FORMER Garringtons workers are still fighting for their pensions 17 years after the hammers stopped beating at the famous forge.
On top of losing their jobs, workers found out their pensions were worth nothing and embarked on a long and arduous fight with the Government.
An agreement was made to reimburse the pensions after seven years but it was only a partial victory and the amounts they were offered for their retiring years were still nowhere near their original value.
With matters still needing resolution the fight continues and an update on the pensions will be given at this year’s annual reunion next Friday (29th) at Catshill Club.
Pat Proudfoot who organises the get-together said: “The shock, pain and heartache is felt as strongly today as it did 17 years ago, caused not because the factory had to shut but because of the way the employees were treated.
“This persecution continues as does the fight by the undaunted employees representatives.”
Pat added he still remembered the eerie silence when the forge closed.
Garringtons was the biggest employer in the town and the biggest forge in Europe at its peak.
“On the last Friday in March 2002, as most people in Bromsgrove went about their business as usual there was something odd.
“A background thump, like the heartbeat of the town was missing.
“The sound of the rams in the presses that forged not just metal but also the livelihoods of the local and surrounding people for decades had gone silent.”
At the reunion the former colleagues will remember the glory days, meet old friends and tell jokes and raise a glass to those workers who are no longer with them.
Call Pat Proudfoot on 01527 873327 for more on the reunion which begins at 7.30pm.
