THE glory days of the Parr-based Northgate clothing manufacturing company, which at its peak of success employed almost 1,000 people, will be brought back into full focus by a reunion of the former workforce. Sadly, the firm no longer exists, the final curtain coming down in April 1989.

The planned event will be more in the nature of an informal get-together and "a good jangle", rather than being an organised bun-fight. So an open invitation goes out for all interested ex- employees to just pop along to the Globe Hotel in Hardshaw Street, St Helens, on Friday November 26 starting at 8pm.

Because of pressure on hotel space, the event will be exclusively for former workers. The bright idea sprang from a rather sadder occasion - the recent funeral of former staff member, Mary Benton, who was a buyer. A number of her one-time colleagues attended, and the idea of the reunion was born.

There's sure to be a warm welcome awaiting all members of the old workforce who will be invited to join in reminiscences about the 'rag trade's' good old days. There'll also be the opportunity to catch up with what's become of various workmates.

It's interesting to reflect on the changes that have occurred since the Parr industrial estate was established during the 1950s, as a result of the political influence of Sir Hartley Shawcross, then MP for St Helens.

Tootals Ltd., (manufacturing clothing and weaving cloth) was based there - being taken over in 1959 by J & P Jacobs Ltd. Phil Jacobs was a Liverpool man with humble business beginnings. But over the years, he built up very good relationships with Marks & Spencer and opened clothing manufacturing companies in Macclesfield, Colwyn Bay, Stockport and Bradford, among other places. The company thrived and Courtaulds successfully bid for it, taking over in 1974.

The name was changed to Northgate Group, with the company occupying three buildings on the Parr estate. One made mainly children's wear for Marks & Spencer - although goods were also supplied to, among others, Dunns and Woolworth's. A separate department manufactured lingerie; and to the rear of the estate's canteen building was the design studio and sample room. The old Lantor blanket factory was acquired and used to house the finished-goods section.

All this activity resulted in a payroll of more than 900 during the company's height - mainly female, with only about 60 to 70 men.

Production was the name of the game, but there was also a thriving social club, organising dances, children's and pensioners' parties. Concert productions were staged (such as the one pictured above) and a keen rounders team and ladies' football team featured among other sporty activities.

Sadly, the Northgate Group diminished over the years and the St Helens factories finally closed in April 1989 - although a company named Roscoe managed to continue with a reduced workforce for a few extra years following a management buy-out.

H WITH all that potted history, compiled by a number of former workmates who got their heads together, there should certainly be plenty to jangle about at that November reunion.