An award-winning butcher and darts fanatic is celebrating 40 years of working with a family firm in the town.
Ian Tilley (60) joined Bennett’s Butchers in 1978 when aged 20.
He’s been with the nearly 120-year-old Winsover Road business ever since and has helped it land yet more awards, particularly for his sizzling sausages.
“When I first came here I was on the slaughtering side and I’ve been involved in making sausages all the time I’ve been here.
“I’ve had a few prize-winning sausages so I don’t think I’ve done too bad a job.
“They’re a cracking family to work for. Andrew, Jack and the late Terry who gave me the job have been fantastic.
“It’s been a great 40 years and I’m proud of what I’ve done.”
Ian, who lives on Westminster Drive, Spalding, is also renowned as an official for the British Darts Organisation (BDO).
He says he’s not had a holiday for 18 years as they have to be used to officiate darts.
“My wife Diane works at Wilkinson’s in town so we work in probably the two busiest shops in town,” he continued.
“I’ve told Bennett’s that I’ve got six to eight years and then I’m hanging up my knives.”
Father of two Ian was presented with a tankard by Andrew Parsons of Bennett’s Butchers, who has worked alongside
Ian all his life in the business started by his great grandfather.
Andrew said: “He’s a great lad who never settles for second best.
“His sausages are excellent and he’s a lot to do with us being an award–winning business.”
