Tennis ball works, Nuneaton?

[Subaru]

Hi

Am I right in thinking there was a tennis ball works around the Nuneaton area c1901? I have someone on the 1901 census whose occupation looks like "tennis ball maker".  I've tried googling it, but nothing has surfaced.  It's different to the usual coal miners and ag labs in my family - it makes a change

Rosemary

[julieproctor61]

hi

The only mention I can find is A. W Phillips in the Nuneaton area, can't find where it was though.

julie

[Subaru]

Thanks Julie

[Al in Vane]

A.W. Phillips was the name, not sure where they were in 1901 but as long as I remember they have been in the Albion Building in Attleborough Road, are still there but are known now as Phillips Tuftex Ltd.
Their tennis balls were and probably still are, sold all around the world.

[Subaru]

That's interesting Al   Claim to fame for Nuneaton. 

I have Kangol factory up the road from me, hat-makers and bags etc.  I don't think they're going to be there for much longer, but I always feel proud when I see a celebrity wearing a Kangol t-shirt or hat.  We also have New Balance factory in the next town (trainers).

Rosemary

[Avril-14]

Hello Rosemary, I agree with Al in Vane.  The tennis ball premises used to be in the Albion Buildings, Attleborough Rd.

Cheers,  Avril

[Subaru]

A W Phillips was lodging on Attleborough Rd in 1901.  He was 49 yrs old, and his occupation is tennis ball manufacturer.  I bet he was worth a bob or two by the time he was finished!!!

Rosemary

[deandewis]

my Nan used to work there and i can remember her taking me there after she had retired ,i always came home with 2 or 3 tennis balls.

[jvb]

You might be interested in this:
http://www.tuftexsports.co.uk/Content/AboutUs.aspx
I've been past their building hundreds of times, and my mother was born nearby, yet I never knew they made tennis balls -they don't publicise themselves very much !!
What a revelation !