Bringing a piece of Shropshire's history back to life
It is a name that farmers around Shropshire know, and one man is on a mission to resurrect a successful corn business in its memory.
W. Rogers and Son was a thriving millers and corn merchants set up nearly 150 years ago in Market Drayton, and saw farmers come from across the county for their feed.
But now, Philip Thomason, 52, is hoping he can set up a similar agricultural merchant business with the respected name – bringing a piece of Market Drayton history back to life.
"It is a real traditional agricultural merchants," said Mr Thomason.
"It is a name people really know, and farming families don't seem to change, so there will be people who remember using the original business years ago. They used to send feed all the way to India – they really were world renowned.
"But I don't think there is anything similar to this in the area. Not every farmer wants to buy big loads of feed, but we want to offer the option of small supply when it comes to feed."
W. Rogers and Son was set up in 1855 based in Adderley Road. Its Grade II-listed building can still be seen today with lettering showing the business name and is now being used for flats.
And although Mr Thomason's company will not have any ties to the company, he has the family's blessing to operate under the name.
He said: "I spoke to one of the family members about the idea, and she seemed really pleased.
"So many people know the name that it seemed like a good idea to keep it alive.
"We won't be in the building on Adderley Road, we will be based in the silver feed dome. But I have been told it is in the same area the family actually started the business, which is really interesting as we did not know that to begin with."
The feed dome is along Newport Road, and will soon be setting up its website and phone lines.
But while the company is moving forward, Mr Thomason has been fascinated by some of the older memorabilia showing just what went on at the agricultural merchants.
He has uncovered old images of the millers as well as account books and original mast heads of letters. He said: "I have been round to farmers and letting them know what we are doing.
"They have all said it sounds like a really good service and something that they need in the area.
"It will only be successful if people think there is a need for it, and we will be making sure we have the right products."
