The last surviving industrial giant in Norwich, Laurence Scott & Electromotors, is reaching out to former workers.

An appeal has been launched for former workers at the world famous Laurence Scott & Electromotors factories in Norwich to step forward and join the 'family.'

The last surviving industrial giant, where thousands of men and women spent their working lives, has an association for former employees which now only has about 40 members.

And they would love to see some more.

Chairman Bernard Rose wants to get the message across that although it is called the pensioners association they are a lively lot with plenty going on.

'We are not just a bunch of oldies,' laughed Bernard. 'We meet once a month and have talks, outings and dinners.'

Members are also there to listen, help and advise others. They were all part of the LSE family and that bond of friendship can continue, via the association, long after workers have retired.

More than 100 people turned up for a works reunion earlier in the year organised by John Jones, who spent more than 50 years at LSE, and Ivan 'Spider' Whurr.

'We had a wonderful night. One of the best so far – and thanks to the Evening News for helping to spread the word,' said John.

Once again there was a mixture of former workers and those still at the factory. 'That's what these reunions are about, getting together and having a good time,' said John.

There was a time when more than 3,000 people worked at the LSE plants – Gothic Works, the Switchworks, the Foundry and at Salhouse Road.

Generations of men and women followed each other into the works, making machinery large and small which was sent across the world.

'It was a family firm. There was so much comradeship between the workers and we have a busy social side,' said Bernard, who spent a total of about 30 years with LSE.

The association meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the St Andrew's Centre at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrew, in the afternoon.

More details from Bernard on Norwich (01603) 436990 or email bandm.rose@tiscali.co.uk

If you have any memories of life at LSE over the years drop me a line at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, or email me at derek.james@archant.co.uk