How To Care and Store Your Fine Linen

Regular and careful laundering of linen is essential to the maintenance of its life and colour. Never store used linen. Never store starched linen. The starch will discolour turning your linen yellow.

Always keep linen in well ventilated cupboards, covering the shelves with acid free tissue paper. Barker Laundry return your freshly laundered linen packed with acid free tissue and you could make use of this, or obtain it from a good stationary store.

Look After Your Skiwear

Take note of these few hints, they will help to prolong the life and quality of your purchase.

Read the care label. If the item is washable take care not to exceed the temperature indicated and always dry at a low temperature, heat will contract the interlinings. Likewise, dry damp ski wear away from direct heat.

The proofing. As a rule, synthetic fabrics retain their proofing and cottons do not. Washing cotton renders it absorbent, however in the dry cleaning process it is possible to reproof fabric.

Deal with stains quickly. Deal with stained clothing as quickly as possible - stains left unattended develop and damage the fabric. Never store stained skiwear away for the next season.

Never rub at stains. Blot with a white absorbent paper towel, one piece in front of the stain and one behind.

Wool Stains. Rubbing wool causes pile damage, only rectifiable by shaving the surface.

Hard to remove stains. However well you wash or dry clean skiwear it is not usually possible to remove stains on the seat caused by the T Bar and Button lifts. The friction of the lift forces the stain to the core of the fabric.

Repairing damage. If a small swatch of fabric is supplied with your skiwear make sure to keep it, even the worst damage can be repaired if a matching fabric is supplied.


Barkergroup are here to help

Remember that zips can be replaced, tears can be mended and fabrics can be reproofed - all without drama. Barker's expertise is here for your convenience.

Shoe Repairs

Don't throw away those favourite shoes...have them repaired for a fraction of the cost!

We offer an excellent shoe repair and accessories service that includes:

New soles
New heels
Stitching
New comfort insoles
Laces
Now available through all our branches.

Curtain Cleaning with the Barker Group

Let Barker Dry Cleaning take all the work out of having your curtains cleaned. Our specialist staff will come to your home, and give you an estimate of the cost of having your soft furnishings cleaned to perfection.

Once accepted they will take your curtains away and 48 hours later return to re-hang them.To try this unique, time saving, and professional service all you have to do is arrange a convenient time for an on site visit.

The Start of Anthony A. Barker Ltd.

Anthony Barker arrived in his Battersea office one day to find that he was working for Fred Pickles, Chairman of the 1940 Group. He was quickly promoted to Group sales Manager with approximately 80 shops and 5 Laundries to promote. Later that same year Anthony left the 1940 group and joined Marlow Cleaners run by an ebullient Irishman. In 1961 Anthony left Marlow Cleaners and with three friends, Tony Stevens, Ian Tuson and Simon Murray, opened Harlequin Cleaners and later Commodore Cleaners subsequently to become Columbine Cleaners. In 1972 Anthony took three shops in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch founding Anthony A. Barker Ltd.

The Move South

Looking for larger premises with which to operate commercial dry cleaning, Anthony came across a small laundry in Bournemouth. The Argyle Laundry, as it was then known, had existed since 1861 providing domestic laundry services to households and latterly to hotels and guesthouses in the area. The premises were not large enough and the capital did not exist to pursue commercial laundry activities in the same way that most laundries were at that time.

The End of Domestic Laundry?

Thousands of small laundries had survived on the door-to-door domestic service, but the numbers had been decimated with the advent of the domestic washing machine, and by the considerable financial benefits to be gained by larger laundries in concentrating their efforts on linen rental and thus stopping the domestic service. Domestic laundry, the provision of a weekly washing service to the public, with the massive variety of different items and finishes, required at least four times the amount of labour and plant as were needed to provide commercial laundry services.

In 1950 there were 6000 laundries in the United Kingdom. Today there are a mere 600.

Keeping The Traditional Alive

Undaunted by these facts, Anthony and his wife Valerie decided that the future of the Anthony A. Barker laundry lay in the provision of high quality Domestic laundry services not just to the general public through door-to-door collection and delivery but also to a wider market by supplying the service to dry cleaners. After all, this was a market not unfamiliar to them.

Read previous Barker Group history here 
Read the next chapter in Barker Group history here

The Rug Doctor - available from all Barker Group Shops

The Rug Doctor ® carpet cleaner is available now to hire at our Charminster & Parkstone branches, or can be sent to your nearest store for easy-pick-up.

The Rug Doctor ® carpet cleaner is available to hire daily. If you can vacuum, you can use a Rug Doctor ®.

