There aren't many businesses that can boast a heritage as far back as Dickinson & Morris. To celebrate their 160th year of trading, the company announced the launch of their 'FamiIy Tree Challenge' on 6th May 2011. The firm will be working alongside the popular Ancestry website in a bid to discover the living descendants of the business founders John Dickinson and Joseph Morris.
The Dickinson and Morris Business Founders John Dickinson and Joseph Morris
The now-famous pork pie business of Dickinson and Morris started out all those years ago in a shop in the town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. John Dickinson opened the shop in 1851. Thirty-five years later he employed an apprentice called Joseph Morris, who would go on to become a fully-fledged partner in the business in 1901.
The shop still stands proudly in the middle of Melton Mowbray, and the Dickinson & Morris pies can be seen in supermarkets all over the UK. The business has grown to sell not only its famous pork pies, but Stilton cheese, chutneys, sausages, bacon and also some cakes.
How Will People Find Out If They Are Related to The Dickson & Morris Founders?
Dickinson & Morris have enlisted the help of the Ancestry genealogy website, which encourages people to register to find out more about their family history. In addition, the pork pie firm have set up a special part of their website where contributors can share family photos and email specific details of their family trees, including any interesting documents and letters.
Stephen Hallam, Managing Director of Dickinson & Morris Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe said that the aim was to find "living descendants" of the original founders' families, adding that "it would be a fantastic opportunity to interact with those relatives and celebrate our shared heritage in this special year".
Those wanting to participate are also encouraged to use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to drum up interest and share family stories.
The Challenge Could Spark an 'Exciting Discovery'
At a time when there are still fears of economic stability in the UK, this campaign also raises awareness of the success of a local business which opened its doors over 150 years ago and still commands a strong presence today. As well as providing a boost to the Dickinson & Morris brand, the challenge reminds us that businesses can cope with ups and downs over almost two centuries and could raise morale among local businesses.
As Annabel Reeves from Ancestry put it: "to find out that you have an ancestor who launched a notorious brand with such a rich heritage would be a very exciting discovery!"
Sources
- Dickinson & Morris press release, "Pork Pie Brand Launches Family Tree Challenge to Commemorate 160th Anniversary", dated 6th May 2011
- Dickinson & Morris website
Jo Romero - Jo is a Freelance Food Writer, Food Blogger and Restaurant Reviewer, based in the UK. Visit her profile to find out more.
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