I Started Work at EKCO in 1951
by Mrs. Joan Peters

After leaving school at 15 in 1951, I started work at EKCO PLastics as an Office Girl under the benevolent guidance of Mr. W. A. Skellern, as very kindly gentleman and a great help in a strange new environment.

After learning to type and take shorthand, I gradually progressed to become secretary to the Chief Inspector, Mr. S. Day (Bill), who was a very colourful character. He was extremely well read and could quote from Shakespeare or Hardy, but could also swear like a trooper having been brought up in the East End of London. My future husband Barry and I were always keen participants in the sports side of the company. As many will acknowledge, we had a first-rate Sports Ground. I joined the Netball Club and we were very successful in the early '60s winning many trophies in the local league. Barry played both football and cricket for EKCO and to instil enthusiasm in me for the latter game I became scorer for the Sunday side. One of the highlights of the sporting calendar were the fixtures against Pye (Cricket) and Plessey (Football and Netball). The two companies were also big players in the manufacturing industries at the time.

Joan at work in 1959

Another sport we both enjoyed was Table Tennis, and again there were many enjoyable matches for both Mens and Ladies teams, which were played in the EKCO canteen.
During my time at this famous company, I met many colourful personalities who made going to work a pleasure:
W. A. Camfield (Cam) was very keen on sport, at one period running one of the three football teams and was a great M.C. for the dances in the clubhouse.
Andy Rush, another keen sportsman, used to keep us all laughing on our cricket coach trips.

Johnny Heisu (?), passionate about football and cricket and an ardent Manchester United fan who could quote you chapter and verse on most aspects of football.
Barbara Pearman, secretary to Reg Earle, who was in charge of the Social & Sports Club. How we girls all wanted to emulate her 'Doris Day' glamour.
We also had two Carnival Queens from the ranks of EKCO Personnel. Barbara Murray and one whose name has vanished from my memory. To be chosen as Carnival Queen in those days was a huge honour. It took place at the Odeon Cinema and she was usually crowned by a celebrity of the time. The event was always packed.
I finished working at EKCO Plastics in 1965 as secretary to Mr. F. C. Pullen, Sales Director. My job was always most interesting throughout my career. Many people did not appreciate that as well as the radio and TV side of the business, we made plastics for Rolls Royce, Kodak, the M.O.D., as well as many domestic items: bowls, buckets, toilet seats, and baby products, etc.

Presentation of Netball Trophies 1968-69
Joan is on the left of the picture
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