Kentish Express Ashford & District
Demise of printing firm ‘a real blow’
Former workers at the historic Headley Brothers firm have reacted with sadness after the business closed suddenly.
The troubled company was sold to Oxfordshire print firm Henry Stones hours after tumbling into administration in March, in a deal which rescued 113 jobs.
But in an unexpected move two weeks ago, the printing business in Lower Queens Road closed for good.
Retired Terence Chedgey, 86, says he enjoyed working at the firm, where administrators are now poised to be appointed.
“It is such an historic company and I loved working there,” the grandfather-of-three said.
“I spent all of my working life there and I have always taken an interest in it ever since.
“I had a feeling it was going to close because I kept hearing rumours after the takeover, but it is a real blow to Ashford.”
Mr Chedgey, who lives in Kennington, was at the business between 1947 and 1996.
He was a union representative and worked as a composi-
Do you have a view? Write to Unit 4, Park Mall Shopping Centre, Ashford, Kent TN24 8RY. Tel 01233 623232 or email kentishexpress@ tor throughout his career after training at the Canterbury and Maidstone colleges of art.
“I was upset to read it has gone,” Mr Chedgey added.
“I enjoyed working there and I still see former colleagues when I am in town which is nice. It had a wonderful atmosphere and when you have spent your life there, it is very sad to see it has gone.”