.. Welfare ..

A great deal of welfare work was necessary at Grange Works during the war-time period.

At the commencement of the Factory, many employees were directed and transferred to this rural area from all over the country and had to be found
accommodation. This necessitated the employment of a full-time Billeting Officer, whose task was in no way easy considering the number of small villages and towns within reasonable distance from the factory. As time went on, however, the situation became easier, 100 bungalows were built for this Factory by the Air Ministry on a local site , which made it possible for the families of key people to settle there. Accommodation was also eventually secured for a large number of single employees at a local Ministry of Supply Hostel. Transport was arranged , and the Hostel personnel were very helpful in seeing that our workers were happy and comfortable during their stay.

Welfare was further developed by personal contact with employees absent through illness or for other reasons. Hospital cases were personally visited by the Welfare Officer, and followed up with a view to sending them to the Rest Homes for convalescence.

A special Women's Rest Room was set aside for use during lunch-time breaks. It was fitted out with comfortable chairs, writing tables, daily newspapers, magazines, stationery and air mail letters . This was  greatly appreciated .

A properly constituted Social and Sports Club also functioned, administered by a Joint Committee for Management and Works. Two Club Houses were erected on the ground. The Men's Club House contained three full-sized billiard tables, a card room, darts and wireless. The Women ' s Club House contained table tennis equipment, dartss and a radiogram, complete with latest records.

On the Sports side, sub-sections were responsible for the organisation of football, cricket, hockey, badminton, billiards , bowls, boxing, table tennis
and cycling. Billiards' enthusiasts were thrilled by two demonstrations in the Canteen by Joe Davis, Billiards & Snooker Champion. Another very popular feature was the Works library, which was well used.


In the large and well-equipped Canteen, frequent Saturday night Dances were held, and many well-known Bands ( including  Victor Silvester and His Ballroom 0rchestra ) were engaged.

Concerts, film shows, whist- drives, and annual events - such as Christmas Parties, Horticultural , Handicrafts , and Dog Shows, also employees '
Children's  parties were held.

Weeknight entertainment included Gramophone Concerts, dramatic and Debating Societies, Physical Training and Dancing Classes.
During lunch-time breaks, Ministry of Information films were frequently shown, also E.N.S.A and C.E.M.A, concerts were arranged. Most popular of
all were the weekly Departmental Works Concerts. Lunch-time elimination contests were frequently held, and revealed great talent amongst the workers.

A Male Voice Choir and Ladies Choir were also organised, and both were chosen to take part in a 'Works Wonder Concert`. Other well-known broadcasts were made from the Canteen, such as 'Break for Music with Carroll Gibbona & His Orchestra and individual artists , and two performances of 'Workers Playtime'.

On cessation of  hostilities in Europe, the workers chose their Victory Queen and four attendants. The Queen was crowned by the Wife of the General Manager at a special Dance held in May 1945. Later, when the war with Japan terminated, a special Victory Parade was staged, which was most effective. A tableau was arranged with representatives of our Allies  in National costume; of all H.M.Services, and a Factory employee  from each Section. The result was an arresting picture of united war effort.