Joe’s retirement tonic

End of an era: Joe Mawson

Mawson’s to shut up shop after 77 years

AN Oldham institution is shutting up shop after 77 years of good health.

Well-known herbalists Mawson’s is closing after keeping generations supplied with everything from cream soda to castor oil.

The family-run health food store in Rochdale Road, Royton, closes on May 20.

And it ends a lifetime connection with the business for owner Joe Mawson (75) who was born above the original herbalists and temperance bar opened by his father in George Street, Oldham. But his son, Nigel, will keep the name going and continue to make Mawson’s traditional herbal drinks.

There were 36 herbalists when Mr Mawson’s late father, also named Joe, started the business in 1933.

Joe said: “There were far more over-the-counter medicines in those days when people bought their own castor and Beecham’s pills, many of which now are forgotten. We used to carry a range of up to 450 herbs in George Street.”

The temperance bar opened until 1963. Joe added: “Our drink trade was such a major part of the business. People would come into town before going home, then we’d get them if they were coming into town for the pictures. We even had to wait for the projectionists at the Grosvenor to come in here for a drink when they finished.

“When my dad opened the business, the closing time was when the last tram went down the street for Hollinwood. He knew then there was no-one left in the town centre!”

Despite officially retiring two years ago, Joe will still be involved with Nigel who recreated the company’s famous sarsaparilla to mark it’s 65th anniversary.

This proved so popular that he now also produces Mawson’s cream soda, dandelion and burdock, ginger and pink lemonade in Rawtenstall.