J T Dobbins Ltd

J T Dobbins Ltd was established by Tom Dobbins, and was based in what was known as Crown Mills, Ardwick Green.The company were makers of flags for steamship companies, the War Office and the Admiralty. They manufactured wiper and cleaning cloths, bunting flags and decoration, alongside cotton cleaning waste. They also collected and processed cotton waste on a regular basis.

They held a royal warrant and during the war employed over 400 machinists making uniforms etc. Tom Dobbins was awarded the OBE for his services for the elderly people of Ardwick Green. According to his grand-daughter, on his premature death from a heart attack age 66 the Ardwick and District Old Peoples Club was renamed the Tom Dobbins Club. He lived across the road at 23 Major Street.