Also available at our Charminster & Parkstone branches: Rug Doctor ® cleaning products and at our Central Bournemouth Branch, the Rug Doctor Emergency Repair Kit. This kit provides all the solvents and tools for those annoying mishaps!

How your carpets get dirty
Your carpet serves as a magnet that collects a variety of pollutants and contaminants from various sources. Indoor sources include air conditioners, heaters, pets, trash cans, stoves, furnishings, tobacco smoke and food particles. Outdoor sources include pollen and spores from trees, plants and other vegetation as well as exhaust fumes from cars, fireplaces and barbecues. It's estimated that 80% of all carpet soil comes from matter tracked in from outside.

Why you must clean your carpets
You would be surprised to know how much dirt, pollen, and other contaminants can hide in a carpet, though it may look clean. Frequent vacuuming helps considerably, but nothing replaces the kind of deep down clean the Rug Doctor ® carpet cleaner provides.

Continuous Towel Machines

As a complementary service to our workwear division, we supply two types of Towel machine designed for use in either a retail or industrial environment. Our machines provide the most efficient, hygienic and environmentally friendly method of hand drying available.

Our service provides full laundering back up of continuous towels to enable the permanent provision of efficient hand drying.

Industrial Towel Dispenser
Already widely in use in many factories and garages throughout Dorset, the Barker Industrial Towel Dispenser provides 40 metres of hygienically laundered towel to ensure both a clean, tidy washroom and rapid hand drying for a busy workforce.

Retail Towel Dispenser
Barker Towel Machines are now in use in Hotels and Restaurants for use by both catering staff and clients. Containing a 20 metre towel, the Retail Towel Dispenser is a neat, slim line machine at home in any retail environment.

Dust Control Mats

Dust control mats are a necessity in most workplaces, especially in manufacture or industrial industries. Our mats are an extremely effective way of stopping dirt, dust and moisture from either entering or moving around your premises. They are also a fantastic way of protecting your flooring, ensuring good health and safety practice and saving cleaning time and costs. We are able to supply our superb dust control mats for either direct purchase or rental, which includes collection, laundering and delivery.

Key Benefits
Our highly effective Dust Control Mats offer:
Substantial preservation of flooring and interiors
Vast reductions in the cost and time of cleaning
Increased safety for staff and visitors
Different sizes to suit your requirements
Dissipation of static electricity
Able to buy diect or rent
Our own Barker Collect and Launder service

Dust Control Mat Rental Service
The majority of our Standard Dust Control Mats are supplied on a rental basis. This is an extremely efficient and cost effective way of possessing a dust control mat and having it regularly exchanged and cleaned fortnightly. By having your mat professionally cleaned and tumble dryed regularly, you will be assured that your mat constantly performs to its optimum efficiency. This also means that you do need to buy the dust control mats from us directly , because we absorb this cost with the cost of the cleaning and offer this excellent service at a small weekly charge over a fixed contract term.

Sizes
We are able to supply three standard mat sizes to suit your requirements:

4' x 3' - 120cm x 85cm
5' x 3' - 150cm x 85cm
6' x 4' - 175cm x 115cm

Practical Benefits
The Barker Logo Mat has all of the practical properties that you would expect from one of our standard Dust Control Mats. Dust Control Mats are an extremely effective way of stopping dirt, dust and moisture entering your premises (up to 94%).

An average building receives up to five hundred pounds of stone, glass and grit per year - 70% of this is either wheeled or walked in on peoples feet.

By utilising the space just in front of your door with a Barker Logo Mat, you can retain four and a half pounds of dirt. Dirt that if not retained is then tracked further into your premises, causing irreparable damage.

It is also worth bearing in mind that we offer all logo designs as portrait or landscape positions on the mat. This enables you far more options for your floor space.

How Dust Control Mats work best
Dust Control Mats will not work to their full capacity unless cleaned and tumble dryed professionally every two weeks, but this is at your discretion. The advantage of our Barker Logo Mats is that you are under no contract - the Mat/s are purchased directly from us, then we collect, take to the laundry, professionally wash and tumble dry, then deliver back to you!

Workwear

We can cure the headache of dealing with workwear in both dirty and clean environments. Things like oil stained overalls are no longer a problem. Whether you buy or rent from us, your staff are assured of a constant supply of clean workwear.

Our flexible packages are designed to give you the freedom of choice with your workwear needs and at the same time guaranteeing a level of service not available from conventional workwear suppliers. This service is only available across the South of England which includes Hants, Dorset, Wilts, Berkshire, Glos, Oxon and some parts of Surrey.

Garment Rental
We are able to offer you rental of workwear from our wide range of clothing for the workplace. We can offer bespoke corporate designs and badging service to enhance your company image. All rental agreements are individually tailored to suit you, providing supply, collection and delivery, and cleaning to your specification.

