Joseph Flach and Sons Limited (1882 - 1982)

In 1882 Joseph Flach wrote in his diary:

"In the year 1875 when I came to London for the first time, I had already planned to do my one year military service after having worked 2 - 3 years in London, and then to go to Paris for 2 years, and then after having worked for 1-2 years in a London Firm, to establish my own business in London, Fate favoured this plan of my youth, and today the 15th August 1882, exactly ten years later, as it was on the same date that I left my paternal home for the first time, my name proudly shines on the door of my, of course, modest office at No 16 Water Lane, first floor, room 35, and on the same day I drew my first cheque on the London County Banking Co Ltd."

One hundred years later the family firm which Joseph Flach founded continues its business as merchants. Importers and Exporters of Medicinal and Culinary Herbs, roots, barks, seeds, gums, dried flowers and fruits, spices etc., and three of his grandsons, Ronald, Anthony and Peter Flach continue giving a service to their many clients throughout the world.

In 1882 Joseph Flach acted as Agent for several European Companies such as Poulenc Freres, Gustave Carcassonne, Kasser Meyer & Co., and Gebruder Friedmann Spritfabrik, but later started holding stocks and acting as a merchant. He was joined by his eldest son, James, in 1902 who also spent time working in France and Germany to gain experience and to learn the language. In 1908 after a short illness Joseph Flach died of Pleurisy, and another son Gabriel gave up his job as an engineering apprentice to join the family firm. This became a partnership when Gabriel reached the age of twenty one. In 1923 the brothers were joined by a younger brother, Paul, and this year also saw the move to larger premises at 64 Mark Lane. In 1924 the firm exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition, and in 1926 purchased the old established business of Walter Jacques Son & Co.

In 1927 the firm became a Private Limited Company and in 1928 acquired a warehouse at No.8 Upper East Smithfield. Trade continued and business increased. Goods handled varied from Ivory to Tin, from Aloes to Dragons Blood, from Marjoram to Orris Root Fingers, from Rose Hips to Zeodary Root - the lists seemed endless. In 1935 the firm exhibited at the Brussels Universal and International Exhibition and was awarded a Gold and Silver Medal.

In 1940, Ronald and Anthony Flach, twin sons of Mr Gabriel Flach, joined the firm, doing both warehouse and office work before being called up for service in his Majesty's Navy. Mr Paul Flach was also called up for service with the Pinner Fire Brigade. The war brought its crop of difficulties to the firm as it did to so many others. On the night of 11/12 January 1941, the warehouse at Upper East Smithfield was damaged by enemy action and gutted by fire. A lease was taken on the present premises at 140 Falkland Road, Harringay, London, N.8, and an adjoining flat for the warehouse superintendent Mr Cyril Batchelor. Later in the year the offices moved from Mark Lane to the same site as the warehouse. Drying and Rubbing plants were installed, and both Culinary and Medicinal Herbs were dried and processed. County Herb Committees organised the collection of such wild plants as Nettles, Rose Hips, Dandelion Leaves and Roots, and small growers planted Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, Mint and Parsley.

In 1945 Ronald and Anthony rejoined the firm after being demobbed, and in 1951 Mr Paul Flach was appointed to the Board. On the retirement of Mr James Flach in 1954, Mr Ronald and Mr Anthony were appointed Directors. In 1958 Mr Gabriel FIach retired and Mr Paul Flach took over as Chairman until his sudden death in 1962 at the age of 55. Mr Ronald Flach took over the Chair and Mr Peter Flach was appointed Secretary, and later, in 1972 a Director.

In 1973 Mr Cyril Batchelor retired after 50 years with the Company and a reception was held in his honour, he had become part of the family.

Joseph Flach had always tried to run his business in a Christian way, putting honesty in Business as his aim, and the firm has continued to follow this policy and still endeavours to keep to a standard in all that it does. To celebrate the Centenary a Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner was held on Saturday 3rd July 1982 at the Church of Christ the King, Bramley Road, Southgate, London N14, and this was attended by Mrs Elise Flach, age 88, widow of Mr Gabriel Flach. Also in attendance were 22 grandchildren of Mr Joseph Flach, the founder, several great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild who gatecrashed the celebration as no baby sitter was available. Some former workers in the firm helped bring the number at the celebration to 71. A small exhibition showing the history of the firm, also a small seleotion of Medicinal and Culinary Herbs and Spices were on show together with some of the original books of Joseph Flach.

In August 1988 the Firm moved to 8 Maxwell Road, Woodston, Peterborough as the landlord of Falkland Road was putting the rent up to an uneconomic figure, wanting to sell the site for redevelopment. The move was accomplished by our own efforts, ably assisted by members of the family- a van hired by Stephen Flach and a 30 ton lorry borrowed from Iveco-Ford by Martin Flach, who had a HGV licence Also in that year, Stephen Flach and Ginette Flach, children of Ronnie and Tricia, joined the firm.

In 1990, Ronnie and Tony celebrated 50 years with the firm at the George Hotel, Buckden

On 25th September 1991, Tony Flach retired from the firm at the age of 69.

Joseph at his desk