Ashburton Guardian, Friday August 7, 2020

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Wall Street to weaving By Susan Sandys susan.s@theguardian.co.nz

Ashford Handicrafts has moved into a third generation of family ownership. James Ashford and husband David Lester have taken over the business from Ashford’s parents Richard and Elizabeth Ashford. The family made the an-

nouncement this week as news came through of a $30,000 windfall for earthquake strengthening at Mill House. Richard’s parents were Walter and Joy Ashford, and Walter founded Ashford Handicrafts in 1934. “Walter and Joy would be thrilled to know their legacy continues into the third generation,” Elizabeth said. Ashford and Lester said they

were equally thrilled to have taken on the business, where they have been based for the last five years learning the ropes. Ashford Handicrafts is the largest manufacturer of textile equipment in the world, and has altogether exported more than 800,000 spinning wheels and weaving looms. The couple come from a completely different background – Ashford is a software engineer

Outstanding in their field and outstanding in their community. Last year the Ashburton PB Team volunteered over 1350 hours to the Mid Canterbury community and sponsored over 25 clubs and organisations.

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and Lester an accountant. Both men are originally from Ashburton, but have previously been high rollers in New York. Ashford was based in an investment bank on Wall Street and Lester in a utilities company in Brooklyn. However, the couple say working at the handicraft manufacturing company has been just as much about big business. “We have probably seen more

of the world since being back here in New Zealand, travelling extensively over the last five years meeting customers. It’s an international business,” Lester said.

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