Cleaning and Repair
Have your own garments collected, cleaned, repaired, and returned on a weekly basis. Charges are per garment which includes the collection and delivery.

Garment Sales
We offer an extensive range of high quality workwear garments at very competitive prices. You may wish also to enjoy one weeks free cleaning of your new garments, including collection and delivery.

How To Care For Your Dry Cleaning

Hang clothing outside the wardrobe for at least two hours before putting away.

Wardrobes should ideally have a free flow of air through them - louver doors, ventilation ducts, etc.

Cover the shoulders of clothing in the wardrobe with Barker shoulder covers supplied with all finished dry cleaning cover to prevent dust - do not leave in the wardrobe completely covered - the air cannot circulate.

Deal with stained clothing as quickly as possible - stains left unattended develop and cause damage to the fabric.

Collection and Delivery of Your Laundry

Fully Finished Laundry - Barker Laundry provides a fully finished weekly collected & delivered from your door. Even if you are out, our driver will collect & deliver from the pre-arranged location. Join the hundreds of domestic and business clients already using our service.

Whatever day is convenient to you, whether you send laundry every week or not, our driver will call regularly to provide the most convenient laundry service available.


Our collection & delivery service is also available for any dry cleaning orders including large items such as curtains.

In every case, the Barker Collection & Delivery service is designed to meet your needs.

For more information on Barker's Reusable Packaging go here

Barker's Stiff Collar Service for Detachable Collars

Who Uses Our Collar Laundering Service?

Most of our shirt collars are produced for retail markets in the UK, Europe and South Africa, but we also launder and restarch collars for Royalty, the Judiciary, The Armed Forces and the General Public throughout the UK and the rest of the world.

We provided the collars for the Sherlock Holmes movie....Our collars can also be seen on stage, screen and television. "Passage to India", "Titanic" and "Shacklet" are just a few of the period productions that have used Barker Collars. We have also supplied 1000 collars for the Inspector Poirot TV series. Well known Theatre and Production Companies are amongst our clients including: The Almeida Theatre, New Shakespeare Company, Bill Kenwright Productions and the Scottish National Opera.
Barker Group Detachable Collars
Although fashions and style change over the years, we at Barker Group in Dorset, have always realised the value of tradition and quality.We actively take part in the manufacture of over 90% of the world production of new detachable stiff collars. It is estimated that the world market is somewhere in the region of 65,000 - 80,000 new collars sold every year.

We launder in excess of 60,000 detachable stiff collars every year and the numbers are continuing to grow. By ensuring that antique equipment is maintained, and that the craftsmen's skills are passed on, Barker Collars has become the largest launderer of detachable stiff collars in the world.

What Types of Collar Do We Launder and Restarch?

We launder and restarch all types of collars, including Turndown Collars, Wing Collars and Straight (Imperial) Collars. Please note that in addition to providing this exceptional service, we also clean and starch dress shirts and Marcella waistcoats, as well as white ties and barristers tabs.

How Do I Get My Stiff Collars Laundered Cleaned?

Five generations of craftsmans knowledge is used to return client's stiff collars to pristine condition. Our despatch department then ensures that the cleaned stiff collars are returned to their owners as quickly as possible.

Local Residents in the Poole/Bournemouth/Andover/Sherborne areas can contact any of our Barker Dry Cleaning Branches. Click here for details of your nearest branch.

Worldwide (and UK wide) by Post - from Australia to Austria, Boston to Bombay, all over the world, our parcels of stiff collars are on route to their owners. Processing from receipt to return posting takes approximately a week.

Contact Us

For more information on any of our services, or to find out how we can help you please contact our Head Office:

121 Charminster Road, Charminster, Bournemouth. Dorset. BH8 8UH

Tel: 01202 291295
Email: sales@barkergroup.info

Prices for Wedding Dress Cleaning

Our prices are based on the value of your dress at the time of the order. It is important that you advise us accurately as in the unlikely event of loss or damage, the correct amount of compensation may not be paid.

Dress Value	Up to £600	£600-1000	£1001-2000	£2000+
Small Box	£87.50	£106	£130	£155
Large Box	£92.50	£111	£135	£160

All prices include VAT, presentation box and our collection and delivery service PLUS the free cleaning of your veil.

Guarantee
It may not be possible to remove every mark from your dress and as a reputable company, we would not make a claim that we could. Further, if your dress has beads and/or sequins, we have to rely on the quality of the manufacturer. However in all cases, we assure you that we will always do our best to achieve the best possible results for your satisfaction.

