Solidarity Trade Union

  • Home
  • Solidarity Trade Union

Solidarity Trade Union Solidarity Trade Union page. Join Solidarity here: https://solidaritytradeunion.org/join/

Solidarity is:

A union fighting and winning in the workplace
A union that makes your voice heard
A union that doesn't pay huge salaries to officials
A union that listens and acts
A union that will send a Rep to your workplace disciplinary or grievance
A union that is helping to create a fairer society
A union that treats people with dignity, respect and is tolerant of

others views
A union with experience of taking cases to Employment Tribunals
A union that promotes openness and democracy
A union that wants its members to become involved
A union that wins compensation for members who are unfairly dismissed or discriminated against
A union with a real interest in fighting difficult and ground-breaking cases
A union that realises that its support starts at a local level, where results change lives. Join Solidarity union here: http://www.solidaritytradeunion.org/join-us-now.html

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 109 – Benridge Woolworks, Hartlepool, County Durham.https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid...
03/08/2026

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 109 – Benridge Woolworks, Hartlepool, County Durham.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1373426758311217&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 109 – Benridge Woolworks, Hartlepool, County Durham.

WELCOME TO the latest issue of ‘Focus On Great UK Companies.’ Before we start, just a brief note to say that we’ll be taking a short break for a couple of weeks. The next issue – all being well – will appear on Thursday 20th.

With that out of the way, it’s time to take a look at Benridge Woolworks. It’s a UK-based wool mill and wholesale supplier of British-sourced wool and craft supplies, located on a family farm (Benridge Farm) on the County Durham coastline near Hartlepool.

FOUNDING & BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It was founded in March 2020 by Lucinda Bird during the COVID-19 lockdown. It began as a small-scale experiment when a fleece was washed in a bucket of hot soapy water, leading to needle-felting of livestock and pets (initially raising funds for the Royal British Legion).

The business rapidly expanded from processing a single fleece to handling thousands of fleeces within the first year, and later to around 100 tonnes annually while supporting hundreds of UK farmers.

Bird, a County Durham farmer, taught herself scouring, dyeing, spinning, and carding (starting by hand, then progressing to machinery). The farm was previously mainly arable with an equestrian side that paused during lockdown.

Benridge Woolworks emphasises supporting British farmers by buying wool at fair (often above shearing-cost) prices to help reverse the decline in the UK wool market.

OPERATIONS & PRODUCTS

The mill processes raw fleeces from UK sheep, alpacas, and goats into various forms:

• Raw whole fleeces
• Washed/scoured wool
• Carded batts and fibre (including many rare breeds)
• Yarn (mill-spun and handspun)
• Finished products such as peg-loom rugs, whole-fleece rugs, needle-felting supplies, and saddle flocking wool

It stocks over 75–80 different UK breeds (including rare breeds from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust watchlist, such as Bluefaced Leicester, Cotswold, Wensleydale, Boreray, Castlemilk Moorit, and others, plus alpaca).

Benridge Woolworks offers wholesale and bespoke/custom orders (we particularly liked the Hebridean whole fleece rug for Viking reenactment) with national and international shipping.

CORE VALUE

Animal welfare is a core value. All wool is sourced from recommended or visited suppliers with very high standards.

They company promotes natural wool over synthetics for environmental reasons (reducing plastic/microplastics) and for pet/horse comfort. It donates to local charities and supports rural freelancers.

To find out more, check out:
https://www.benridgewoolworks.co.uk

• ALSO CHECK OUT:

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (1)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1151655323821696&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (2)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1325881283065765&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Terrific Twelve! (I)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1369959485324611&set=a.241167498203821

IF YOU’RE interested in the relationship between culture & trade unionism, Check out this link which mentions both the D...
31/07/2026

IF YOU’RE interested in the relationship between culture & trade unionism, Check out this link which mentions both the Durham Miners Gala & the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1707264298072154&set=a.262440725887859

29/07/26 - COUNTER CULTURE – MIDWEEK SONG LIST (159)

IT’S HARD to believe that as we approach the end of July, we’ve already seen summer items in the sales & woolly jumpers in the shops! With August still in front of us, do they know something we don’t?

Knowing our love of anything history related, one long-term reader has been in touch to let us know about two recent summer festivals.

