After hours activities

By 1898 all of Rowntree’s production had moved to the new Cocoa Works factory and Joseph focused his attention on improving the overall lives of his workers. Influenced by the emphasis placed on leisure activities during his schooldays and Quaker beliefs regarding the importance of education and welfare, facilities for recreational and educational activities were provided at the factory complex. A busy social scene developed created by a range of after-hours activities for all interests. These included singing classes, football and cricket teams and book appreciation societies. The Cocoa Works had its own brass band and it’s own theatre company – The Rowntree Players. Many of these activities featured regularly in the Cocoa Works Magazine.