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A Night in the Life of a Milk & More Milkman

When a new member joins the Milk & More team we encourage them to step into the heart of our operation by visiting our bottling centre and joining in on a milk round. This allows them to witness the lifecycle of our business and appreciate the incredible work that goes into the service that provides for their community. Our newly onboarded Social Media Executive Fraser recently embarked on this enlightening adventure. Read about his eye opening experience as a milkman for the night.
Fraser G
Posted 23-10-23

Few figures in the annals of British history are as iconic and endearing as the humble milkman. For generations, these silent knights of the early morning hours have faithfully delivered a cherished staple to British households: fresh milk. I can still vividly recall my childhood mornings, when my mother would send me to the doorstep to retrieve the white treasure, transforming my mundane cornflakes into a delectable morning feast. Now, as an adult, having recently joined Milk & More, I had the privilege of bestowing the same doorstep delight upon families across my neighbourhood, as part of my on-boarding.

As I embarked on my journey to the Mitcham delivery centre at the stroke of 1 a.m., ready to commence a night of tireless deliveries, I couldn't help but reflect on the rich history of milk delivery I had immersed myself in the previous day. The roots of this tradition extend deep into the 18th century when milkmaids would traverse the countryside, bringing farm-fresh milk directly to people's homes. However, it was in the mid-20th century, following World War II and the widespread adoption of refrigeration, that the milkman truly came into his own. The iconic image of the milkman making his predawn rounds became ingrained in the tapestry of British culture.

The milkman's role transcended mere delivery; it became a symphony of convenience, reliability, and sustainability. The allure of having fresh milk delivered directly to your doorstep, encased in recyclable, refillable glass, on a dependable schedule, became an integral part of the suburban soundscape. The 1970s and 80s introduced challenges to the milk delivery industry, as supermarkets extended their hours and diversified their product offerings, shifting consumer habits and threatening the milkman's traditional role. Yet, amidst these challenges, a beacon of innovation emerged: Milk & More. Born from the rebranding of Dairy Crest's doorstep delivery service, this company seized the opportunity to reinvent the concept of the milkman for the modern era. They expanded their product range to encompass not only dairy but also fresh produce, bakery items, and even household essentials.

As I entered the Mitcham depot and equipped myself with a headlamp, safety boots, and gloves, I had the privilege of meeting Ian Beardwell, my mentor for the night—a milkman with over three decades of experience who had witnessed the evolution of his trade. His father and uncle had also been milkmen, starting their journeys with horse-drawn carriages before transitioning to electric vehicles. It was an honour to be mentored by someone so deeply entrenched in this profession and the community it served.

Our night began with a demonstration of the high-tech system that optimised our delivery route, reducing time, reducing unnecessary food miles and increasing efficiency. As we navigated the streets, the early morning hours offered a unique perspective on the neighbourhood, the silence was palpable. Quietly leaving baskets of provisions and treats on people's doorsteps felt akin to playing Santa Claus for the night. Ian knew each house like the back of his hand, ensuring that groceries were left in preferred locations, whether there was a gate to navigate, or a locked box. He spoke to unseen heroic moments some of his colleagues had been involved with, intervening in muggings, waking customers whose car had caught fire and ensuring the safety of an elderly lady walking the streets dazed and confused in the middle of the night. I was awestruck by a man who had spent 30 years as a milkman yet still exuded the same passion and respect for his job.

Upon returning to the centre, we unloaded our empty bottles and plugged in the electric vehicle to be recharged (renewable energy, of course). It was a satisfying conclusion to a job well done as we headed home for the night, or rather, toward a well-earned morning's rest. Peering behind the scenes of the dedicated men and women at Milk & More, who tirelessly provide a dependable means of securing milk and groceries, was a genuine treat.

The journey of the milkman has been a tale of evolution, adaptation, and innovation. From its modest beginnings as a tradition of milkmaids to the modernised doorstep delivery service offered by Milk & More, this industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, ushering a beloved British tradition into the 21st century. Looking forward, the future demands the spirit of convenience, reliability, and sustainability—pillars upon which Milk & More has built its service. While the image of the milkman may have evolved, I experienced first-hand that the enduring values of community, freshness, and service have remained unwavering. 

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