The first was the 140th Durham Miners Gala (which took place on 11th July). Hosted by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), the Gala is an annual event, billed as ‘the world’s greatest celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class life.’

The second - the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival - was held from 17th to 19th July. Held in Dorset, it remembers six brave men: George Loveless, his brother James, James Hammett, James Brine, Thomas Standfield and Thomas’s son John. In 1834 they formed a trade union – where they swore an oath of secrecy – to protest against poor pay & wage cuts. For this they were arrested & transported to Australia for seven years.

We hope to feature more about these two festivals in due course. But for now we return to the music.

Last week we featured the Blue Man Group, who were a bit on the weird side. However, they’re positively mainstream when compared to our first offering, Angine de Poitrine. This polka-dot-masked duo from Quebec are really bizarre – but their music is strangely hypnotic.

In total contrast we have possibly the UKs best Metal band - Motörhead – paying tribute to possibly the UKs best Punk band – the S*x Pistols – with an excellent version of ‘God Save The Queen.’

Metal fans – and specifically Doom Metal fans - may also be interested in 'Footprints' by Warning. We’re really getting into this sub-genre which is typically much slower than many other forms of Metal.

Another sub-genre we’re interested in is Ska Punk. Here we feature ‘Boss Of Me’ by They Might Be Giants. We find Ska Punk very upbeat & love the fusion of drums, guitars & brass instruments.

Most readers will know that Bonnie Tyler died earlier this month. Born Gaynor Hopkins on 8th June 1951 (in the Welsh village of Skewen) she was known for her distinctive husky voice. This led her to be dubbed ‘Britain's First Lady of Rock’ (and sometimes ‘the female Rod Stewart’). She’ll always be known for her two massive hits, ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ & ‘Holding Out for a Hero.’

We end with a simple question about the Durham Miners Gala & the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival: Has anyone ever attended either one of them & what did you think of them?

Angine de Poitrine – ‘Sarniezz’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7OIc-DBRXM&list=RDt7OIc-DBRXM&start_radio=1

Anonymous Ulster – ‘PADDY (Blair Mayne)’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0SqfUpKIkg&list=RDg0SqfUpKIkg&start_radio=1

Down ‘N’ Outz – ‘Rock and Roll Queen’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS11hho5LWk&list=RDgS11hho5LWk&start_radio=1

Natalie Imbruglia – ‘Torn’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV1XWJN3nJo

Motörhead – ‘God Save The Queen’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa1wdUkeuvE&list=RDQa1wdUkeuvE&start_radio=1

Dolly Parton (featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo) – ‘Peace Train’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYq4gA7r49I

Elvis Presley – ‘if I Can Dream’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-pP_dCenJA&list=RDu-pP_dCenJA&start_radio=1

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band – ‘Delilah’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPTwQfyBoEE&list=RDyPTwQfyBoEE&start_radio=1

The Smashing Pumpkins – ‘1979’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aeETEoNfOg

They Might Be Giants – ‘Boss Of Me’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8y8Ziwswe0&list=PLgP4jFqG3gbpVQT-_pmNPpDN_kRY_3dxh&index=5

Bonnie Tyler – ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcOxhH8N3Bo&list=RDlcOxhH8N3Bo&start_radio=1

Warning – ‘Footprints’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umj-tCO_P1Y&list=RDUmj-tCO_P1Y&start_radio=1

• READERS OF the Midweek Song List may be interested to know that Counter Culture produces two other regular features.

The first is ‘Culture Vulture’ which is our weekly entertainment guide. This long-running feature is available in audio-visual & text form. You can find it here on our page or on our website https://countercultureuk.com

The second – ‘Arts, Culture, History & Sport - is a more recent feature. It currently appears (on this page) on an ad hoc basis, but we hope to make it weekly in due course. You can find the most recent issue (dated 24th July) here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1702656128532971&set=a.262440725887859

We’ve also started to produce Songlist Specials. You can check them out here:

Songlist Special - Songs That Captured The Spirit Of The Old Grey Whistle Test: https://countercultureuk.com/2026/05/15/songlist-special-songs-that-captured-the-spirit-of-the-old-grey-whistle-test

Songlist Special – West Coast Punk 1977-78: https://countercultureuk.com/2026/05/23/west-coast-punk-1977-78-songlist/

Songlist Special – West Coast Punk (2): https://countercultureuk.com/2026/06/02/west-coast-punk-songlist-2

Songlist Special – West Coast Punk (3):
https://countercultureuk.com/2026/06/14/west-coast-punk-songlist-3/

You can also check out Counter Culture on X (formerly known as Twitter) here:

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Terrific Twelve! (I)https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1369959485324611&set=a.2411...
31/07/2026

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Terrific Twelve! (I)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1369959485324611&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Terrific Twelve! (I)

WE’VE SPOKEN many times about how shoppers can use their purchasing power to support UK companies & products. In a nutshell you can:

• Spend positively & actively seek out and reward UK companies by buying their goods.

