HAYTER OF SPELLBROOK .
The idea for this website came about during my research for the bookThe History of The Lawnmower.
I had joined Hayter of Spellbrook with the idea of getting background information on the actual production and enterprise of Lawnmower manufacture, the company was not what I had envisioned it to be.
The actual production staff seemed to comprise of contractors employed on a variable hour system with a very high staff turnover, but there were exceptions to this rule.
Several members of staff proved to be those wonderful examples of the true British working gentlemen you so rarely meet. The type of character who built up the industrial power base of this country, only to have it snatched from them by woeful and misguided managements, Great Britain is plagued with this malady.
A truly superb character and a wonderful example of this breed is the excellent Des Field. Des has worked for Hayter for 40 years, how a man of Desmonds acumen and intelligence did not hold a senior position with the company and was not treasured for his worth, I found a puzzle, but such is the way of things.
I had contacted the company several times with requests for information for use with the book, but nothing was forthcoming, infact I have never received any replies at all.
I got into conversation with Des, and though his good offices I have been lent several superb and historic photographs, plus Des did me the honour of writing up some notes on some of the events and happenings at Hayter of Spellbrook. He did ask me to ‘tidy' up the grammar of his writings, but this is pointless as the words are a reflection of Des's character and to change them would be an act of literal vandalism.
Hayters ...
Founded by Wilf and Doug Hayter, they tried many ideas and products before turning to the birth of the Rotary Mower.
Some of the ideas started with a sawmill at their Spellbrook based firm, and for a time they built small caravans, also go-karts to mobile welders.The story of how the idea for the rotary mower came about was that, one of the brothers riding his bike home from the pub, fell off, and whilst he sat watching the wheels spin, he noticed the front wheel chewing up the grass as it spun.
Another product, was a clever tool for cleaning boots and shoes, called The Bootgroom.
During the 1960s the company gained the royal warrant, and still Doug had more ideas.
He built a container lifter for use on his lorries when he had his own transport business, plus he also built a narrow boat which sailed to Oxford and was involved with cruses on the Norfolk Broads.
But back on the mowers front ...
The 24" Motor Scythe was able to fit a small generator to work it as a Hedge Trimmer. Some of the early mowers took names of birds of prey. Eagle. Hawk. Osprey and Condor
And I recall in hard winters we put Mobile Welders to good use by unblocking frozen pipes for some of the local old people.
The biggest highlight may have been the launch of The Frigate, when a marque was erected on the front grass, and after the first two days which were for the press and agents was opened up to the works.
It was a marvellous do, with the 3Bs, Bar. Buffet. Band, with the foremen waiting tables.
There was also a carpentry shop and Export packing department where the products went to all parts.
GOOD DAYS - GOOD TIMES - GOOD CHAP.
He looked after his workforce, who repaid him with loyalty and quality workmanship with pride.
I have a good selection of old Hayter photographs which I am happy to share and am very intrested in recording more details on this fine old local firm.
If you have any details on this company, please write to;
JOHN MEYER.
ANVIL FARM, LITTLE HALLINGBURY, ESSEX. UK ..
