Our Business History

Welcome to “Our history” Page

We are a family run business that have been operating on the same premises for over 130 years and below is a brief outline of our history.

The firm originally started sometime in the 1870’s by Oliver Allen, who was the great grand father of the present owner Oliver Allen, selling nets – mostly horticultural and sports. And later making Tarpaulins, marquees and general canvas work.

The business grew prospered well in the 20^th century. Employing up to 30 people in the factory and about 100 outworkers, reaching a peak between the 1920’s and 1950’s when Oliver Allen’s son, William with his wife Laura were running the firm. Their Customers included Buckingham Palace, Royal Gardens of Windsor, Royal Botanic Gardens, Baron de Rothschild, Duke of Devonshire and Longleat House, as well as many of the local estates.

In the 1950’s we seeing a demand for holiday letting the first property was let to visitors. By the 1960’s with a down turn in the net trade two flats were commissioned (present Loe Bar Flats) This was followed by the gradual removal of the net machines and into the mid 1970’s the conversion of the other buildings. The last ones converted, were the net loft flats in 1989.

We still carry on with a wide variety netting work, though on a smaller scale it it just as interesting. From football and tennis nets of many of the local clubs, climbing nets of all sizes, to props for films and the theatre including the Oscar winning "Gladiator".

Below here are all the properties and their previous use.

We have some old photos of the buildings and as well, please call into our office and view our gallery.

William Oliver (right) and James Henry Allen with Rover the dog. Outside Homeside circa 1939.

Grandfather and Uncle of Oliver and Jimmy.

Original thatched cottage on site of Homeside circa 1900.