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Express deliveries from milkman Ian

Charlotte Cox
28/ 5/2008

HE BATTLES through rain, hail, snow, and dashes past vicious dogs to bring you a pint... and your Macclesfield Express.

He is one of the morning’s unsung heroes; a trooper of the dawn. Ian Cooper is a milkman.

The dad-of-four, whose feet slide into his slippers at 1.20am, six days a week, is dedicated to his round in Chelford and Birtles.

Having covered his patch for 11 years in his Toyota Diesel, he knows his route – which also includes Alderley Edge – like the back of his hand.

"It’s a fun job actually, especially when the weather’s good. I don’t even mind doing it in the winter if it’s not too wet. I’m a big fan of the mornings."

And he has his own special way of dealing with his most disgruntled customers – the fluffy, four-legged kind.

"I always carry dog biscuits around with me just in case, it stops them trying to nibble me.

"A few years ago a vicious Jack Russell bit my ankles, and I’ve been careful ever since."

As well as milk and papers, Sheldon’s Dairy, in Knutsford, delivers all sorts – including everything you might need for a fry-up.

"We do bacon, tomatoes, and pet food. If customers want it, we’ll deliver it.

"At about 5am I go back to base to pick up the papers – and I do have a read of the Express actually, it’s nice to know what’s going on."

And, despite having milk on tap, Ian – who says his family are fans of the calcium-rich white stuff – has his own delivery man.

"I do have a milkman and I definitely appreciate what he does!"

Despite his arduous hours, the man of milk, who lives with wife Sharon, 36, in Irlam, still finds time for a social life.

"I go out every Saturday night because I know Sunday is the one day I get a lie in.

"It’s my birthday next week so I’ll definitely be out on Saturday celebrating – with a pint of BEER!"

Sheldon’s was set up by Gilbert Sheldon 42 years ago – with just one horse and cart. Since then, it has expanded to a fleet of 23 vehicles, with 24 deliverymen employed on 16 rounds in an area that stretches from Lymm to Wilmslow, and from Plumley to Siddington. They deliver 10,000 pints of milk a day and 2,500 newspapers.

If you want your Macclesfield Express to be delivered in Chelford, Birtles or Alderley Edge, call Sheldon’s on 01565 634509.

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