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Brian Finlay

Date:
By Greg Piper
Category: Local Legends

I wish to acknowledge a wonderful member of the Dora Creek community who caused quite a stir last week when he hung up his butcher's apron for a life in retirement.

Brian Finlay has been a butcher for 50 years but has spent the past 30 years at Martin's Meats in Walmsley Street.

In an age where the big supermarket chains have threatened the very existence of his trade as well as the local butcher's store, Brian has held firm with good old-fashioned service. He is a popular local who has formed many friendships with his army of customers over the years, but has decided to put his apron on the hook and take his wife away to her native Scotland for a well-earned break.

Brian did his apprenticeship 50 years ago in Newcastle but spent the final three decades of his career in Dora Creek working for Pat Martin. His local customers have told me they'll miss him and his much-loved banter, although his co-workers believe he'll find it hard to stay away from the place. I wish him well in his retirement.

 

(Picture courtesy of The Lakes Mail)