BarkerCard Terms and Conditions

Parties to the agreement. 1. 'Barkercard' of Barker Group and 2. 'The Cardholder''

1. In this agreement the following words or phrases shall have the meanings indicated: Card shall mean the discount card issued by the Barker Group from time to time in accordance with these terms and conditions. Cardholder shall mean the person to whom a card has been issued. Membership shall mean the holding of a card by the Cardholder. Discount shall mean such discount as the Cardholder shall be entitled to receive upon the purchase of goods or services from a Barkers branch only or any discount supplier in accordance with the terms and conditions hereinafter provided. Discount Supplier shall mean such firms, organisations, establishments and businesses as from time to time offer discounts to the Cardholder. The Annual Fee shall mean such sum as may from time to time be required by the Barker Group for the issue or renewal of the card.

2. The Barker Group may determine the Cardholders membership at any time upon written notice to the Cardholder.

3. All cards remain the property of the Barker Group and must be returned to the Barker Group upon demand and may be retained by any discount supplier or any other person acting on behalf of the Barker Group.

4. In the event of membership being terminated by the Barker Group in accordance with clause 2 above, the Barker Group shall refund to the Cardholder an appropriate proportion of the annual fee to be assessed by reference to the proportion of the years membership unexpired at the date of such termination.

5. The period of membership shall be for one year from the receipt of the annual fee upon the expiry of which membership shall determine unless membership is renewed either: a) by payment of the annual fee then prevailing in response to an invitation to the Cardholder to renew his or her membership or b) automatically if the fee is paid by bankers standing order or direct debit and in either case such renewal shall be on the same terms & conditions as herein contained save as notified to the Cardholder in writing prior to or at the time of such renewal.

6. The Cardholder may at any time cancel his or her membership by notice in writing to the Barker Group. In such an event the card must be returned to the Barker Group with the notice.

7. In the event of the Cardholder cancelling his or her membership in accordance with clause 6 then he or she shall not be entitled to any refund whether full or partial of the annual fee unless such notice is given within 14 days of the commencement of renewal of membership.
8. The Cardholder: a) Must sign the card immediately upon receipt b) Shall not use the card outside the validity period or after the card has been withdrawn or membership cancelled c) shall not assign membership d) shall not use or allow the use of the card to obtain discount by or for any other person e) shall not give sell or otherwise dispose of the card to any other person.

9. If the Cardholder shall at any time be in breach of any of the conditions herein contained: a) Barker Group shall be entitled to determine membership forthwith by notice in writing and require the return of the card and without prejudice to the right of the Barker Group to seek damages or other remedies for such breach b) the Cardholder shall indemnify the barker Group against any loss or expenses suffered by it or any discount supplier arising directly or indirectly out of such breach.

10. No discount supplier shall be required to offer discount to the Cardholder other than upon production of the card and such other identification (if any) as may reasonably be required by the discount supplier.

11. It is hereby declared by the Barker Group and acknowledged by the Cardholder that no warrantee is given by the Barker Group as to the number, identity, location of discount suppliers nor as to the extent of discount that may from time to time be offered by discount suppliers nor as to any period or times during which the discount will be offered.

12. The Barker Group hereby agrees to provide a regular newsletter providing up to date information upon current participating discount suppliers.

13. For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared and agreed that the Barker Group shall not be party to any contact or other arrangement between the discount supplier and the Cardholder for the supply of goods, services or credit by the discount supplier to the Cardholder.

14. The Barker Group reserves the right to assign or subcontract all or any of its rights and obligations hereunder without prior notice or consent.

Find Our Branches in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire

Charminster Branch & Head Office

121 Charminster Road, Charminster, Bournemouth. Dorset. BH8 8UH
Tel: 01202 291295
Fax: 01202 290402
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Barker Group - Laundry
The Laundry, Rear of 3 Dominion Road, Wallisdown, Bournemouth. Dorset. BH11 8LH
Tel: 01202 291295
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Bournemouth Branch
26 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth. Dorset. BH2 6EJ
Tel: 01202 587999
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Parkstone Branch
27 Church Road, Parkstone, Poole. Dorset. BH14 8UF
Tel: 01202 748751
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Boscombe Branch
28 Ashley Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth. Dorset. BH1 4LH
Tel: 01202 720271
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Andover Branch
136 Weyhill Road, Andover. Hampshire. SP10 3BG
Parking available in front of the shop.
Tel: 01264 352815
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Sherborne Branch
3 South Street, Sherborne. Dorset. DT9 3LN
Tel: 01935 816070
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Ferndown Branch
123 Victoria Road. Ferndown, Dorset. BH22 9HU
Tel: 01202 871007
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