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Brenda Sainsbury (nee Crewe) was born at Bristol in 1926. Educated at Patchway C of E and then Bristol Collegiate School she went on to work in market research and local government.
Many years ago, when both market research and I were young, it was often the practice to call at an establishment to find the people we needed to fit our quota. On one such occasion, I called, one afternoon, at Robertson's Jam Factory, in Water Lane, Brislington, Bristol.
As I made my way into the building I inhaled deeply, savouring the delicious smell so familiar from my childhood days, of the sweet, sugary scent of jam in the making.
I spoke with the personnel manager who was very helpful, and arranged for me to interview a few members of his staff. Before leaving me to my task, he asked me to see him before I left -- which I would have done anyway, of course.
So, in due time, I presented myself again at his office to proffer my thanks and take my leave, but he had another idea. He asked me to follow him, and led me to the works canteen.
To my surprise and delight, I found myself seated at a table which had been spread with a snowy white cloth, pretty china, a pot of tea and the makings (milk and sugar), a plate of freshly baked scones, butter, cream, and a dish of Robertson's strawberry jam.
In a box on a spare chair was a whole collection of Robertson's jam range of preserves in small, one helping size pots.
I never forgot that generous and thoughtful gesture on the part of a very busy, but kindly man. I was very sorry when I heard, many years later, that the factory had not only been closed, but also removed to make way for a housing development.
But even to this day, I rarely buy marmalade other than ROBERTSON'S GOLDEN SHREAD. Mmmmm! Delicious!
Brenda Sainsbury, California, U S A, 2002
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