• Choose better alternatives by supporting local & independent farmers’ markets, small businesses, or direct-to-consumer brands.

• Support the second-hand & circular economy. Buy fewer, higher-quality, durable items UK-made items – many of these companies will also offer a repair service.

• Research before buying & check out which companies are really UK-owned.

• Speak up by providing public reviews. Tell your friends about the companies/products you support & contact companies themselves.

With the above in mind, we know that many working folks – especially those with children – don’t have much spare time. Therefore, here’s three simple tips for maximising your impact when it comes to buying British.

• Firstly, focus your efforts. It’s virtually impossible to research everything. Pick a couple of issues that matter most to you (such as animal welfare or workers’ rights) and support those UK companies that support these issues.

• Secondly, be consistent but realistic. Small consistent changes (such as switching brands) add up.

• Thirdly, promote collective action via family, friends & workmates. Individual purchases have limited power, but a co-ordinated movement (promoting UK companies) create bigger pressure.

If you’re interested in exercising your purchasing power in favour of UK companies, check out the following links:

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (1)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1151655323821696&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (2)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1325881283065765&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 97 – Chartley Bedrooms, Sittingbourne, Kent https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1328510326136194&set=pb.100069317165379.-2207520000

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 98 – Forever Blooms Metal Petals, Torpoint (Cornwall).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1331902705796956&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 99 – Munro Vehicles, Glasgow, (Scotland)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1334352918885268&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 100 – Cambridge Satchel, Cambridgeshire, (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1337798591874034&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 101 – Halewood Artisanal Spirits (UK) Ltd, Rushden, Northamptonshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1340355181618375&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 102 – Penthouse Carpets Ltd, Rochdale, Lancashire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1346372384349988&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 103 – Arrow Security Shutters, Bolton, Lancashire, (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1349989377321622&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 104 – Albion Farm Shop & Café, Delph, West Riding of Yorkshire (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1352838233703403&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 105 – Churchill's Confectionery Ltd, Watford, Hertfordshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1358396953147531&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 106 – Granddad Rob Designs Ltd, Ashford, Kent (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1361570496163510&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 107 – Horsfield Upholstery Ltd, Colne, Lancashire (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1364013689252524&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 108 – The Courtyard Dairy, Austwick, Yorkshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1367532015567358&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 108 – The Courtyard Dairy, Austwick, Yorkshire (England).https://www.facebook.com/photo?...
27/07/2026

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 108 – The Courtyard Dairy, Austwick, Yorkshire (England).

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1367532015567358&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 108 – The Courtyard Dairy, Austwick, Yorkshire (England).

THE COURTYARD DAIRY is an award-winning specialist cheese shop & visitor destination. It’s based in Austwick, in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. It opened in 2012 & is owned and run by Andy and Kathy Swinscoe.

The business focuses on championing traditional, handmade farmhouse cheeses. These are mainly rare, hard-to-find British cheeses (with some European selections).

INDEPENDENT FAMILY FARMS

Their emphasis is on unpasteurised (raw milk) cheeses from small, independent family farms using milk from their own single herds. Cheeses are carefully selected, matured on-site in controlled conditions for optimal flavour, and sold in the shop or via mail order.

The ethos - of the Courtyard Dairy - prioritises quality, flavour depth, and supporting artisan producers over mass-produced options.

YORKSHIRE DALES

The shop is housed in a restored Yorkshire Dales stone barn (expanded in 2017 from a former falconry centre), providing a naturally cool, humid environment ideal for cheese aging.

The Austwick site houses various ffacilities & attractions. They include:

• Cheese Shop: Features a curated selection of farmhouse cheeses (often 30+ varieties), many aged on-site. Visitors can taste cheeses, get expert advice from knowledgeable staff, and buy hand-cut portions. It also stocks accompaniments like chutneys, crackers, and wines.

