Stockton butchery couple retire after 38 years

ONE of Stockton town centre’s last remaining family butchers is preparing to hang up the knives after 38 years.

Fred and Norma Stubbs have decided to call it a day and close Ramsgate Butchers, just off the High Street, in July.

The butchers shop originally opened in 1935 - the year Fred was born - under the name of Harry Goodwill.

The Stubbs family took it over in 1970 and have been keeping local shoppers supplied ever since.

The couple are now planning to enjoy their retirement and spend more time with their children and four grandchildren - in Billingham and the sunnier climes of Sri Lanka.

Fred, 72, said he hoped their Ramsgate shop would be taken on by someone else as a butcher.

“It would be an awful shame for it to close,” he said. “There aren’t many family butchers left in Stockton town centre.

“When I came here in 1970 there must have been 30 within a quarter of a mile.

“It’s the supermarkets - people want everything in one shop these days. But you’re not getting the same quality or same service in supermarkets.

“There will always be a place for the small family butcher.”

Fred added: “I don’t know what I’m going to do with my time really. We have a big garden, and we want to spend more time with the grandkids.”

The couple, from Billingham, recently returned from visiting their son Chris and their two grandchildren in Sri Lanka. Their other son, Derek, who until recently helped run Ramsgate Butchers, also has two daughters.

Sue Burgess, Stockton town centre manager, presented Fred and Norma, 71, with a certificate in recognition of long service to the town centre.

She said: “While we are sad to be losing this local independent business from the town centre, we are pleased to have the opportunity to recognise the contribution they have made.”