September
– Visit to Thorntons arranged by Mike / Maggie Nicholass
Maggie Nicholass writes:-.
On
20th September a party of 16 from EM CERRSA group visited the Thornton's
Chocolate Factory in Somercotes, Derbys - a very impressive modern site.
Meeting in Reception (where the first invitation to try the Continental
selection was taken up), there was no Willy Wonka to greet us, but guides
Damian and Paul were fine substitutes. An introductory video was followed by a
tour of the factory and warehouse. This proved to be a most interesting and
enlightening couple of hours. Although much machinery was in
evidence (all made in Germany sorry to say) the manufacturing processes are
labour intensive with many hundreds of people employed at
Thornton's. Two of our party joined the production line and tried their
hand , with some success, at "crimping" - a highly skilled process
finishing the continental range truffles. (Mel has, in fact, been taken on and
starts on the early shift next week). The tour then moved on to a visit to the
samples bar where all the current production flavours were available to taste(
this being a selection of the rejects). A visit to the coffee bar and
inevitable shop concluded the tour where the very favourable prices enabled all
to purchase to their heart's content. We were presented with Goodie Bags by our
tour guides who were then thanked for their interesting and lively
presentations. Finally a suitable donation was made to the NSPCC -
Thornton's chosen charitable cause.
Lunch was taken at the nearby Ashwood Inn - a
good value, tasty carvery from where the party dispersed. A good day out!
Tour photographs on the web site courtesy of
Irene Chapman to whom many thanks.”
If you click the photos they enlarge and close with an "X" in the top right corner.
The gents enjoying a pre lunch pint. 
The drinks have kicked in and it's all smiles.
