Butcher bows out after 50 years

After more than half a century at a Black Country butchers, John Lane is hanging up his meat cleaver for the last time today.

Described by regulars as one half of Halesowen's very own Granville and Arkwright, the 64-year-old will be handing the Howley Grange Road business over to his long-term assistant Glyn Whyley.

Mr Lane first moved into the flat above the store as a 12-year-old with his family when his father Len opened up in 1954, before taking over the reins in 1972.

He recalls around half a dozen now-defunct butchers within a half mile-radius at that time, while revealing the unexpected secret behind his store's longevity - "regularly insulting my customers".

"I go into shops nowadays and people don't even look you in the eye," he said.

"Obviously we wouldn't have been here so long if the meat wasn't good quality, but you've got to have a bit of a laugh with people. Having a bit of banter seems to be a dying art but my philosophy has always been that if you're going to work behind the counter, you have to make it enjoyable for you and the customer.

"I'm sure I must have upset one or two people over the years, but the vast majority love having a bit of fun."

Mr Lane, who has three sons and now lives in Bewdley with his wife, said his old-fashioned approach to customer service should be cherished. "I'm sure Glyn will keep the shop going in the same way, but he will need the same support from the local community that we have had up until now.

"Local butchers offer something you just don't get at supermarkets and people should appreciate them, otherwise there will be none left eventually."

Despite jokingly describing his boss as a "miserable so-and-so", 44-year-old Mr Whyley pledged to continue traditions at the store. "You've got to have a laugh and we've had some good times here, so I will miss him," he said.

Regular customer and nearby resident, Richard Mitchell, said there was always a good atmosphere at the shop.

"The two of them are just like Granville and Arkwright and it's a real happy band down there," he said.