Melksham Times Past

A column about days gone by in Melksham by local historian Lisa Ellis

Scotland Road Workers’ Homes

I was fortunate to have viewed the Avon Rubber files currently being stored at the History Centre in Chippenham but not yet fully catalogued for public access and study. 

This also coincided well with the work I did with the Melksham Remembers project, as many of the documents saved were around the World War I timeframe.

Spencers had originally built worker homes on Scotland Road but they were then taken on by Avon for their employees to rent. Avon was responsible for the maintenance, and Scotland Road is mentioned in the notes of Avon’s day-to-day operations.

Here is just one example of the detailed notes recorded by Andrew Lochhead, factory superintendent:

6th March 1909

On Wednesday 3rd, the whole of the mechanical stoker broke, causing serious delay in mixing, running and curing. Would recommend a spare wheel to be kept in stock. A new wheel was received on Thursday morning but the wrong size. Another was wired for and received at 4.20, was fitted on and steamed up at 4.45pm. Mixing, washing and colanders working all night on Thursday.

Owing to No1 time registering machine being nearly filled up the foreman has been transferred to No3 machine.

Recommend the purchase of a register for foremen. Register for 150 ordered on 12/3/1909.

I have inspected No.11 house in Scotland Rd previously occupied by W Sydee now occupied by H Bird. Would recommend the kitchen to be papered, ceiling whitewashed, walls plastered (holes) and scullery painted. Key for front door required.

No10 occupied by A Royle. Lobby requires plastering and papering (a small strip).

No29 occupied by F Organ. Leakage in WC and water tap.

A request has been made by householders in Scotland Rd to be allowed to go through the recreation ground for breakfast only, as the half hour does not give them sufficient time to go all round Beanacre Rd. I would recommend that the request be granted and that H Longdon have a key to open gate at 8.30 and close it at 8.55. (Request granted 10/3/1909).

A careful enquiry has been made into all boys under 18 years of age as regards rates and work and advances granted as recommended, which is giving every satisfaction and for which the employees express their thanks. I would recommend the same thing to be done for all girls under 18 years of age.

Foremans time is very satisfactory.

Female labour is scarce, also boys. Steps is (sic) being taken by advertising to secure boys and girls. four girls engaged last week. – A Lochhead 9/3/1909.

Pictured: Scotland Road dated approximately the same time as the notes above, 1909