As the end of the year approaches, Lynn, Charlotte, Patrick and Rosy Temple, the fourth and fifth generations at the helm of Magee 1866 discuss family, childhood memories and Christmas traditions.
Being part of a family business that has been operating since the 19th century, there are a lot of stories to tell and memories to share. From the Spanish Flu to world wars and recessions, not to mention more recent events! We suppose when you have been in business for as long as we have, over 150 years, you will have seen a lot.
A fond memory of growing up in the family business.
Lynn Temple, family patriarch and Chairman: I have many happy memories of Magee but some of my happiest are visiting the handweavers in their homes around South-West Donegal. They would typify the very best of Donegal’s warmth of hospitality, great characters. I’m delighted we still continue this tradition of handweaving today.
Charlotte Temple, Design Director: One of my earliest memories of Magee as a child were the Christmas parties, they were incredible events held in the canteen for all the children of staff. There was a huge net of balloons that used to be released when Santa Clause appeared through the door, it was magical.
Rosy Temple, CEO Magee Clothing & Retail: My memory is a Christmas one too actually, I would go into the Magee of Donegal shop on the Diamond with dad and it was so exciting. We would end up in there for hours with dad insisting on wishing Happy Christmas to absolutely everybody! It was always a lovely way to start Christmas.
Patrick, CEO of Magee Weaving: When Charlotte and I were small, every now and then we were allowed into the weaving to pick up some off-cuts, beautiful but flawed cloth that wasn’t suitable for its end result in fashion. So, we used to take the fabric and bring it home to build dens and tents to play in.
Best thing about working with family.
Patrick: One of the wonderful things about a family business is the atmosphere, less corporate and still, this gives a sense of togetherness and happiness throughout the organisation.
Charlotte: For me the best part is that my siblings and father are always there. No matter day or night, if there’s a problem or you haven’t had such a good day, they’re always at the end of the phone.
Rosy: After working in other companies, I don’t take for granted what a real privilege it is to have had the opportunity to join a family business. For me, it’s just so great to be able to share so many experiences with family and to share a passion and pour our energies into something we really believe in. But I do have my boundaries, we can’t talk about weaving all day every day!
Favourite Christmas family tradition
Rosy: Christmas day swim.
Charlotte: …followed by dad’s mulled wine with Cointreau!
As we begin to wind down for the year and get ready to enjoy the festive break, as a family we would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you all the best for 2022. We will be continuing with long standing family traditions, including daily dips in the sea and the golden rule, no work chat at the Christmas dinner table!
We hope you get the chance to share joy with the ones you love this year.
From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy Christmas and new year.
