Cecil Roderick Fry facts for kids

Cecil Roderick Fry (1890–1952) was an important member of the Fry family. This family ran the famous J. S. Fry & Sons chocolate company. Cecil helped lead the business after the First World War.

He was the great-great-grandson of Joseph Fry. Joseph Fry was the person who first started the company. Cecil became the chairman of J. S. Fry & Sons in 1924. He held this important leadership role for 28 years. He stayed chairman until he passed away in 1952.

Leading the Chocolate Business

Cecil Roderick Fry joined the family business in 1909. This was before the First World War.

Serving in the War

During the First World War, Cecil served in the Royal Flying Corps. This was an early air force. After the war, he became a director at Fry's. A director helps manage the company.

Building the Somerdale Factory

Cecil and Sir Egbert Cadbury worked together on a big project. They were in charge of finding a place for a new chocolate factory. This new factory was called the Somerdale Factory. It was built in Keynsham, Bristol. Construction happened in stages between 1921 and 1935. The first part of the factory opened in 1923.

Working with Cadbury

In 1935, another big chocolate company, Cadbury Brothers, took over Fry's. Even after the takeover, Cecil was asked to stay on as chairman. His role became more symbolic. This means he was still the chairman in name, but the main decisions were made by Cadbury.

Cecil also helped set up a new factory in Dublin, Ireland. This was for Fry-Cadbury (Ireland). He was a director there with Paul Strangman Cadbury. The factory started making chocolates in 1932.

Later Life

Cecil Roderick Fry passed away on July 10, 1952. He was buried at sea. His wife, Olave, had passed away a few years earlier in 1949. Cecil had two sons and one daughter.