92-Year-Old Butcher Hangs Up His Apron After 88 Years

John Bacon, a butcher who began working in his family's business before World War Two, has retired at the age of 92. He dedicated 88 years to A.W. Bacon & Sons in Retford, Nottinghamshire, a shop his father Albert opened in 1938.

Mr. Bacon started helping his father from a young age and left school at 14 to work full-time. He recalled wartime experiences, including German bombers overhead and busy queues during rationing. The business eventually moved to new premises and grew to employ about 35 people.

His father, who retired at 95, served as an inspiration. John stated, "It's just something bred into you." He was the last of his siblings working at the shop, though younger Bacons remain employed.

Following the death of his son last year, John and his wife Denise decided it was time to retire. He worked mornings, seven days a week, until his final day. He expressed sadness but confidence in the new owner, Adam Spencer, a 31-year-old local butcher. Spencer aims to uphold the legacy, confirming the popular sausage roll recipe will remain unchanged.