YEARS of research and interviews by a York historical author has led to the launch of a book into the history of the old Terry’s factory and its many employees.

The author of the book, Van Wilson, of York Oral History Society, greeted guests at the Castle Museum yesterday for the launch of The Story Of Terry’s.

She said: “It has been a privilege to be involved in this project and to get the chance to speak to so many interesting people about their time at Terry’s.

“They talk of their work, their friendships, their love for the company and their sadness at its demise. Through their thoughts it becomes clear that Terry’s was very much more than a workplace, it was a community and played a very important part in York’s recent social history.”

Max Drucquer who started work at the Knavesmire site in 1953, said: “It truly was one great big happy family. I don’t think you will get many people saying they hated it at Terry’s.

“Everyone was approachable. Very few people stood on their dignity.“ The book began as a series of interviews commissioned by York Castle Museum, which looks after a large proportion of the Terry’s archive.

The interviews were carried our by Van Wilson and Mike Race.

The accounts by the former workers proved to be of such historical value that it was decided to turn them into a book.

The publication yesterday saw a display of some of the archive material in the book, and members of the Terry family also attended the launch, including Anthony Terry, who was the last of the family line to work at the factory.

The book is available now from bookshops throughout York for £9.95.