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Somerset Willow Company - 50th Anniversary Celebrations - Saturday 14 March
Kingsbury Episcopi Band was invited to play at the Somerset Willow Company in Bridgwater to mark the company’s 50th Anniversary. The company was set up in 1959 by a Father and Son team that went by the name of E J Hill & Son. They started up in North Petherton and the willow basket company grew steadily, taking on more and more workers until eventually they had to move to new premises in Bridgwater. Unfortunately, the workshop burnt down in 2002 but luckily the company was well insured and a brand new, even better workshop was built.
Aubrey Hill, who is the son of E J Hill, ran the company until recently when he handed over the reins to his son, Darrell. His grandson, Anthony, is also ‘learning the ropes’ and is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. Somerset Willow Company is famous for its range of baskets and custom-made willow coffins, which can be seen at http://www.somersetwillow.co.uk.
Attending the celebrations were the Mayor and Mayoress of Bridgwater, the local MP and several other dignitaries. The band provided a musical extravaganza while the many visitors enjoyed the non-stop refreshments and toured the workshops to see live demonstrations of basket-making.
Kingsbury Episcopi Band was invited to play at the Somerset Willow Company in Bridgwater to mark the company’s 50th Anniversary. The company was set up in 1959 by a Father and Son team that went by the name of E J Hill & Son. They started up in North Petherton and the willow basket company grew steadily, taking on more and more workers until eventually they had to move to new premises in Bridgwater. Unfortunately, the workshop burnt down in 2002 but luckily the company was well insured and a brand new, even better workshop was built.
Aubrey Hill, who is the son of E J Hill, ran the company until recently when he handed over the reins to his son, Darrell. His grandson, Anthony, is also ‘learning the ropes’ and is heavily involved in the day-
Attending the celebrations were the Mayor and Mayoress of Bridgwater, the local MP and several other dignitaries. The band provided a musical extravaganza while the many visitors enjoyed the non-
Left to right: President of the National Association of Funeral Directors, Heidi Hill, Darrell Hill, Aubrey Hill, Anthony Hill, President of the National Society of Allied Industries Funeral Directors
Event news 2008...