A BUTCHER is hanging up his carving knife after half a century working in the trade.

Mick Munden started his career as soon as he left school and became a familiar face around March pedalling a butcher’s tradesman bike to deliver meat orders to people’s homes.

He started at the Co-op butchery in the swinging sixties, which used to be where Jim Hocken Court has been built, then after a spell at Betts in the Seventies, he worked for Hurst, which used to run a shop opposite Bar 23.

Following that post he moved to Dewhurst in Broad Street and attended their butchers training college for extra tuition in the trade.

In 1980 he returned to Betts where he has been for the last 33 years.

Mr Munden, 64, of North Street, has seen many changes in the industry in the 50 years he has worked in the butchery trade, most notably a decline in sales and an increase in paperwork.

“More people buy from supermarkets now which is a shame, we like to think at small butchers they get better quality, guaranteed fresh meat.

“It’s not the thriving trade it used to be which is a sad thing.”

Mr Munden said he was looking forward to playing dominos and bowls and spending more time with his sons Gary and Kevin and grandchildren Robert and Beth.

But he added: “I shall miss the work, it’s a good team here, we always have a good laugh, but it’s time to take a step back.”

Following Mr Munden’s retirement a 25 hour post is available at Betts Butchers in Station Road. Trained butchers preferred. Call in the shop for details.