Melia's Grocers

[perry86]

I'm looking for any information on Melia's grocery chain which was around 1920s-1970s. It was a popular store and from what I gather had branches in most towns and cities during this time.

My grandparents worked in the Melton Mowbray store from 1931-1951 and this is how they met. My grandmother was manageress during the Second World War.

Memories, sources etc are very welcome! To aid the process I set up the Wiki page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melia%27s_Grocers_and_Tea_Dealers

So please don't use this as your first source :p

Thanks!

[CaroleW]

Duplicate post on

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,500587.0/topicseen.html

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Perry

I remember Melias in Loughborough Market Place; i visited it many times as a child in the 1940's and 50's.

It had a long counter with chairs for the customers to sit whilst they were being served, and I also remember all those wonderful smells that went with that store.

I believe somewhere in my books on Loughborough there are pictures of the store - will try to dig them out and post them here

Chris in 1066

 

[hanes teulu]

Perry86,
The following predates your "1920+ memories" but hope it's of interest.

Reynold's News, Sunday Mar 29, 1896
THE PEOPLE'S FOOD
At Leamington on Monday Daniel Melia (trading as Melia and Co), with branches in various parts of the country, was charged under the Merchandise Marks Act with having unlawfully applied a certain false trade description "English roll" to American roll bacon. The defence was that substantially that the employer was not criminally responsible for the acts of his servant. The Bench imposed the maximum penalty of £50, and allowed the costs* of the prosecution. Defendant gave notice of appeal

* costs £10

regards

[perry86]

Chris,

that would be lovely. One of my colleagues would certainly appreciate this trip down memory lane! She also remembers Melia's well, although into the 1960s.

I don't know how similar 1930s/1940s chain stores would be, but those images have certainly helped me to imagine the type of shop environment my grandparents would have been working in!

Hanes, that is a very interesting little aside also! I will add it to my wiki page.

[hanes teulu]

Do you want another one? - think that involves bacon too!!!

regards

[perry86]

Anything that involves bacon interests me!

[hanes teulu]

perry86,
your Wikisite mentions the importance of tea. But what about something a little stronger?

Leeds Mercury, Thursday, August 28, 1890
Brewster Sessions - Huddersfield
Granted - Mr Daniel Melia, grocer, 18 King St, licence to sell wines to be consumed off the premises

Have sent you a Pm

regards

[Ray Ashton]

Hi . I worked as a errand boy for Melias in Mansfield Notts  . After leaving school at 15 years of age I was given employment at the same shop .  It was all about looking after your customers in the best possible way .   After rationing ended ! that was fully in 1953 .

Then it was all about offering the the price and service to keep your customer base.. All I can say it was very hard work .. Loose butter/Lard, Sugar, almost everything had to cut ready and weighed before the very busy weekend .

Other than the things I've mentioned, Huge amounts of bacon,cookedmeats, all prepared and cut on display everyday.  All served over the counter.   I eventually became a shop manager for Melias and went on to get my very own store when Melias closed down in the early 1960s.  All I can say now at 84 years old thank goodness things have changed?..  RA.