Christmas and New Year opening at Humphries Weaving
Our last day at the mill this year is Tuesday 22nd December 2020 and we look forward to returning to assist you on Thursday 7th January 2021.
The run up to Christmas is often a good time to pause and reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past 12 months. Richard and I would personally like to thank the team for their dedication; Alex, Bruce and Gemma, as well as our weaving and operations members that our customers may not know directly.
This year we have woven a wide range of exciting fabrics, for near and far; from UK stately homes, museums in Europe, private commissions in the USA and many projects in between. Highlights include installation of silk damask in the Anti-Library at Alnwick Castle and the unveiling of the ‘Griffiths Green’ moiré walling at The Charterhouse. It is no surprise that with people spending more time and home that private ‘passion’ projects have been rife this year, designing and weaving textiles that people can enjoy and cherish every day.
Our customers showed great patience and understanding whilst we adapted our processes and on-site working environments to keep everybody safe and production running. I know that many faced their own changes in both working and home life, but their caring and proactive approach has truly enhanced our experience of this year.
Contemplating 2020 with Richard Humphries, he had the following thoughts;
“A year perhaps like no other in my 50 years of trading but one to add to some other dramatic changes that more than challenged us. From the three-day business week to losing part of the Mill roof in the worst storm recorded. I could go on but rising to the challenges in a business makes the understanding of this year more logical. The success when it comes is so much more rewarding to all in the team who have strived to manage the difficulties.
Success in our business doesn’t just happen by luck – It is a long game plan and many of our great successes have been literally years of patient planning with clients, building personal relationships with reassurance and confidence to bring orders to fruition. This takes team work and keeping a spirit of determination going. Natalie Manages the team and in reality, is the mortar between the building blocks keeping the business structure firm, solid and reliable. Without Natalie’s natural leadership skills especially in challenging times the business would struggle.
The great benefit for Humphries Weaving has been our close association with Julius Walters and Sudbury Silk Mills, where steady but sound investment in the training and skill base of the Mill production team is secure. Using the latest in weaving technology manufacturing of the highest standards can be maintained with a dedicated workforce. With this comes a focus upon sustainability, how we can improve our methods, use our resources in better ways and contribute to a committed path of playing our part in being active in saving the planet and the continuation of British Textile manufacturing.
The last 50 years of trading has taught us that ours is a waiting game, and there will always be a wealth of clients for whom quality, accuracy and luxury in textiles is foremost in their minds. We must be ready with our goods and service to impress.”
We look forward to rising to this challenge and thank our customers for your continued support over the past year. Richard, Alex, Bruce, Gemma and I wish you, our colleagues and collaborators a restful Christmas break and of course a healthy and forward looking New Year.
Very Best Wishes,
Natalie