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......Tea...Salesman.-William....Stanley........

(7) by Jeannette Oatley


I'd like to tell you about my grandfather William Stanley and three other members of my family.

My grandfather was born in Shadwell in l876. He began as a watchmaker but some time early in the l900's he commenced work with J. Lyons when they set up their tea department. He started with a horse and cart and then proceeded to vans. He was away from the firm during WW1 when he was called up at the age of 40. He was in the Artillery and served at Ypres and Passchendale. He was badly gassed and sent home to recuperate. He was lucky that he did survive. He then returned to J. Lyons where he remained for the rest of his working life until his final illness and death in December of l949.

His eldest daughter, my mother, Ethel Stanley worked as a Nippy at one of Lyon's cornerhouses. Unfortunately I cannot remember which one. I do remember that she told me her supervisor was very strict and the uniform, shoes and stockings had to be just so. J. Lyons was also responsible for her "change" of name. She had always disliked the name Ethel. When she worked for Lyons I believe that they were called Sallys. Sally she became from the day onward. Her husband, when he first met her, assumed her name WAS Sally. Apart from her parents and brothers who always called her Ethel, she was called Sally until the time she died in December of l981.

His eldest son, William Frederick Stanley also worked for Lyons as a Tea Salesman up until WW2 when he enlisted in the Merchant Marine. His name is listed in the magazine Lyons Pie. After the war he did not return to Lyons but took up a life at sea.

His youngest son, Alan Andrew Stanley commenced work for Lyons as a very young man and spent all his working life with the firm.

So the whole family of four were connected with Lyons and were very proud of the fact and I am very proud of them.

© Jeannette Oatley 2002

 

 

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