A century of resilience: Photos show The Mecca's 100-year legacy in Derby

The Mecca traded at the Market Hall for 96 years and then operated from the Eagle Market for 18 months before opening at a shop at No.15 Cheapside.

Owner Linda Aston has hailed the firm’s longevity in the city, surviving decades of trials and tribulations against all odds - including two business moves, a world war and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

She also stocks watches and clocks, as well as Catholic statues, crucifixes, and rosaries.

Since 1925, the local independent business has been passed down through three generations of the Doyle family.

Originally called The Mecca Bazaar, it was previously run by Michael Doyle Snr, Katie Doyle, and then Linda's father Michael Jnr.

Linda, who lives in Duffield and was the chair of the Derby Market Halls Traders’ Association, said: “Full title The Mecca bazaar. It was taken over by the Doyle family in 1925 by Michael Doyle.

“Michael died young leaving his wife Katie with three young children, Katie - a strong woman took over the running of the business, helped by June her daughter.

“During the war Michael junior was in the Navy. He worked as a butcher for the Co-op when he came home, but in 1951 his mother retired and Michael took over.

“ He was a popular member of the market community well known for his jokes and loved by his customer.

“Lillian seen in the pictures worked for him for many years, followed by Debbie who still comes in to help occasionally over 40 years since she started as a Saturday girl.

“Once you come to work at the Mecca you may never leave.”

Linda added: “Ì just loved the market hall, the traders and the customers. I felt we were a great team so sad it had to break up. We were evicted for works to be carried out and moved to the Eagle market.

“We originally thought we would be back within 2 years. Then the blow came when 18 months later we had to leave the Eagle Market too. I was a little sad as I knew it meant our 100th year would not be celebrated with market traders as it should be.

“I am now in a shop in Cheapside. It’s a lovely cosy space. Although I have been like a travelling sales woman I won’t be moving again.

“Playing hide and seek with my customers is not fair.”

She added: “I think my Grandad and father would have been pleased to get this far. I would just like to say thank you to my customers/friends for being so loyal and seeking me out. Also thank you to The little cobbler on Albert Street for helping to guide people to me.”

Photographs from over the years showcase the amazing achievement of the Derby business.

Call in to Mecca on Tuesday to Saturday, no appointments needed.