• Cheese Museum: Free entry; interactive displays on the history of British farmhouse cheesemaking, production methods, and what makes traditional cheeses unique (e.g., raw milk, cloth-binding, natural aging).

• Café/Restaurant: Serves cheese-focused dishes, coffee, and more. The on-site restaurant ( called ‘RIND – cheese, pizza & wine’ which is run in partnership with The Cheese Bar, London) offers pizzas and other items with scenic views.

• Additional Offerings: Cheese-making courses and workshops, cheese-tasting events, mail-order service, and recent expansions including local producer partnerships (e.g., bakery, vending machines for local milk and meat).

The site has free on-site parking and is family- and dog-friendly, with beautiful views over the Dales.

AWARDS

Andy and Kathy Swinscoe must be doing something right judging by the number of awards they’ve won:

• World Cheesemonger of the Year (World Cheese Awards 2013).

• Named among the world's best cheese shops (e.g., Daily Telegraph Top 10, Financial Times list of 50 best food shops worldwide).

• Runner-up in BBC Food & Farming Awards for Best Food Retailer.

• Other honours like Best New Cheese Retailer (British Cheese Awards).

We like cheese, so we were naturally impressed by their website - https://www.thecourtyarddairy.co.uk/ If you’re an absolute cheese lover, check out both the Monthly Cheese Club & Learn About Cheese sections.

• Also check out:

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (1)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1151655323821696&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (2)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1325881283065765&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 97 – Chartley Bedrooms, Sittingbourne, Kent https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1328510326136194&set=pb.100069317165379.-2207520000

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 98 – Forever Blooms Metal Petals, Torpoint (Cornwall).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1331902705796956&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 99 – Munro Vehicles, Glasgow, (Scotland)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1334352918885268&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 100 – Cambridge Satchel, Cambridgeshire, (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1337798591874034&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 101 – Halewood Artisanal Spirits (UK) Ltd, Rushden, Northamptonshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1340355181618375&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 102 – Penthouse Carpets Ltd, Rochdale, Lancashire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1346372384349988&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 103 – Arrow Security Shutters, Bolton, Lancashire, (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1349989377321622&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 104 – Albion Farm Shop & Café, Delph, West Riding of Yorkshire (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1352838233703403&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 105 – Churchill's Confectionery Ltd, Watford, Hertfordshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1358396953147531&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 106 – Granddad Rob Designs Ltd, Ashford, Kent (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1361570496163510&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 107 – Horsfield Upholstery Ltd, Colne, Lancashire (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1364013689252524&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 107 – Horsfield Upholstery Ltd, Colne, Lancashire (England)https://www.facebook.com/phot...
23/07/2026

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 107 – Horsfield Upholstery Ltd, Colne, Lancashire (England)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1364013689252524&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 107 – Horsfield Upholstery Ltd, Colne, Lancashire (England)

HORSFIELD UPHOLSTERY Ltd is a small, family-oriented upholstery and furniture business. It’s based in Colne, (Lancashire) which is a town with a long textile and manufacturing heritage.

It’s owned by Neil Earnshaw and Martin Kegg. Both have many years of hands-on experience in the trade.

TRUSTED NAMES

This means that both they & Horsfield Upholstery have become well-known & trusted names in bespoke furniture and reupholstery, serving homes across the local community and throughout England.

They provide two main services:

• Bespoke sofa manufacturing and custom furniture (made to fit your space, style, and comfort preferences).

• Reupholstery and refurbishment of existing furniture (including refilling and recovering cherished pieces).

(They can also supply cushions, rugs, mirrors & coffee tables to compliment these sofas.)

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP

A very strong emphasis is placed quality craftsmanship, local manufacturing ("Made in Lancashire"), and durable, non-flat-pack
furniture.

There is no mass production. As they note: ‘When you buy from a small business, you are buying more than just an object.’

CARE, PRECISION & PRIDE

Be it manufacturing or refurbishment, every item is treated with the same care, precision, and pride. Everything is built to last using quality materials. Customer satisfaction is second to none.

