Continuing from the previous post - and having tried to find other means of entering the site again over the next three months - I finally found a way during a reccee by the boat builders yard, which is on a curve of land jutting partway across the river (photo above). Getting onto the grounds entailed walking along a ledge to the left of where I stood (not seen on the photo), then scrambling up onto the river bank.
A self portrait, below, reflected in the glass doors.
And that wonderful expanse of the factory floor building, below. The 1960s style of architecture is often condemned, rightly so when shabbily executed, but when done right it can be quite inspiring, and there was something about the long, clean lines of this building that I really liked.
There was no access inside, but I did enjoy a leisurely meander around the grounds, taking exterior photos and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The bicycle shelter. This proved to be very photogenic, and totally irresistible. On my first explore, it was a January afternoon and the light was just beginning to fade, which provided an atmospheric background, but as these photos were taken on an Easter visit in startling sunshine, there were lots of lovely stripey shadows and contrasts.
The factory was a big asset to a small seaside town, and provided jobs for many local people. I know several former employees, and they've all got fond memories of their time there. This is what one person said...
"I worked between 89-99 on testing mainly portable transceivers, notably the Jaguar and Couger sets. Overall the company had a good reputation for working conditions, pay and a pension that firms in the big bad world outside fail on. Summarising - production and test downstairs and design, management and canteen upstairs with lovely views all round."
Along the riverside were several benches for employees to use whilst on their breaks. Bird feeders hung in the Poplar trees lining the bank, which was really lovely to see. Sadly, the trees were cut down shortly after demolition along with the uprooting of all the gardens, which was totally unnecessary as nothing was done with the site for many years afterwards, although I have been told since that whenever a site is earmarked for demolition it also has to include any trees and landscaping. Lunacy!
A foray back along and to the front of the main building.
The extensive grounds included gardens to the front, containing many shrubs and flowers.
The Reception at the front.
The Racal sign was once on the front of the building.
The Reception sign, above, now reduced to just 'e'eption! I found the missing 'c' on the ground, below, but didn't find the 'R', lol.
I walked back up to the rear of the building afterwards to take a few more photos.
The remains of a fence on the concrete standing along the riverbank next to the former rail line.
Looking back down towards the buildings.
And following the explore was a blissful riverside relax on one of the benches with a flask of coffee, a ciggy and the delights of nature. Magic!
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