Second PHS Plaque

Wednesday 29 August 2002 was, by any standards, an outstanding day in the PHS calendar. At 3.00pm on that day, the second of the PHS plaques designed to commemorate outstanding people and places in the history of the industry, was unveiled by Tony Merriam at the site of the former British Xylonite factory at Highams Park, Chingford. Tony is a member of PHS and a former Managing Director of the company. His grandfather Charles and his father Frank Merriam developed the site, formerly a farm, from 1897 onwards. In addition to the headquarters offices, the Halex factory employed up to 2000 people making brushes, combs, table tennis balls, housewares and many other items – all of them today collectors items fetching high prices.

Speaking to the audience of over 50 people, Tony said he had last worked on the site 35 years ago and that the whole geography of the place had changed almost beyond recognition. “All the buildings and roads I knew” he commented “have disappeared and been replaced by these splendid new factories and warehouses… I worked here for 20 years from 1948 and by that time some 100 buildings were clustered round a boiler house with a tall chimney”. He reminded the audience that change is in the nature of a progressive industry and his only regret was the loss of relationships with people that follows such upheavals. “But I am delighted that this plaque” he concluded “will remind future generations that this site once housed a foundation stone of an important industry”.
PHS Chairman Percy Reboul recorded a vote of thanks to those who had made the day possible. One of the most surprising elements of the day, he said, was the thirty or so ex-employees of the old factories who had come along to the celebration in response to a piece in the local newspaper. PHS was particularly grateful to the current owners, Quest Consumer Products (who are Corporate members of PHS) and their Managing Director Mr Baljit Dhillon and his colleagues who had made us welcome and even provided a splendid afternoon tea to round off the event.

PHS was indebted to Wally Rouse, our Hon. Treasurer (who lives in the locale), who had done a fine job of organisation and worked hard to ensure a successful day.