WOODFORD and Son Family Butchers began trading at their new site in Newport yesterday (Monday), having taken the reins from the retiring Greg Downer, whose family had previously been at the helm for 84 years.

With the local community saddened by news of the prospective closure of the popular St James' Street butchers, Woodford and Sons stepped in to take over, ensuring quality cuts remain available at the popular shop.

Regarding their first day of trading, new owner Graham Hawkins said: “We had a busy first day, and the local community have given us a really good response.

“We want to acknowledge the past, while also embracing the future, so we’ve kept the layout similar, but added items such as pies and stir fry combinations to the shop.

“I would like to thank Greg for his many years of excellence in the trade, and put on record my gratitude to all of my team and family for all their hard work in getting the new shop open while still working in Bembridge.

"We have inherited a business that has been superbly run for decades.”

Woodford and Sons has three generations of family maintaining the businesses at their two locations, with Graham’s grandsons, Matt and James Morris, running the Bembridge shop alongside adopted grandson Olly Cox, grandaughter Leanne Morris, nephew Nick Hickman, and wife — and chief pie maker — Valerie.

Graham will continue to oversee operations in Newport, with his grandson Matt's partner, Briony Nelson, running the new store.

James said: “The family would like to thank all of our new and long-term customers, and specifically celebrity James Martin, for the ongoing support.

"We will endeavour to continue supplying a high quality product to the community.”

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