Robert Arthur Berry with Maureen

Cliffe Recreation ground, Holmfirth, formation of BMX track 1984 JCB driver, Mr Tony Marsh, of R A Berry & Son

 

Retirement of Mr Fred Horsfall – Worked at R A Berry & Son 30 years

 

Holmfirth churchyard 1970

Our History

Robert Arthur Berry was the founder of the company in 1931. Originally run from Fold End, Underbank it was in 1935 that the Berry family moved to Dunford Road, which to this day remains the premises of the business.

Maureen the eldest child of Robert Arthur Berry recalls:

“My sister and I were both given a secretarial/bookkeeping education so we could help. My brother, Gordon on leaving school, took his apprenticeship in the business and so worked alongside Dad.

The world of the building industry has undergone great changes during my working life, but we were still building individually designed houses for customers, which to this day is a niche market.

The years have seen many changes and I am proud to be a member of a family, which has been part of the community in the Holme Valley since the late 1800’s. I am sure my father would be proud to see what R.A. Berry & Son Limited has developed into with the third generation now working to see the Company into the 21st Century”.

R A Berry & Son has remained at the heart of the community in Holmfirth and we are proud to have helped to shape the buildings and architecture of this beautiful part of West Yorkshire. As we approach our 90th year, we’ve taken a look back at some of the bumps in the road as well as our most notable achievements.

Cool Timeline

1989
October 21

Robert Berry (RSB) takes over the management of the business upon the death of RGB

1978
September 10

Extension to Upperthong School adding much needed extra classrooms

1967
October 21

Robert Gordon Berry (RGB) takes over management of the business on the retirement of RAB

Robert Gordon Berry (RGB) takes over management of the business on the retirement of RAB
October 21

Birth of Robert Spencer Berry in 1967 – the third generation

January 1

Robert Arthur Berry was a prominent local figure and Chairman of Holmfirth Urban District Council (here on the right)

Robert Arthur Berry was a prominent local figure and Chairman of Holmfirth Urban District Council (here on the right)
1951
September 10

Construction of Watermen’s Cottages, Digley

1950
September 10

Built new Fire Station at Skelmanthorpe and extension to Holmfirth Fire Station

Built new Fire Station at Skelmanthorpe and extension to Holmfirth Fire Station
January 1

Robert Gordon Berry (RGB) joins the business as an apprentice

1945
January 1

New council houses on Oakes Lane in Brockholes

1939
January 1

Local business operations suspended as RAB is conscripted to work on military buildings in the Blackpool area

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