 Listen to the programme
 | Wooden blocks used for shaping hats |
The programme looks at a photographic exhibition marking the end of car production in Luton, and follow the role this industry played from the early 1900s right through to the production of the last Vectra. At one time, the whole town revolved around hat production, but discover that manufacturing still has an important presence in Luton. By visiting some of the remaining hatters in the town, the programme finds out how they have had to change with the times in order to survive.
"When it comes to the good hats, the bigger shops stay loyal to Luton,"said 89-year-old Ken Snoxell, who has been in the hat trade for 70 years yet still enthuses as each hat is shaped on the traditional block. Luton hats are still being exported all over the world, and at one time there were hundreds of companies supplying the industry. Now Boon and Lane are now Europes only blockmakers. The company has had the prestige of making patterns for hats worn by stars including Kylie Minogue and Jay Kay of Jamiroqui. A visit to London Luton Airport looks at the towns successful shift into the service industry and the airports importance as Lutons largest employer. Narrated by Ian Pearce, from the stands at Luton Towns crunch match against Plymouth, the programme recalls the days when over 30,000 people crammed the famous old football ground, many straight from the factories. More about hatblockers
More about hatmaking
Listen to the programme 
| Geraldine Ferris, Oakland, NJ USA | Tuesday, 29-Apr-2003 16:49:27 GMT |  | | I am trying to locate information on Luton straw hat making in the 18th century as I am conducting research on 18th c. hats in general. Can anyone tell me of special books on the subject or a museum in Luton that I can contact? I like your program speaking to me and this is a great idea. I am sad to hear that Luton has had a hard time for its workers losing jobs. |
| 
