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“All the training that we’ve had has opened our eyes to what’s available and what we can do. For instance I’ve learned that it’s actually comparatively easy to apply for quite large grants and what’s more the bodies offering the grants do help you in your presentations with them. So what I’ve learned has increased my interest widely in a great number of things…….. I’ve become a lot more ambitious in what I can do ”

Before the war Thomas Lomas: Footman at Thoresby Hall I became a footman at Thoresby Hall in 1938 aged 18 years. I do not think there was a butler at that time. The Dowager Countess Manvers (Helen) was old and did not entertain much so I had a life of luxury! The Hall more or less ran itself. The Dowager spent a lot of time in her room and everything went through her lady’s maid.  Occasionally she had afternoon tea i

Cyril Flowers started work at Carey's as a threading boy in 1929 at 14 years. He was paid 7s/6d (37 1/2 pence) per week, and an extra 6d (2 1/2 pence) for 3 hours on a Saturday. “There were 46 machines some capable of producing lace 360 inches wide. Some machines had 3,000 bobbins or shuttle that needed threading. When Carey’s closed down in 1956, Cyril was the last man to be paid off and given £25 extra and a f