THE ANNUAL Garringtons reunion will take place at 7.30pm next Friday (March 31) at Catshill Social Club.
Former employees, some who will be travelling from far afield as America, Canada and Australia, will be able to reminisce about life at what was once Europe’s biggest forge.
It will also provide a chance to say a final farewell to those ‘Garringtons greats’ who have passed away since the last reunion, including Ben Perry.
Popular Ben, who worked in hammer shop and heat treatment, was the works convener.
Ben’s former colleague and reunion organiser Pat Proudfoot said: “His quiet, considered unassuming manner hid a sharp mind and canny negotiator.
“He was known for his sense of fair play and was subsequently respected by workforce and management.”
Ben was also secretary of the Newton Forge branch of the AEU for more than 40 years and was involved in the fight for recognition of vibration caused ‘white finger’ and industrial deafness.
Ben was a private man outside of work and a devoted husband to his wife Janice and their four sons.
He had a passion for gardening, bred canaries and even managed to develop two new strains of fuchsias which was reported at the time.
“He loved to smoke his roll ups and a quiet drink with mates while playing cribbage and dominoes.
“His family and most people who knew him described him best as a gentleman and a gentle man,” added Pat.
Ben died in January of 2017 after surviving operations for lung cancer and a brain tumour.
At the reunion there will be a book of remembrance for all to view and sign.
At the reunion, there will also be an update on the fight for former employees to get 100 per cent of their pensions, along with continuing losses of FAS (Financial Assistance Scheme) payments. There is promising news which Micky Ball will be relaying on the evening.
Pat said: “The war is still being waged and we are still being frustrated at every request for fair play.”
He criticised the union, saying it seemed more interested in ‘politicking’ rather than looking after its members.
