Firm's photo call for Sentinel centenary
They're at the gates, on the waggons, and even perched on the roof.
And now a Shropshire firm is planning to re-create an evocative staff picture from yesteryear as part of the 100th anniversary commemorations marking the advent of the famous Sentinel Works at Shrewsbury.
The factory in Whitchurch Road is a key part of the county's industrial heritage and for years turned out Sentinel waggons, which saw service around the world.
Today it is the home of Doncasters Aerospace Components and in an homage to the past, which will mark the centenary of the factory, the firm is teaming up with the County of Salop Steam Engine Society for a photographic tribute.
About 110 or more staff from Doncasters will be playing their part.
The re-creation has been organised in a tie-up between Doncasters and Edward Goddard, chairman of COSSE, which organises the Shrewsbury Steam Rally. He is also vice chairman of the Sentinel Drivers Club and will be organising the Sentinel waggons which will appear in the photograph.
The photo will be framed and put in the visitors' conference suite in the works.
And then, on August 29, the Sentinel Works will be the starting point to a curtain-raiser for the Shrewsbury Steam Rally being held on August 30 and 31.
Aleisha Turner, of the Doncasters Group said: "A convoy of original Sentinel waggons will begin their journey at about 8am and the general public and steam enthusiasts will be able to watch 20 or more steam waggons from the Whitchurch Road while they go through the Sentinel gate at the Doncasters factory site where they were produced. They will then follow the old Sentinel test route to the Horse Shoe Pass at Llangollen.
"This has been organised in conjunction with Doncasters and Edward Goddard to begin the celebrations of Shrewsbury-manufactured Sentinel products at the steam rally over the August Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate 100 years since the opening of the works in the town after its move from Glasgow."
After the road run the Sentinels will go to the rally site at Onslow Park and the drivers' club will be holding a private Sentinel 100 birthday party.
At the rally itself there will be a Sentinel Spectacular, featuring the steam waggons.
The society has also been seeking old photographs and memories of Sentinel products.
