2023-04 meeting
A short talk was given by Link volunteers, explaining how the system works, is funded and benefits for volunteers and clients. Transport is provided as a means to attend medical appointments as far afield as Salisbury and Bath. There are Link schemes each for a specific area; Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Chapmanslade, Heywood and Hawkeridge residents qualify to use the Westbury scheme. Many clients are regulars and friendships are often formed between them and volunteers. Each client contributes an anonymous donation and volunteer drivers can claim expenses. Comments from the audience showed how much the Link scheme is appreciated.
Lily Munday then gave a most interesting talk, interweaving the history of gloves, glove-making in Westbury and Warminster and her own career in the local industry. Starting as a 15-year-old trainee, Lily ultimately became a departmental supervisor.
Embroidered, bejewelled, leather gloves were worn by royalty and upper classes from 11th century and cavemen wrapped animal skins, gloves, around their hands and lower arms to keep warm. From 13th century onwards ladies wore silk gloves, dropping one for retrieval by gentlemen they wanted to get to know. Gentlemen threw down leather gauntlets to challenge others to duels.
Glove-making was established in Westbury as cloth mills closed. At least 2/3 of the work was done by women and children outworkers producing hand-sewn gloves; leather cutting was done mostly by men. Lily showed some of the heavy equipment used.
Factory owner William Boulton invented a technique, the Boulton cut thumb, simplifying production.
Gloves were exported worldwide, including for official state occasions. Ultimately the company was taken over by Dents, where leather gloves are still produced.