Melton family business thrives after 125 years

When William Southerington bought a horse and cart in 1892 and started a removal and haulage business in Melton he would surely be proud to hear that it continues to thrive 125 years later under the stewardship of grandson John.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jan 2017, 10:00 BST
A van used by Southeringtons removals in Melton in the mid-20th century EMN-171001-124511001A van used by Southeringtons removals in Melton in the mid-20th century EMN-171001-124511001
A van used by Southeringtons removals in Melton in the mid-20th century EMN-171001-124511001

William, who was one of 16 children and left school at the age of nine, had saved £5 from making boots for workmen including Holwell Works employees.

The company was originally based at the former Bentley Square, close to where Norman Way is now, and it initially concentrated on haulage work. William helped Denmans build housing estates off Craven Street and Victoria Street by hauling the heavy materials to the sites.

Progress was slow as horses only moved at 3mph.

William Southerington, pictured in about 1892 when he started a removals and haulage business in Melton which continues to thrive 125 years later EMN-171001-124521001William Southerington, pictured in about 1892 when he started a removals and haulage business in Melton which continues to thrive 125 years later EMN-171001-124521001
William Southerington, pictured in about 1892 when he started a removals and haulage business in Melton which continues to thrive 125 years later EMN-171001-124521001
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John (71), a director who has been involved in the family business for 57 years, said: “In the early days of removals my grandfather used to load the horse and dray up and then ship it to an address by rail if it wasn’t local.

“The company has gone through the stages of horse drawn carriages, steam lorries, Model T Fords and in 1952 we had one of the largest lorries around, a big petrol van.”

In the 1950s, the vans were resticted to doing only 20mph by law, rising to 30mph a decade or so later. One of their drivers was stopped for speeding on the A1 at Wansford in 1968 for doing 34mph.

Southeringtons used to garage vehicles on the old canal basin off Burton Street for 70 years up to the 1980s.

John Southerington, who has worked for the family removals business for 57 years EMN-171001-123621001John Southerington, who has worked for the family removals business for 57 years EMN-171001-123621001
John Southerington, who has worked for the family removals business for 57 years EMN-171001-123621001
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William reluctantly retired in 1946 at the age of 73 by which time his sons James and Jack had taken the reins.

The business relocated to its present home, off Leicester Road, in 1978. By now Jack’s son John was playing a big role, as he does today.

His son Paul is involved and is likely to take over in future.

Paul said: “I can remember carrying the odd box when I was 10. I used to enjoy being on the vans in the early days. It’s the biggest compliment being invited into someone’s house and being trusted to safeguard their effects.”

Related topics:Melton