Nova K. Williams 
This image shows signs of its age, but captures a relaxed scene as workers from one of Watford’s best-known businesses attend an outdoor concert.
The Watford Observer have once again partnered with the Watford Museum and are delighted to present some images from their archive – this week we look back at a gig at Odhams.
Museum volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “Odhams Press, part of whose works are now occupied by Asda, was a big employer in the area. This well-worn photograph is rather special. It shows an organized social activity in the business, not many years after they arrived at North Watford in the mid-1930s. Activities such as this concert must have played a significant role in staff welfare.
Odhams Press in 1946. The A41 runs from left to right in the center of the image. The railway line to St Albans is on the right
“No date is known for this musical event but the band and some people in the band are in military uniform. In addition to the ‘pavilion’ and recreation area, there were tennis courts and a bowling green. All of these areas were running alongside the factory, between the building and an embankment that can be seen in the background. This embankment is the A41 and, at the time of this photo, the trees were quite small.”
A 1939 map of the printing press
If you can provide any additional details about this event, let us know via the link below.
