In December, at the Intergenerational Centre Bled, we presented the results of the study circle Stories from the Vezenine Factory. This event marked the centenary of the Vezenine Bled factory’s founding. Fittingly, the venue stands on the very site where the factory once operated. The evening was filled with nostalgia and emotion – cherished memories of a company that provided livelihoods for local residents for eight decades, but also sadness over the closure of a once-successful enterprise.
The study circle aimed to preserve the memory of the factory’s success as well as collect and document the stories of its employees. We collaborated with former workers who shared their experiences and insights into life at the factory. Their accounts have been compiled in a booklet (in Slovenian), available online.
We pursued several educational objectives: cultural awareness, gaining insight into local cultural history – particularly the story of the Vezenine Bled factory, understanding the factory’s impact on the community and cultural identity, recognising the importance of preserving these historical elements, fostering intergenerational connections through the involvement of former employees, facilitating the transfer of experiences and knowledge between generations, encouraging creativity and self-expression through writing and documenting historical narratives.
The event opened with young women walking the stage in pieces from the Urban Safari collection, created by fashion designer and Bled-based entrepreneur Anamarija Nuša Mulej, who began her professional journey at the Vezenine factory. This was followed by performances from the former chamber group of the Bled Pensioners’ Association and the former Vezenine Women’s Trade Union Choir, conducted by Meta Rutar Piber. The performers were dressed in original Vezenine garments.
In his address, the Mayor of the Municipality of Bled, Anton Mežan, recalled his aunt, Francka Rozman, who had worked at the factory and would come home each day with stories about what had happened at work. He also highlighted the difference between the sense of loyalty employees felt towards their companies in the past compared to today. Back then, workers did everything they could for the good of the company – something that is, as he noted, much rarer nowadays.
The formal part of the event concluded with another song by the former chamber group of the Bled Pensioners’ Association. Our long-time external collaborator and event presenter, Ana Pirih, hosted the event. This was followed by a social gathering with refreshments, where former employees had the chance to reconnect and reminisce about life and work at the Vezenine Bled factory.
The idea for the study circle was conceived by Hana Premrl, who also serves as a mentor for study circles. Gabi Humerca tirelessly collected the stories, and I, the author of this article, prepared the text for the call for proposals and took on the role of organiser.
We sincerely thank each and every one of you for your contribution to the successful implementation of the study circle Stories from the Vezenine Factory.
Mateja Rozman Amon (mateja.rozman-amon@guest.arnes.si), Radovljica AEC
Photo: Janez Albert Novak
