A LEADING Ledbury firm's 21st birthday was reported in the Gazette 50 years ago.

"The firm of Messrs H J Chapman and Co Ltd, printers and stationers, which moved to Ledbury when its premises was destroyed in the blitz on Coventry 18 years ago, was 21 years ago last Friday.

"In honour of the occasion, a dinner on Saturday, held at the Abbey Hotel, Malvern, was attended by senior members of the staff and their wives, and representatives of the firm's suppliers and customers.

"The celebrations actually began a fortnight ago with a dinner at the Abbey Hotel for the entire staff of about 150. The dinner was followed by dancing, and during the evening, the firm's founder-head - affectionately referred to by his senior employees as H J - spoke in praise of the loyalty and efficiency of his staff.

"In an interview Mr Chapman recalled that during the early blitz on Coventry, he and his wife went into the country for a week-end and decided to try and transfer the business out of the city.

"For four or five months work was carried on between Coventry and Ledbury, but when in April 1940 the premises in Coventry were destroyed in an air attack, in which the night watchman was killed, the business was transferred to Ledbury.

"They first moved in to what is now Swift's Garage in the Homend, remaining there until 1951 when the present premises in Ledbury Park were purchased.

" 'We have attempted to run the business in one of the oldest houses in the country adapted to meet our requirements and every room is in use,' said Mr Chapman. 'At the same time we have been able to preserve the architecture and beauty of the place and hope to improve it.' "