Atherton: Tributes paid to dairy businessman David Sheldon

Milkman David Sheldon, known fondly as 'Shelly', founder of Sheldon’s Dairy, died peacefully at home on Thursday October 17, after a very short illness.

The 86-year-old, who bought his first milk round in Atherton when he was only 17, will be fondly remembered for his generosity and community spirit to many local charities and sporting bodies.

The family business, run by sons Chris and John, celebrates its 60th anniversary next year.

David and Pam celebrating their diamond wedding in July 2020 (Image: Supplied)

Customers and friends took to social media to share fond memories of the kind-hearted entrepreneur who ‘always helped others’.

Fellow businessman Steve Elstone said: “Dave was a tremendous man who gave his heart, soul and his smile to Knutsford.

“To say he will be sadly missed will be a huge understatement.”

David will be fondly remembered for his generosity and community spirit (Image: Supplied)

Kenny Plumb said: “Such a Knutsford legend. Truly the nicest man and always had time for a chat.

“Knutsford has lost one of its best.”

Roland Harkness said: "A real true Knutsfordian of the highest order."

Keri Brookes added: “It’s such a comforting, warm feeling knowing there’s someone out and about at the crack of dawn making sure you get your milk, whatever the weather.

“How lovely that your dad was the man that started it all.”

Warrington-born David showed his entrepreneurial spirit very early in life, helping out on a horse and cart milk round before school, collecting the horse dung along the way.

After lessons finished, he sold the horse manure door to door from a wheelbarrow.

David bought his first milk round in Atherton when he was only 17, eventually selling it to Associated Dairies to take a paid job with them as a manager.

Son Chris said: “He quickly realised he was not suited for working for someone else and left after a few months."

He met the love of his life, Pam, in 1957.

David and Pam celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary in 2020 (Image: Supplied)

“A few years later, they were married, and five years later, they upped sticks took their two young children and gambled on a move to Knutsford.”

David bought his first Knutsford round from Mr Stammers in Bexton in 1965, keeping his van at Whitehouse Farm on Bexton Lane.

The gamble paid off and he went on to buy other rounds as local milkmen retired.

Webbs, Jennings, Healds, Irlam’s in Chelford, Mortons in High Legh, Potts in Alderley Edge and Wilmslow, to name just a few.

The business has gone on to provide employment for hundreds of local people over the years.

Chris said: “Never afraid to try new things, he bought the bus station café (now Booths) in the early 70s and a fruit and veg shop in King Street in 1976, with the idea to sell produce on the milk rounds.

“He sold both ventures to concentrate on the core business.

“It is testament to his foresight and ambition that the dairy business is still going strong almost 60 years on.

“He took great pride in providing for his family.”

David and Pam have seven children and celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in July 2020.

Since handing over to his sons and son-in-law Steve Edwards more than 20 years ago, he loved his holidays in Tenerife and bowling at Crosstowns Club, where he served on the committee for many years.

Steve retired four years ago.

Chris added: “A long, happy, successful life, lived to the full.

“He will live on in his seven children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

“His legacy to the residents of Knutsford is the business he built from scratch almost 60 years ago and will continue to thrive under the stewardship of Chris and John.”

David’s funeral will be held at 1pm on Monday, November 4, at Knutsford Parish Church, followed by private committal.

Sheldons deliver fresh Cheshire milk in glass bottles, plus 2,500 daily newspapers on 18 rounds, using electric milk floats, to more than 6,000 homes in Knutsford and surrounding towns and villages.

The brothers have also developed an extensive online list of products ranging from fruit, vegetables, bread, cakes, fresh and cooked meats to groceries, pet food, coal, logs and gardening supplies.

The business has always supported the local community, raising more than £50,000 for East Cheshire Hospice through a lottery.