E J Hill & Son
Way back in Nineteen Fifty Nine
A man named Hill with son did sign
To set up business, duty bound
Each put in five and twenty pound
A workshop in North Petherton
Was home to E J Hill & Son
And using local-grown willow
They saw their business start to grow
They worked so hard, they could not stop
They needed goods to stock the shop
The days were long, their hands were sore
With joints deformed, bent like a claw
They wove the willow skilfully
And baskets came prolifically
The people flocked to buy their wares
And God had answered all their prayers
The orders came, they couldn’t cope
They hired some workers in the hope
That they would still a profit make
Though Government the tax would take
They grew until they had no space
To house the workers, and keep pace
With such demand for willow ware
They knew they had to move, but where?
Bridgwater was their chosen town
A unit they did buy just down
From M5, junction twenty three
Convenient with parking free
And people then became intent
On saving the environment
They felt concern for mother earth
And willow coffins had their birth
Thus fate was kind and business boomed
But danger round the corner loomed
A fire broke out, the place burnt down
The news ran quickly through the town
Despite their shocked and sorry state
Their customers weren’t made to wait
They paid their debtors straight away
Suppliers helped to save the day
Insurance came into its own
The bills were paid without a moan
A brand new workshop, showroom too
Were built in Two Thousand and Two
They renamed E J Hill & Son
To better suit work being done
The new name was its destiny
Somerset Willow Company
They celebrated fifty years
Of blood and sweat and sometimes tears
The local mayor and mayoress
Were there to honour their success
The local MP, VIPs
And several other dignitaries
Were also there to celebrate
With wine and food brought on a plate
And Aubrey gave a heartfelt speech
And thanked his workers one and each
And while the people looked upon
The Kingsbury Band played on and on
Thus father, son, and son and son
Have helped community go on
By sourcing willow locally
Sustaining life and industry
May long you prosper and survive
And through recession grow and thrive
You’ve shown us how to battle on
To win the day and carry on
by S Fielding
Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved.