The business moved on apace when
one of James's sons, also James turned adversity into advantage.
A serious arm injury in the First World War meant a period
of physiotherapy in a Leeds hospital. There for two years
he learned to make every type of basket.
On his return to Bangor-on-Dee with his new wife,
Mabel, they planted a willow bed a mile from the village. And
as the willows grew so did the business. But even with their
son, Cyril, they were unable to make enough baskets so they bought
from other manufacturers in this country and abroad.
Cyril's widow, Jane and their five children and
Cyril's long time companion Ken run the business in Bangor-on-Dee,
and at markets around the area. And with another generation
about to emerge the future for caneware and basket making is secured
by keeping it in the family. |