Proud history brought to life

THE 72-year history of one of Oldham’s top companies has been recorded in a new book written by Saddleworth author Peter Sellers.

The 330-page book, “Dew”, traces the life and times of the construction firm from its inception in 1934 until debt problems forced it to close in 2006.

The detailed history follows the company from humble beginnings to its height as one of the North-West’s major civil engineering and construction organisations.

The book is packed with photographs, both of the impressive developments G Dew and Co Ltd helped to create, and of the people who worked on them. And it gives a fascinating insight into their daily lives, with amusing anecdotes written in a colourful manner which brings them to life. Some of the information was taken by the author from Oldham Chronicle records, and listed are the names of around 1,400 employees, plucked from Peter’s incredible memory of the 46 years he worked for Dew, jogged with the help of other former employees with whom he is still in touch.

Convinced

The company operated its own quarries, plant hire and one of the country’s major steel-sheet piling divisions. The book details the many take-overs, buy-outs, mergers and owners during its long and turbulent history.

The book was launched this week by the author with Barbara Corfield, the daughter of the late George and Lily Dew. They hosted the private event at the White Hart, Lydgate, to meet former Dew employees, their surviving relatives and those who had pre-ordered the book.

Only 500 copies have been published, 270 of which have already been sold to ex-employees, family and friends.