SOME older readers will recall technical drawing lessons in what was called Millom School's Aiglon Building - but it started life as a factory.

The story of its opening ceremony was carried in the Evening Mail on Wednesday, May 5, in 1948.

Special guest was Mr C. F. Monier Williams, the under secretary at the Board of Trade who was called on to cut a tape to open the new Eagle Works to produce shoes for Aiglon Creations.

The Mail noted: "The opening ceremony was followed by a tour of the bright, well-appointed workshops within the two storied building, with a floor space of 6,700sq ft, which cost a five figure sum to convert from a derelict builder's yard.

"From August 1946 until Easter, the firm was housed in former shop premises in Market Square, by arrangement with the Millom Working Men's Club, who are converting the building into their new club."

The managing director of the firm was Mr L. Z. Zins.

Mr Williams told those at the opening ceremony: "One cannot help but be impressed by the really good job of work local men and women are doing here.

"I notice too that this factory is a happy one. Long may it remain so.

"As long as you have a happy factory then you get things done - and that is the aim of the country at the moment.

"Such efforts as yours will help us get the things we look forward to, but which have been denied us so long.

"As long as we can pull together we will get through our troubles."

Alderman J. J. Adams, deputy regional controller of the Board of Trade said there had been difficulties experienced in finding the materials to build the new factory.