This film is part of Free

Grantham

During her years of political ascendency Margaret Thatcher's home town of Grantham has been sliding towards economic doom. Can the women of the Wolsey factory turn the tide?

News 1976 3 mins

From the collection of:

Logo for Media Archive for Central England

Overview

When news that textile giant Courtaulds was closing its Wolsey factory in Grantham ATV Today sent Bev Smith to find out more. Things were not looking good for the area: Margaret Thatcher's former home was in a dilapidated state and even the promise of a fish and chip shop licensed to sell alcohol couldn't lift spirits. The job of speaking up for the town wasn't taken up by its most famous daughter but the Wolsey women, who were in a fighting mood and preparing for a sit-in protest.