Former New Holland staff's final reunion

An association of former New Holland employees is preparing to hold its 30th and final big reunion event.
Staff at the New Holland factory on the Gatehouse estate in Aylesbury - pictured in 1961Staff at the New Holland factory on the Gatehouse estate in Aylesbury - pictured in 1961
Staff at the New Holland factory on the Gatehouse estate in Aylesbury - pictured in 1961

The Hayliners, a group made up of past staff at the former Aylesbury base of the agricultural machinery manufacturer meet annually for a lunch and a catch-up about old times.

However, this year’s event, to be held on Sunday, March 20 at the Foxhill Indoor Bowls Club in Aylesbury will be the last of its kind.

Hayliners committee member Alan Drake, who lives in Princes Risborough said: “A lot of people who used to come are not able to travel now.

“We have also had some people who have passed away as well.”

Ex-employees travel from as far afield as Scotland and Yorkshire for the event.

Mr Drake added: “Some of the groups travel down and have a meal on Saturday.

“We all then meet up on Sunday at the bowls club for lunch and we share our memories.”

The event is usually attended by between 40 and 50 people and also includes a raffle in order to help subsidise the get-togethers.

Mr Drake said: “We get some people who had an association with the company who come along.

“We have one or two members who are still part of the company who come and give us an update on developments.”

Mr Drake added the group were hoping to start a Facebook page to help people stay in touch.

In January 1982, the company announced to its 685 employees that it was to cease manufacturing farm equipment in the town.