This flower shop has been run by same family for 90 years and 4 generations

By Bradley Stokes via SWNS

One of the world’s oldest florists, which is now in the hands of the founding family's fourth generation, is still going strong after 90 years of trading.

Hannah Woolley, 31, has taken over the reins of the Ivison Lichfield Florist which was first opened by her great-grandparents in 1932.

Ruth and Jack Ivison ran the flower shop in the Staffordshire town for 27 years before passing it onto their son John.

Ivison The Lichfield Florist which celebrates its 90th anniversary. (SWNS)

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He and his wife Christine moved into the flat above the florists and sold flowers until John died in 2010.

During their time running the shop, one of their proudest moments was when they supplied Princess Anne with a bouquet during her visit to the area.

Christine, 85, has now passed the business onto her granddaughter Hannah who started helping out in the shop for pocket money when she was just 14.

Single Hannah said: "The florist has been in my family since 1932. It was started by my great-grandparents Ruth and Jack Ivison.

"In 1959, they brought the property where we are now, and we have lived above the shop ever since.

"But I started working here when I was 14-years-old. I would get pocket money from nan and grandad.

"It was then, when my grandfather passed away, my nan decided in 2010 that it was my time to take over. My parents helped out sometimes too so it's a real family affair.

"I've now taken over the shop full-time but I still call on my family for help and advice all the time.

"My nan loved it as much as I do - she even made flower bouquets for Princess Anne during a visit to Lichfield once.

“We still supply bouquets to the Royals when they visit the Lichfield Cathedral and the Arboretum.

"We do not get told which Royals we are sending the bouquets too, but it is nice to know they are from Ivison.

"I know my grandpa and great nan-and-grandad would be looking down on me and
would have been so proud of me.

"It is really nice to that it has been going for 90 years.

“It is still a family affair; my mum and dad and other family still help out - I have two part-time staff too.”

The business is now celebrating its 90th year in business which Hannah says is thriving despite the economic challenges gripping the UK.

Hannah added: "We have gone through lots of challenges, there has been the recession and more recently the Covid pandemic.

"The uncertainty was a real struggle, but I managed to adapt the business to online to help and had a massive makeover during the first lockdown.

"We had lots of events like weddings that got postponed, so that has been a real challenge.

"I think the independent shops have done really well because it has made people focus and shop again in their high street.

"People could quite easily go to their local supermarkets and flowers cheaper, but I am really proud that people are choosing us.

"We have had a lot of support from our customers - and long may it continue."

Hannah hopes that by starting training schemes at the shop, that the floristry will continue for future generations.

She said: "I want to try and get a school up and running. You never know what will happen. I would love to see it continue for another 90 years."