The Chivers Company were operational in Cambrdige and Huntingdon from 1873 until 1959. They were seen as a pioneering company in the food preservation industry and played a major part in the welfare and prosperity of Huntingdon, Histon and Impington.

The Chivers family are said to have owned over 10,000 acreas of farmland growing fruit and vegetables. Most of their produce was sold to other manufacturers but in 1873/74 the two borthers William and Johnbegan making jams and preserves in a facility at Impington. The business boomed and they expanded rapidy after WWi growing their product range to include canned fruit and vegetables, mincemeat, Christmas puddings and custard powder. By 1939 they had numerous factories, including one in Huntingdon, and were employing over 3000 people. The factory in Huntingdon, dealt mainly with canned vegetables, but we will hear more about this from Eleanor.

If you want to learn more about this fascinating story of success and eventual crash of a household name, come a;lonmg to the Methodist Church, Huntingdon on the 10th March

The talk is free to members and is open to non members, all we ask is for a small donation of £3 per non member.