For more information check out their excellent website: https://www.horsfieldupholstery.com

• Also check out:

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (1)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1151655323821696&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (2)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1325881283065765&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 97 – Chartley Bedrooms, Sittingbourne, Kent https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1328510326136194&set=pb.100069317165379.-2207520000

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 98 – Forever Blooms Metal Petals, Torpoint (Cornwall).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1331902705796956&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 99 – Munro Vehicles, Glasgow, (Scotland)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1334352918885268&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 100 – Cambridge Satchel, Cambridgeshire, (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1337798591874034&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 101 – Halewood Artisanal Spirits (UK) Ltd, Rushden, Northamptonshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1340355181618375&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 102 – Penthouse Carpets Ltd, Rochdale, Lancashire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1346372384349988&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 103 – Arrow Security Shutters, Bolton, Lancashire, (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1349989377321622&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 104 – Albion Farm Shop & Café, Delph, West Riding of Yorkshire (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1352838233703403&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 105 – Churchill's Confectionery Ltd, Watford, Hertfordshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1358396953147531&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 106 – Granddad Rob Designs Ltd, Ashford, Kent (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1361570496163510&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 106 – Granddad Rob Designs Ltd, Ashford, Kent (England)https://www.facebook.com/photo/?f...
20/07/2026

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 106 – Granddad Rob Designs Ltd, Ashford, Kent (England)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1361570496163510&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 106 – Granddad Rob Designs Ltd, Ashford, Kent (England)

GRANDAD ROB Designs Ltd – usually known often as Grandad Rob Designs - is a small, family-run business based in Kent (England). Here they specialise in producing high-quality, handmade wooden animal and bird housing.

They place great emphasis on quality materials, craftsmanship, and designs focused on animal welfare. As they note, everything is built "to a standard, not to a price."

QUALITY BRITISH MADE

Established in 2011 – but check out their amazing journey here https://granddadrobdesigns.co.uk/pages/about-us - the company continues the tradition of quality British-made animal housing with over 40 years of experience (and something in the region of 14,000 units built).

Grandad Rob Designs produce an amazing range of insulated, durable wooden shelters. Many are with customised or fully bespoke. These units include:

• Tortoise houses and tables (including large/whopper sizes with features like burrowing basements).

• Duck houses and floating islands.

• Dog kennels (including thermally insulated models).

• Chicken coops and runs.

• Dovecotes (in various sizes).

• Owl boxes, bird tables, aviaries, and more (e.g., for geese, swans).

WELL-KNOWN

The company is particularly well-known for producing robust items which are very long-lasting. We were impressed to learn that they welcome workshop visits (by arrangement). The customer reviews were also very insightful.

For more information, check out their website www.grandadrobdesigns.co.uk

• Also check out:

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (1)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1151655323821696&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (2)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1325881283065765&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 97 – Chartley Bedrooms, Sittingbourne, Kent https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1328510326136194&set=pb.100069317165379.-2207520000

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 98 – Forever Blooms Metal Petals, Torpoint (Cornwall).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1331902705796956&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 99 – Munro Vehicles, Glasgow, (Scotland)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1334352918885268&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 100 – Cambridge Satchel, Cambridgeshire, (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1337798591874034&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 101 – Halewood Artisanal Spirits (UK) Ltd, Rushden, Northamptonshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1340355181618375&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 102 – Penthouse Carpets Ltd, Rochdale, Lancashire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1346372384349988&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 103 – Arrow Security Shutters, Bolton, Lancashire, (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1349989377321622&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 104 – Albion Farm Shop & Café, Delph, West Riding of Yorkshire (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1352838233703403&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 105 – Churchill's Confectionery Ltd, Watford, Hertfordshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1358396953147531&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 105 – Churchill's Confectionery Ltd, Watford, Hertfordshire (England).https://www.facebo...
16/07/2026

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 105 – Churchill's Confectionery Ltd, Watford, Hertfordshire (England).

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1358396953147531&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 105 – Churchill's Confectionery Ltd, Watford, Hertfordshire (England).

CHURCHILL’S CONFECTIONARY Ltd was founded in 1989. A privately owned family business, they’re based in Hertfordshire, England.

They’re well-known for producing high-quality sweets, chocolates, and biscuits.

ART FORMS

They’re equally well-known for producing beautifully designed, reusable novelty tins and boxes. Many of these are effectively art forms - creatively embossed, illustrated tins featuring themes such as:

• London souvenirs (e.g., Big Ben, Telephone Kiosk, Policeman & so on).

