Our third featured location is Raleigh, the factory where Arthur Seaton slugged his guts out over a lathe.
This is of particular significance this year as Raleigh proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary of building bikes for the world.
We asked Pete Davis, a professional storyteller, to record testimonies from former workers to see how accurately Sillitoe captured factory life.
Sue Davis – Typist
Age 61
Service: 1965-1968
Read Sue’s account of factory work
during the 1960s
Reg Tomlinson, Wheel Builder
Age 75
Service: Raleigh Cycles 1952-1967
Read Reg’s account of factory work
during the 50s and 60s
Derek Goddard, Assembly Worker
Age 77
Service: Raleigh Cycles 1955 – 1995
Read Derek’s account of factory work
through the 50s to the 90s
Dennis Bullivant, Assembly Worker
Age 85
Service: Raleigh Cycles 1947 – 1967
Read Dennis’ account of factory work
through the 40s to the 60s
Brian Hughes, Pedal and Bar Assembly Worker
Age 70
Service: Raleigh Cycles 1957 – 1999
Read Brian’s account of factory work
through the 50s to the 90s
Your Raleigh Pictures
Add your Raleigh pictures: www.flickr.com/groups/sillitoetrail/
Join our social networks and keep up to date with our latest essays, podcasts and video.
And don’t forget to keep tabs on that ‘rum bogger’ Arthur Seaton @thespacelathe
Sillitoe Statue
More about the Sillitoe Memorial Fund

















