John Holdsworth & Co Ltd - Photos - Ireland 1991-3
 

Ireland 1991 - 2 - 3

Birr Fabrics went into liquidation and following Harry Straker's visit to assess its worth, the bid for its assets made by John Holdsworth & Co Ltd was successful in December 1991.

David Holdsworth's first visit was from Thu. 30 Jan 1992 - Tue. 4 Feb 1992.
Second visit, with Harry Straker and Steve Dixon was from Sun. 17 Jan 1993 - Tue. 2 Feb 1993.
Third visit, with Scott Potter and Teresa Quinn, Thu. 11 Feb - Thu 25 Feb 1993.
Fourth visit 14 March - 16 March 1993 with Dereck Bradley, Scott Potter, Teresa Quinn and Helen Cooper.
Fifth visit 17 March - 19 March 1993 with Steve Dixon, Scott Potter and joined later by Michael Holdsworth and Harry Straker.

Ireland 1991
Assessing the assets of Birr Fabrics, December 1991		top of page
Assessing Birr Fabrics Harry Straker on the Ferry Dec 1991	Assessing Birr Fabrics Harry Straker on the Ferry Dec 1991	Assessing Birr Fabrics Harry Straker checking the fabric stock Dec 1991
Assessing Birr Fabrics Dec 1991	Assessing Birr Fabrics Dec 1991	Assessing Birr Fabrics Dec 1991
Assessing Birr Fabrics Sectional warping machine Dec 1991	Assessing Birr Fabrics Dec 1991	Assessing Birr Fabrics Dec 1991
Assessing Birr Fabrics Harry Straker Dec 1991	Assessing Birr Fabrics The office building with the factory to the rear Dec 1991	Assessing Birr Fabrics The office building Dec 1991
David's first visit to Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland, 30 Jan - 4 Feb 1992		top of page
Waiting to be weighed at the ferry terminal with Discovery J40DWH and Ifor Williams trailer Hollyhead, 30 Jan 1992	The news from the weighbridge: 3,500kg Hollyhead, 30 Jan 1992	A view of the small port town of Hollyhead Hollyhead, 30 Jan 1992
On board the ferry, ready to set to sea Hollyhead, 30 Jan 1992	Under way, leaving port Hollyhead, 30 Jan 1992	Returning - At Dun Loughaire, 4 February 1992
The wiring in the factory was 'shocking' Birr, 31 Jan 1992	The condition we found the electical switchgear Birr, 31 Jan 1992	This was accessible to all personnel; clearly unsafe Birr, 31 Jan 1992
The heating was no better In summary all factory services needed renewing; heating, lighting, and wiring. Birr, 31 Jan 1992	The Danish boiler was a good model but through neglect it simply didn't work Birr, 31 Jan 1992	And it was freezing cold and damp throughout Birr, 31 Jan 1992
On Saturday afternoon I drove up to the Slieve Bloom mountains, which are nearby to Birr Birr, 1 Feb 1992	and took some photographs of my new car which I had owned by then just one week. Birr, 1 Feb 1992	As I drove around Ireland, I received many compliments on the vehicle. Birr, 1 Feb 1992
It was dependable; and served me well for 10 years and I very soon added 7-inch Hella QI spotlights Birr, 1 Feb 1992	A good work-horse and family vehicle and it did not hang about. Birr, 1 Feb 1992	Birr Castle Gardens and Giant Telescope are a must-see for any visitor to Birr. Birr, 2 Feb 1992
The castle is home of the Earl of Rosse. Birr, 2 Feb 1992 Birr Castle is a large castle in the town of Birr in County Offaly, Ireland. It is home of the seventh Earl of Rosse, and as such the residential areas of the castle are not open the public	The Giant Telescope Birr, 2 Feb 1992 After the 3rd earl's death in 1908, the telescope fell into disrepair; the mirror was taken to the Science Museum in London, and circa 1914 the telescope's metal supporting structure was melted down to be used in the First World War	Birr Castle, home to William Parsons, 7th Earl Rosse Birr, 2 Feb 1992 There has been a castle on the site since 1170, and from the 14th to the 17th century the O'Carroll family ruled from here over an area known as "Ely O'Carroll"
The Giant Telescope Birr, 2 Feb 1992 A main feature on the grounds of the castle is the "Great Telescope" or Leviathan (aka The Rosse Telescope) of the third Earl of Rosse, an astronomical telescope with a 183-cm (72 in) reflector. It was completed in 1845 and was used for several decades before the last observations were made in the first years of the 20th century. Its record size was not surpassed until the completion of the 254-cm (100-in) Hooker Telescope in 1917. It was dismantled in 1914, but was restored in the 1990s and is open to the public.	The Gardens Birr, 2 Feb 1992 Laurence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse and his mother were eminent photographers and her darkroom, which is also on show, is believed to be the oldest surviving example in the world. The grounds of the castle contain the oldest wrought-iron bridge in Ireland, dating from 1820. The walled gardens in the grounds feature Box Hedges that are over 300 years old. They are also, according to The Guinness Book of Records, the tallest hedge in the world.	The Gardens Birr, 2 Feb 1992
David's second visit to Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland, 17 Jan 1993 - 2 Feb 1993 with Harry Straker and Steve Dixon		top of page
David Holdsworth, Steve Dixon, Harry Straker at dinner in the County Arms Hotel Birr, Jan 1993	David's Birthday Lunch Harry Straker, David Holdsworth, Steve Dixon with the men at the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Jan 1993
The Factory Entrance from the Office Block Shannon Velours, Birr, Jan 1993	The Factory Floor Shannon Velours, Birr, Jan 1993	The Factory Workshop Shannon Velours, Birr, Jan 1993
The air-strip in Birr Birr, Jan 1993	The air-strip in Birr Birr, Jan 1993	The air-strip in Birr Birr, Jan 1993
David's third visit to Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland, 11 Feb 1993 - 25 Feb 1993 with Scott Potter and Teresa Quinn We had the first loom threaded up, and running on Friday 19th February.		top of page
Scott and Teresa On the Ferry, Hollyhead - Dun Loughaire 11 Feb 1993	Scott and David On the Ferry, Hollyhead - Dun Loughaire 11 Feb 1993	A Coastguard helicopter came to say Hi On the Ferry, Hollyhead - Dun Loughaire 11 Feb 1993
Teresa and Scott in front of the helicopter On the Ferry, Hollyhead - Dun Loughaire 11 Feb 1993	Scott in front of the helicopter On the Ferry, Hollyhead - Dun Loughaire 11 Feb 1993	David and Scott in front of the helicopter On the Ferry, Hollyhead - Dun Loughaire 11 Feb 1993
On our way to visit a local village at the weekend turbo hose was loose, so slight loss in power Ireland, Feb 1993	Teresa decides I might as well try and thumb a lift if these boys don't get it fixed soon! Ireland, Feb 1993
All packed and ready for return journey Ireland, 24 Feb 1993	David and Scott; both very tired On the Ferry to Holyhead, 25 Feb 1993	Teresa Quinn On the Ferry to Holyhead, 25 Feb 1993
Teresa Quinn On the Ferry to Holyhead, 25 Feb 1993	David Holdsworth On the Ferry to Holyhead, 25 Feb 1993	Teresa Quinn On the Ferry to Holyhead, 25 Feb 1993
The first job was to get rid of a big eye-sore the axle-less trailer on the roof, used as a warehouse Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	I had left instructions for it to be emptied but found that it still contained stock Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
