South Yorkshire Times, February 3, 1939
Sixty Years with One Firm
Remarkable West Melton Record
Mr. Charles Smith presenting the silver salver to Miss A. Cuttle.
Also in the picture is Mr. J. B. Smith with some of the congratulatory telegrams Miss Cuttle received.
Not only believed to be the oldest firm of their kind in the country (there are definite records that a Smith was in business in the district as long ago as 1599), Edward Smith and Sons, Ltd., West Melton, must also surely establish a record for the length of service of their staff. On Wednesday presentations were made at West Melton to Miss Alice Cuttle, who at midnight on January 31st, completed 60 years’ service with the firm, for a considerable length of time in her present position as head of the dressmaking department. And among over 100 visitors to this diamond jubilee party were past and present members of the staff, whose length of service collectively totalled several hundreds of years. Among them were Miss Ambler and Mrs. Butterfield, of Clevelands, Chapel Street, Wath, under whom Miss Cuttle was first apprenticed. Between them, they too, gave almost a quarter of a century’s service.
Happy Gathering.
The presentations formed a prelude to a happy social gathering of principals, staff, past and present, and many old customers, among whom were a couple with 55 years’ associations with the firm. The second floor of the store had been daintily decked and festooned, and bore as a pretty centre-piece, a mirrored table bearing a birthday cake, surrounded by sixty multi-coloured candles and vases of red and white tulips and silver foil. Gifts were those of a silver salver, inscribed “in grateful recognition of 60 years’ loyal service and friendship,” from the firm, a silver cream-jug, inscribed ‘as a mark of appreciation and life-long friendship,” from Miss Ethel Smith, sister of the two principals, Mr. Charles and Mr. J. B. Smith, and a silver sugar sifter from the staff.
Mr. Charles Smith said this was a tribute to a ‘young old lady.” Miss Cuttle was born in West Melton, just below the Congregational Church, on December 31st. 1884. After attending Miss Boyd’s School for Ladies, she commenced duties with the firm on February 1st, 1879, and was one of five members of a family to see service with it. Nor was she the only example of such interesting associations.
They looked back to the years of service of many old employees—a Mr. Good, cutter for over 40 years, “dear old Ned Oliver,” who also served for considerably over that period; Mr. Darby, “a most wonderful business head, and a man of most delightful character.” He also served for over 40 years. Mrs. Ware, a present employee, who was present that evening, had seen over 49 years’ service with them. Mr. W. E. Buckley, with 39 years, and “fledglings” such as Mr. T. C. Wetherall (27), Mr. J. H. Wilson (26), Mr. Peter Ogilvy (21), Mr. Walter Ibbotson (24), Mr. Fred Burgess (20), Miss M. Billam (21), Miss M. Hayes and Mrs. Evans, were still with them. “We are very proud of our girls and our men. They would shame nobody’s premises, business or social.”
Mrs. Bertha Spencer, of Thurnscoe, had spent over 10 ½ years with the firm: she was also present. Since leaving them she had done much public work. May Gibbons (14), Mrs. Dorothy Hallatt, Mrs. Fanny Foster (13), Mr. Gordon Hulley (35), manager of the firm’s Barnsley branch, who “came as a youth,” and whom they were very delighted to see with them recovered from a recent illness.
More Than Delighted.
Miss Cuttle said she was more than delighted and offered her heartfelt appreciation to all who had shared in that evening. It was a very pleasant surprise.
Mr. J. B Smith, presenting the cream jug on behalf of his sister, referred to this splendid birthday party, and “marvellous re-union.” There were many faces he had seen that evening for the first time for a quarter of a century: it was very delightful to drop across old friends again. The staff had looked for ward to the event with keenest anticipation, and had done much to ensure its success.
A diamond jubilee was a momentous occasion which occurred very seldom in firms many times the size of theirs.
They were very delighted to find Miss Cuttle looking so very happy and well, in spite of a recent accident. That evening would be a treasured memory in her life. “I only knew one lady in history who excelled her—and that was Queen Victoria.” (Laughter.) It had been a privilege to know Miss Cuttle.
She was a lady of marvellous personality, and one whose ability and efficiency were well known.
Her enthusiasm for work had been and still was, remarkable: one had always admired her indomitable pluck. She had had her troubles and her joys, and they had often found her an inspiration and help to all of them. Her perpetual youth was her reward. “And when she has celebrated her hundred she will still be the same.”
Telegrams of congratulation were read from Grimsby, Newport, Sheffield, Harrogate, Oxford, and Thorne.
Staff’s Gift.
The staff’s gift was made by Mr. W. E. Buckley, who said he was very proud to have been a member of the same staff as Miss Cuttle. Hers had been loyal and zealous service. It followed that the firm must also have been very good employers. Miss Cuttle had set many changes in business methods, but there were aspects of her that had not changed—her constant willingness to advise, encourage and mother her colleagues, and her great love of fun. One heard in many parts of South Yorkshire how customers valued her opinion and advice. This gift was a token of the staff’s esteem and regard for her.
Mr H.G. Hulley said Miss Cuttle was fully deserving of the kind sentiments that had been expressed that evening. It spoke volumes, too, for the firm, and he was assured that a bond of friendship had been made between them that would be particularly hard to sever. (Applause.) They all hoped she would be afforded health and strength to remain on the firm’s pay roll for many years. (Applause.)
Mr. T. C. Wetherall associated himself with earlier remarks and endorsed sentiments expressed by Mr. Buckley. When they had run to her with little troubles, she had always received them with a smile, and had always done her best to help them. Through many years of changing styles, Miss Cuttle had lived with the times and adapted herself to varying conditions and demands on her craftsmanship, making the flimsy gowns of 1939 with as great a skill and care as she had made those of the 90’s. “On behalf of the staff we wish Miss Cuttle good health and happiness and many years to come, and we hope that when we meet here ten years hence, we shall have as good a time as we are having to-night. (Applause.)
A “Fledgling.”
Mr. E. Ridyard said as a “fledgling” member of the staff he was very happy to be associated with a gathering of this description.
Miss Cuttle had kept smiling through many years, and this happy record spoke well for the amicable relationships that existed between employer and employee. As a disciplinarian she was out of her sphere: she would have made a jolly good regimental sergeant-major. (Laughter.)
“I hope she will have long life, prosperity, and good health to enjoy another ten years with us.” (Applause.)
Mrs. Spencer, of Thurnscoe, speaking on behalf of the visitors, paid tribute to the splendid business grounding she received while a member of the staff, and extended congratulations, and good wishes to Miss Cuttle, for future happiness.
Refreshments, and a cinematograph show followed, and thanks were extended by Mr. Gordon Hulley.