BRADFORD on Avon Museum wants to hear from former workers at Holt factory J&T Beaven Ltd, to help them with an oral history project about the site.

The project is being run to coincide with the recent launch of the Glove Factory Studios & Café, which occupies part of the J & T Beaven premises.

The project began after former J&T Beaven employees visited the cafe during the summer and told stories from their time working at the factory.

Nick Kirkham of the Glove Factory said: “The people and their stories have been fabulous to hear. We had these folks walking about these now-derelict buildings in their minds, bringing them back to life.

“The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I realised then that we must preserve and record these precious memories.”

The Glove Factory, J & T Beaven and the development team for the old factory then approached Bradford on Avon Museum to co-ordinate the search for former Beaven’s workers.

Accountant Frank Holmes, an employee of J & T Beaven for 43 years, said: “I have spent my working life at J & T Beaven and now, with an impending regeneration project, this is a great time to get together as many as possible of the surviving Beaven’s workers and their partners and record these memories while we can.”

A film-maker has been recruited to be involved in this project so there can be film as well as sound recordings.

It is hoped they will be a part of a permanent exhibition on both J & T Beaven and the glove and leather industry generally. This will be in the regenerated industrial heritage buildings.

Anyone who wishes to share their memories of working at J & T Beaven can call Jenny Arkell on 01225 782061.