History Society Meeting 21st November

Review of 21st November meeting of Audlem and District History Society

There were two topics and two speakers at this meeting

SHEILA SWINDALE (nee BURTON) and ISOBEL SYKES (nee EDMONDS)

Sheila gave her talk first, about her family and its connection with Audlem and Kingbur Mill.

Sheila's grandfather Kingsley took over Audlem Old Mill in Monks Lane in 1909. He then moved the business to Kingbur Mill which is situated by the canal in Audlem and the mill was in full operation by 1916. He could see the advantage of the canal for the movement of grain etc.

Kingsley had four children, one of whom, John, Sheila's father, took on the milling business in lieu of going to Cambridge University. The Burtons were keen Methodists and John was a man of many talents.

John produced pantomimes and the pageant at Highfields. He was a keen sportsman and he served on the Rural District Council. He also became Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

Sheila related memories of the mill including their large ginger 'mouser' cat and the pigsty at the side of the mill. She remembered munching on broken biscuits which arrived at the mill, her favourites being the pink wafers.

The Shroppie Fly was one of her father's warehouses and the mill was eventually sold around 1962.

Isobel gave her talk about the Edmonds family who established their grocery business in Stafford Street, Audlem in 1928. The business thrived and in 1939 her father married Doris Cliffe. Stan further expanded the business by purchasing a van, a travelling shop.

In the meantime, Isobel's mother Doris started to bake cakes, which led to the family's catering business. In 1960 the shop was sold and the Edmonds went into full time catering, having converted
heir garage on the Whitchurch Road. Isobel produced various bills, receipts and menus for us to see.

In the early days, events were small and usually consisted of a cold buffet, featuring tongue, ham and salads, together with their famous secret recipe for home made salad cream. Larger events followed comprising of hot meals featuring turkey, beef etc.

They also specialised in wedding cakes. The Edmonds sold their business in the year 2000.

Two really interesting talks given by members of the Burton and Edmonds families, which the audience very much appreciated.