An over a century old society of local butchers has closed by donating all its money to the British Heart Foundation.
The Spalding and East Elloe Butchers Association has roots that date back to 1914.
Its name mentions two separate branches which merged following World War Two, a time when towns and villages across the area including Holbeach, Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge were home to numerous family-run butchers.
However, with only Shearer’s and Bennett’s butchers remaining as members, the association has decided to close its doors.
It had one final get together last month where it gave a final cheque to representatives of the British Heart Foundation.
Among the most recent members were Joan and Andrew Parsons and Mary Barnes, Bennett’s Butchers, Spalding, Mark Shearer and Alice Taylor of G Shearer & Son, Holbeach who were the last president and vice president of the association, Lizzi Van Egmond and Mary Adams of George Adams, Spalding, Terry Wells of T. Wells, Spalding, Len and Judy Jackson of Jackson’s, Holbeach, David Turnell from Heckington, Nigel Garfoot from Moulton Butchers and Brian Parkinson of Parkinson Brothers, Spalding
Alice Taylor, the managing director of G Shearer & Son, said: “What began as a professional network for people working in the trade grew into a close-knit group of friends and families, brought together by a shared pride in butchery.
“Over the years, members enjoyed annual barbecues, dinner dances and charity fundraising events, with some celebrations attracting more than 100 guests. Alongside the social occasions, the association raised money for good causes and supported charities close to the hearts of its members.
“Unfortunately, the number of traditional family butchers within South Holland has dwindled considerably. Today, only Shearer’s and Bennett’s remain as members. And so, the decision was made to say farewell.
“The association may have come to an end but its legacy lives on in the people, families and communities it brought together.”