During the day I took 3 loads of fabric to the tip in the Ifor Williams Trailer. Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Shannon Velours, ex Birr Fabrics Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The ultimate super-hero I think I can fly! Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Don't we do some daft things when we're young! Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Teresa, having completed the creels and threading-up, proceeded with preparing lingoes Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Teresa, preparing lingoes Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The damp, cold workshop Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Workshop Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Workshop Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Factory Floor With first looms ready for production Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
The wash-room with this amazing sink Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The factory entrance with time clock Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The Finishing Room Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Finishing Machine Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Jacquard-Card Lacing Machine Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Approaching the Factory towards Birr with new-built houses nearby Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	worse still, there is a plot for another new house right up against the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The Factory and Offices Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
View of the houses nearby Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The Office Building Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The entrance, to the right of the building Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
On the left of the main building the oil tank and yarn preparation rooms Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The Prestigious Office Building Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	A view from the left hand side Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
A view along the frontage Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	A view from the right hand side Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Teresa, still at it; preparing lingoes Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Teresa, a never-ending task Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machines in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
The rear of the factory showing the repositioned trailer Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Loom weights and empty warp beams in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	All-sorts stored in the side buildings Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Machine Parts in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machine Parts in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Machine Parts in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Boxes of worthless yarn in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The sectional warping machine in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
The roof 'patio' after the trailer was removed Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The roof 'patio' - quite a large area Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Plenty of roof-lights over the flat roof, providing natural daylight in work-rooms & passageways Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
One of the offices upstairs Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The same office looking towards the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The main entrance to the building Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
The entrance hallway Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The Finishing Room to the right Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The workers entrance route Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
The factory floor straight ahead Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The first four sets of creels already threaded by Teresa Quinn and David Holdsworth Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Looms rewired and being loomed-in Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
New electrical control panel, new motor new factory heater, and electrical trunking. Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The first loom to start production Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Steve Dixon installing more lighting and cables Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
View along the back of the creels, clear curtain to keep warmth in working area Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The electrical switch-room after re-wiring Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The first 6 looms with Scott Potter assisting Steve Dixon with installing cables and trunking. Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Work in progress on the looms and factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Work in progress on the looms and factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Steam-cleaning the greasy looms and floor Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Steam-cleaning the greasy looms and floor Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Steam-cleaning the greasy looms and floor Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Steam-cleaning the greasy looms and floor Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
The far-end of the factory floor with good access through the roller-door. Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	View of factory floor from roller door Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	View of factory floor from roller door Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
View along the factory floor towards offices Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Row of Wilson and Longbottom Looms in a sad state of repair Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Scott Potter removing old wiring and parts Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Looms ready for undergoing refurbishment Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Looms ready for undergoing refurbishment Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	Looms ready for undergoing refurbishment along with sets of creels ready for erecting. Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993
Looms ready for undergoing refurbishment Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The doorway from the factory floor through to the warp preparation area. and yarn stores Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993	The last two looms in the factory Shannon Velours, Birr, Feb 1993