THEY were turning back the clock at The Ranch
in Dromore last Friday night.
Former manager of the Warners UK factory,
David Hunter, met up with some members of his workforce to
reminisce about old times.
And such was the success of the evening that
a Warners reunion has been planned for later this year.
Next month it will be four years since the
ladies lingerie factory at Mound Hill closed. Mr Hunter was one
of the factory's longest serving managers and also one of the
most popular.
He recently received the MBE for his sterling
service to the Boys Brigade.
And the Belfast man brought his medal along
to show the girls at The Ranch.
Ellie Wilson, who was canteen manager at
Warners, said everyone enjoyed a great night's craic.
"We gave David the nickname Bruce Springsteen
(The Boss) and we had some great times in Warners," said the
Hawthorn Walk woman.
"He was little in stature but big in heart
and it was great for the girls to meet up with him again.
"I have kept in touch with David and he said
he wanted to come up to Dromore to show us the MBE.
"He was going to come to one of our houses,
but we thought we would go one better and take him to
McFadden's.
"There were 35 girls there and David showed
us the medal and pictures from Buckingham Palace.
"He was at the Palace with his daughter and
son and received the MBE from Prince Charles." Mrs Wilson
recalled some of the great times they enjoyed with Mr Hunter at
Warners.
"When he was captain of the BB every year the
girls would help him out with uniforms for the displays," she
said.
"He would run trips for us to Blackpool and
organise barbecues. We were one big happy family in a big happy
ship." Such was the success of last Friday's get-together that a
reunion dinner has been arranged for The Ranch on November 3.
Anyone interested in attending should contact
Ellie Wilson on 92 692760.
