A POPULAR Limekilns butcher is hanging up his apron later this month after more than 60 years in the business.

John Girdwood, 73, has worked at J E White Butchers on the village’s Main Street since he was just 12, but made the decision to close the shop when he retires at the end of January.

It’s the end of an era for the village, as the butchers has been in Limekilns since 1892.

“It was hard in a way, considering some of the customers I’ve had for so long,” he said. “There was one woman we helped out and took her to surgery because she couldn’t get a taxi, and we’ve even unblocked people’s sinks! I’ve known them all for ages.

“There’s customers I’ve known for 45 years who have kept coming back for a long time and I have letters pinned up sent from places like Aberdeen, Yorkshire and Dalkeith.

“One of the letters is from people from Iceland who were over here visiting friends and they enjoyed the pies so much that they took them back in their case!

“People have taken them back to every place that you could think of. We’ve always taken pride in the quality of our food and people seem to enjoy it so much.”

Over the years he’s worked in the butchers, John has seen a lot of customers come and go, but thinks the quality of their produce is what keeps them coming back.

“It’s an old, old firm and there’s definitely been a lot of change over the years,” he said. “It started in 1892 and I’ve been working there for about 61 years. I started when I was 12 as a Saturday job, helping out and delivering orders.

“We never entered any competitions or anything like that, but if you make a good pie, people will come. In general, people will come back if you sell them good stuff.

“We have many regular customers but they’re not all from Limekilns, people come from all over.”

The shop will close its doors for the last time on Saturday, January 30 but although part of John will miss it, he’s able to take some well-earned time to relax.

“I’m looking forward to spending some time in the garden, taking the dog out and generally just chilling out,” he said.

“I’ll miss it in a way, but I’ll get used to that. I think it will be fondly remembered in the village and I want to thank all our customers from over the years and for all the cards we’ve been sent.”