before me, I was part of this community and with the passage of time the world got smaller and we saw it the industry decline and disappear. The footwear industry is part of my heritage and I spent 18 months researching its history and talking to people that was part of that history. Today I am happy to share this heritage and hope future generations can see how important the footwear industry was to the people of Rossendale."
- Peter Dunn, Rossendale Footwear Historian
Event Location: Unit 29, Mitton Rd Business Park, Mitton Rd, Whalley, Lancs, BB79YE
Event Times: 5.30pm arrival drinks, 6pm start, 8pm end
Tickets: £8 per person, include complementary arrival drink. Very limited release of 65 tickets.
Charity: All proceeds will be donated to the Bacup Blokes Breakfast Club, which is a weekly breakfast club just for men who are socially isolated, homeless and are or are at risk of mental illness through isolation. This is organised by Peter and is located at the ABD Community Centre in Bacup.
Any questions regarding the event please email hello@lanxshoes.com.
We look forward to welcoming those attending and encourage you to bring along friends and family.
