BRIAN Finlay has hung up his apron, ending 30 years as a butcher in Dora Creek, and 50 years in the trade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"I just need a break. I haven't had a holiday in three-and-half years," Mr Finlay smiled.
It seems his co-workers at Martin's Meats, on Wamsley Street, aren't convinced about the "retirement".
"He'll be back within a month!" one of them chirps from the back of the shop.
After starting his apprenticeship in Adamstown, and first working in Newcastle, Mr Finlay shifted to the Dora Creek shop to work for Pat Martin.
Mr Finlay said he'd miss the customers most.
"I've got so many great memories," he said.
"There are the little kids who first started coming in here with their parents. They've grown up and are driving cars now, but they still come in to say g'day."
Related reading:
The friendships Mr Finlay has formed with many of his customers run deep - although first-time visitors to the shop mightn't initially think so.
You see, Mr Finlay sometimes enjoys a bit of banter. And some customers revel in giving it back.
Take the young woman who entered the shop as the Lakes Mail was setting up for a photo shoot with Mr Finlay on his last day at work.
She took one look at the scenario and issued a stern warning about the camera damage that would ensue if the delicate lens were to focus on Mr Finlay's dial.
If hairdressers are the leading sounding boards for their clients' ideas, and keepers of their clients' biggest secrets, then Mr Finlay reckons butchers must run a close second.
"I can't believe the things that customers tell me," he said.
"They tell me everything. And I thank them for that, and the great memories. I guess they're open with me because I'm pretty easy to get along with."
Mr Finlay and his wife Margaret are preparing for a holiday to her native Scotland next month.
"I'm also looking forward to more time with the grandkids, and more time to myself," he said.
As news of Mr Finlay's imminent retirement spread around the town last week, well-wishers dropped in to wish him well.
"A few little kids came in with their parents, and when the parents have told the kids that I wouldn't be working here any more, the kids started crying," he said.
"The customers have been like family to me."
