Meet the Mill Folk — Phil
Phil is part of our Production team, working alongside Sophie, Martha, Daisy and Laura. He is in charge of prepping most of our yarns for spinning on Kevin, and works mostly on Cuthbert the gillbox.
How long have you been working at Jarbon?
8 years I think, but I lose track of time so it could be more, lol.
How would you describe your job?
I have 2 areas of responsibility. I help Helena in the outside processing of our fibre after it has been purchased from the Wool Board. This includes the scouring, carding, combing & dyeing. The fibre is stored as tops in Bradford and I look after the stock control there and call off to the mill as needed – this is based on internal stock at the mill (which I also monitor) and the customer demand. Secondly I work on the initial production processes in the mill converting the dyed & undyed tops into blended gilled tops ready for spinning.
Why did you decide to work at the Mill?
I was looking for work and I knew John through my wife’s connections to the wool world (he was supplying yarn to her at the time for hand dyeing), and as a friend from yarn shows. We had also recently moved to Lynton in North Devon and had social connections to John as well. I needed a bit of work to tide me over at the time and ended up staying here.
What is your favourite yarn or tops that’s made at the Mill? And why?
The Yarnadelic range as it’s so colourful and fun to create – complex and varied blend formulas keep you on your toes.
Any pets?
3 dogs – Tinks (Bedlington/whippet lurcher), Ron (Greyhound/Whippet lurcher), and Siri (German Shepherd).
What do you like to listen to while you work?
Lots, esp anything with a current affairs/political leaning
Why do you like working at John Arbon?
Great product, great team & a good degree of independence
What is your favourite machine and why?
I have to say my gillbox Cuthbert as I spend nearly all my processing time on it!
This post is part of our series introducing all the Mill Folk – please take a look at the Meet the Mill Folk tag to read more about all of us who work here!