• Fairground/Victorian themes.

• Art Deco collections.

• Seasonal and festive designs.

Churchill's Confectionery product range include delicious chocolates, biscuits (e.g., Belgian Chocolate Chunk, Apple Crumble), and sweets made with natural ingredients.

COMBINATION

The combination of premium confectionery and high-quality, reusable tins makes them popular as gifts.

The quality of their products & reputation has seen the company grow from a small independent firm into an award-winning global brand. Here they serve the UK market and export to over 30 countries.

In short, their success can be put down to a sharp focus on craftsmanship, novelty, quality, and customer care.

For more information, visit their official website: www.churchills-confectionery.co.uk In particular, look out for Art Deco collection.

• Also check out:

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (1)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1151655323821696&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (2)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1325881283065765&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 97 – Chartley Bedrooms, Sittingbourne, Kent https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1328510326136194&set=pb.100069317165379.-2207520000

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 98 – Forever Blooms Metal Petals, Torpoint (Cornwall).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1331902705796956&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 99 – Munro Vehicles, Glasgow, (Scotland)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1334352918885268&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 100 – Cambridge Satchel, Cambridgeshire, (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1337798591874034&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 101 – Halewood Artisanal Spirits (UK) Ltd, Rushden, Northamptonshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1340355181618375&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 102 – Penthouse Carpets Ltd, Rochdale, Lancashire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1346372384349988&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 103 – Arrow Security Shutters, Bolton, Lancashire, (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1349989377321622&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 104 – Albion Farm Shop & Café, Delph, West Riding of Yorkshire (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1352838233703403&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 104 – Albion Farm Shop & Café, Delph, West Riding of Yorkshire (England)https://www.face...
09/07/2026

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 104 – Albion Farm Shop & Café, Delph, West Riding of Yorkshire (England)

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1352838233703403&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 104 – Albion Farm Shop & Café, Delph, West Riding of Yorkshire (England)

FIRSTLY, a quick note to say that we’ll be taking a break on Monday 13th. If all goes according to plan, the next issue of ‘Focus On Great UK Companies’ will appear on Thursday 16th July.

Secondly, welcome to this issue where we look at the Albion Farm Shop & Café, which is based in the village of Delph.

(Delph itself is a village in the civil parish of Saddleworth in the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, in Greater Manchester. Historically, Delph is within the West Riding of Yorkshire, one of three historic subdivisions of Yorkshire itself.)

FAMILY-RUN

The popular farm shop & café are family-run and are part of a working farm.

One of its great attractions is the emphasis on locally sourced and farm-reared produce. This includes their own British-reared beef, lamb, and mutton. Anything that isn’t home grown is sourced very carefully from local suppliers.

The farm shop has a full butchery counter. This is stocked with their own meats, fresh produce (including locally grown vegetables), deli items, and products from local/British producers. it also offers hog roasts & catering for events.

The café is open every day from 9am. Here you can get breakfast to lunch and everything in between. Everything is homemade & the portions are on the generous side.

REVIEWS

Reviews of both the farm shop & café focus on the friendly, down-to-earth, family-friendly atmosphere, free parking, and outdoor seating.

For more information on the Albion Farm Shop & Café – which really does its best to promote British produce – take a look at their informative website: albionfarmshop.co.uk

• Also check out:

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (1)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1151655323821696&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies - The Fantastic Forty-Eight (2)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1325881283065765&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 97 – Chartley Bedrooms, Sittingbourne, Kent https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1328510326136194&set=pb.100069317165379.-2207520000

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 98 – Forever Blooms Metal Petals, Torpoint (Cornwall).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1331902705796956&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 99 – Munro Vehicles, Glasgow, (Scotland)
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1334352918885268&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 100 – Cambridge Satchel, Cambridgeshire, (England)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1337798591874034&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 101 – Halewood Artisanal Spirits (UK) Ltd, Rushden, Northamptonshire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1340355181618375&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 102 – Penthouse Carpets Ltd, Rochdale, Lancashire (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1346372384349988&set=a.241167498203821

• Focus On Great UK Companies – 103 – Arrow Security Shutters, Bolton, Lancashire, (England).
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1349989377321622&set=a.241167498203821

Address


Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Solidarity Trade Union posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Solidarity Trade Union:

Shortcuts

  • Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization?

Share