Hi Roy One, whomsoever you are. I worked for 10 wonderful years in the garage at Hawley's Bakeries and, in due course became a supervisor. Hawley's, for me, epitomised the perfect employer. They were fair, understanding and considerate of all their employees and took a "hands on" interest in the welfare of ALL their employees, not just a favoured few. Mike Hawley was omnipresent all over the bakery complex and always greeted employees more akin to an "equal" rather than a "boss". He was a lovely person and I had a lot of time for him. I still have a wonderful employer reference letter he wrote for me after the firm sadly closed.
With regard to the firm closing I have always felt that Birmingham City Council could have and should have done more to keep Hawley's Bakery independent. Hawley's had an incredible reputation for quality and I do recall approaches made to purchase derelict and unused "railway land" around the bakery. The popularity of Hawley's produce was so intent that the Moseley Road site could not meet the demand and looked to develop the existing site as much as was possible - which was why they wanted to purchase the "railway land". But all their efforts were thwarted and, sadly, history recalls the final outcome.
I remember with great affection the wonderful Christmas parties we used to have at Hawley's. In particular I remember those at the Edgbaston County Ground and at The Masonic Templel, Hagley Road. Those Christmas parties and all the others were not your run of the mill party, no, certainly not; they were full of glamour and mutual accord with no expenses spared AND wives and partners were invited WITHOUT them having to be paid for. Superb, absolutely superb.
I must go now because although I am semi retired - I'm 74 now and work part time at M&S Redditch - I enjoy my bowls. I play both flat green, where I am Captain of the West Midland Police Evergreen ( pensiners ) team and crown green, again with West Midlands Police.
However, I will update my former colleagues on my Hawley's experiences and my life experiences in due course but for now bowls beckons. All the best to you all.
Kind regards, Philip Hall.