EX-CARPET makers have been invited to attend a reunion where they can share memories of working in the Kidderminster trade.

Hosted by the Friends of the Carpet Museum, the meeting comes more than nine years after the first group reunion which was an important step in the attempts to open a dedicated museum in the town.

The group’s dream was finally realised in October 2012 when the Museum of Carpet opened in Green Street.

Now, museum staff are hoping that retired and ex-employees of the trade will visit the museum at Stour Vale Mill for two separate reunions.

They are planned to take place between 11am and 1pm, with the first on Friday, October 3, for ex-employees of Brintons, and another on Friday, October 10, for anyone who worked for Carpet Trades (Gilt Edge) Carpets International.

Jodie Edwards, museum manager, said: “At its height more than 15,000 people earned a living in the carpet trade and almost everyone knows someone who once made carpets or worked in one of the 26 mills that dotted the skyline.

“Getting people together who once worked for the great carpet manufacturers in the town is always really fascinating.

“They’re able to remember details about the industry that really helps add to our knowledge and it’s really important that we learn as much as we can so that we can help the next generation learn more about the important heritage of the town.”

As part of the reunion, the museum will be showing a selection of archive films recorded during the industry’s heyday.

There will also be memorabilia on display, such as company newsletters, brochures and photographs.

The reunions are free for ex-employees and those who attend will get a voucher offering them a reduced price entry when visiting the museum.

For more information call 01562 69028 or visit museumofcarpet.org