On Tuesday 16th June 10 ladies and a gent, visited the Peek Frean Museum. Tucked away In Bermondsey, part of the old biscuit factory, is a gem set up by a former employee Frank and his friend Gary. They were determined that the company which gave us Garibaldis Custard Creams and Bourbons should not be forgotten.
The set up is small but bursting with pride, with patterned biscuit tins, long term service reward clocks, photos and the replica of the Wedding cake given to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, lovingly restored after it had been vandalised. Frank told us about the history of the company and his own experiences of working for them. At one time there were 4,000 workers, who were cared for with medical facilities, doctors and dentists. There was a great interest in the sports teams including the ladies Cricket team who in the 1930’s were smartly attired in trousers! (That had to stop.)
We learnt a lot about social history and the loss of manufacturing in London.
The area is being developed with flats, however there are some splendid trees. On further investigation I found they were the legacy of Ada Salter, Mayor of Bermondsey in the 1920s whose vision was to beautify the area by planting thousands of trees.
Download a PDF of some photographs from the visit.