FOR centuries there has been a brewery in Abingdon but today sees the end of an era as the Morland brewery closes down its operation for good, writes Karen Rosine.

Morland of Abingdon was established in 1711 and has been brewing from the Ock Street site since 1860 - and, before that, in East Ilsley.

Brewing stopped about two weeks ago and unloading and reloading earlier this week. Only the office and the administration staff remain at the six-and-a-half acre site.

Hundreds of empty beer barrels are piled up outside the brewery and an air of sadness permeated the largely empty buildings this week as staff said their final farewells. The once-bustling brewhouse, fermenting vessels and packaging areas are now deathly quiet - with only motionless machines left to bear witness to the centuries of brewing.

A big party is planned tonight for all staff and past employees to say a final goodbye.

The closure comes after rival brewers Greene King completed a hostile takeover bid for the firm last July.

Greene King is remaining tight-lipped about future plans for the site. Spokesman Frances Brace said a buyer had been found and the sale was being finalised. Morland used to employ about 400 staff at the site. About a 100 of those are staying on with Greene King - 45 of those at the remaining distribution centre in Abingdon and the others at the company's other brewery in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

The rest have been made redundant.

Greene King is keen to stress the beers which Abingdon has famously produced, such as Old Speckled Hen and Ruddles, will continue to be brewed at the Suffolk plant.

Steve Calderbank, head brewer, is one of the staff made redundant. He has been at the site for eight years and has not yet found another post.

He said: "It will be the end of an era in my life and career - and the end of a bigger era for Abingdon. My best memories are of the redevelopment of the site. Just about everything has been rebuilt in the last six to seven years in a £6m development." Peter Whittington has been made redundant after working for the firm for just over 36 years. He is now going to start up his own business as a property developer.

He started as a boy in the bottling department and finally became a production manager.

Mr Whittington, 52, of Sutton Courtenay said: "For Abingdon I think it is quite sad. The loss of another old industry in the town - first the leather works went, then the MG factory and now Morland - it is a shame for the history of the town."

Forklift driver Phil Wooloff, 37, has worked for Morland for 21 years. He was made redundant and has yet to find other work. He said: "If it had not closed down I think I would have stayed here as I have enjoyed it very much. My three brothers used to work here, two of them worked on the distribution side."

Lillian Taphouse has worked at the site for 37 years as a tea lady and is now going to retire. Mrs Taphouse, of Wootton Road, said: "I feel really sad but I shall be glad when I finally go because I can't bear the quietness."

Story date: Friday 25 February

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