Meeting – 1st March 2019
February 5th, 2019Please note, our next meeting at St Saviour’s Church Hall is on FRIDAY 1st March 2019 at 8.00pm when we will have a presentation by Colin Knipe entitled “The History of Teddy Grays of Dudley”. Colin will tell us about the chequered history of the business of the Gray family and show the charming Martin Parr film “Teddy Gray’s Sweet Factory”.
If you have visited Bewdley, you will need no introduction to Teddy Gray. If you look to your left as you come over the bridge into Load Street you will see his famous sweet shop with its bright red and white canopy. Sadly, Teddy Gray himself died in 2017 at the age of 81 after 60 years in the family owned business which was founded in 1826.
The business first became famous for producing Gray’s herbal tablets but over the years they have expanded to produce a vast selection of different sweets. They also made lettered rock for Dudley Zoo and still supply the Zoo today. If you have a sweet tooth, I would almost defy you to visit the shop and walk out empty handed. I think a sweet tooth is important as they currently use six tonnes of sugar a week in their manufacturing processes. In keeping with the theme, there will be some Teddy Gray sweets to sample on the night along with the usual refreshments.
Visitors are most welcome at all our events – see hhfs.org.uk for details and contacts.