In 1912 Frank Pratten started manufacturing wooden huts and prefabricated buildings and set up shed in Charlton Road. Business boomed during the First World War and then during the inter-war years, the recession and general strike made his quick and easily constructed buildings highly desirable.
The business continued to increase with Prattens buildings being erected in a variety of places from Surrey to Aberystwyth to Trinidad. During the Second World War production switched to making things such as Nissan Huts, Balloon Barrage Huts, bunk beds and ammunition boxes.
The 1960’s were arguably the heyday for Prattens with factory expansions, increased staff numbers and huge numbers of buildings being manufactured. Anyone who attended school in the UK during the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s may remember having lessons in a Prattens building!
After 68 years of trading as a family business, in 1980 the company was taken over by the Beazer group and then sold again in 1988 to the BM group. The factory was then wound down with sites sold for housing and by 1993, production ceased completely. However, the name still lives on in various places and echoes of the factory can still be seen around the area.
Stage 1: Sports and Social Club
Several clubs and groups were established from the hobbies of employees working at the factory during the 1920's and 1930's. Some of these clubs still survive to this day.
Number of letters in the name of the carnival club which resides here (ie. _____ Carnival Club) = A.
You may get lucky and find that the carnival club vehicles are parked in the car park. Alternatively, the same answer can be found on the telegraph pole – UAD? where (?+1) = A
Stage 2: Pratten Terrace
The original entrance to the factory survived until 2007 when it was finally demolished to make way for housing. The Prattens name lives on within the terrace found at this stage.
Sum total of all the house numbers – 3 = B
Stage 3: The Timbers
This stage is the entrance to what was the factory showground for Prattens products until 1980. The housing estate built in its place was also one of the first housing schemes in the UK to be built with timber frames.
Number of S’s on the street name sign = C
Stage 4: St John’s Church Hall
One of the few remaining Prattens buildings still standing locally, the hall seen at this stage is a customised Prattens hut. The hall hosts a variety of groups and events throughout the year.
Number of window panes facing Church Lane = DE
Stage 5: Hazel Grove
The entire area found at this stage is built on what was Prattens main factory building. The size and scale of the factory is evident from the size of the estate.
Answer to the division displayed in the yellow box on the street lamp + 1 = FG
Final stage: Physical cache container
The cache can be found at:
N 05F GA.B9E
W 00C C8.C(D-G)A
The cache contains a logbook only - bring your own pencil. Free on street parking is available near to GZ.