A case of chop and change at town butchers'

The giveaway is a new headboard above the premises: Shaw’s the butchers is now Piper’s the butchers, but for the time being at least, customers will still see the same faces greeting them across the counter.

Derek Shaw, who with his wife, Alison, has run the business for the past 26 years, said: “The fact is, with my 60th birthday approaching, I’ve decided to take early retirement.

“Fortunately I have a great successor in my colleague, Shaun Piper, who has worked with me for the past 14 years.”

Derek added; “I’d like to say a big thank you to all those customers who have been so loyal and supportive during my time here, and hope that they’ll continue to show Shaun the same support.”

Shaun, who lives in Little Common and has two teenage children, said: “The change officially took place on June 19, but Derek is still coming in to help out while we arrange a replacement for him.

“That’s not going to be easy!”

Derek has two sons, a London lawyer who lives in Chelmsford, Essex, and another who is a Bexhill police officer - PC Rob Shaw. Derek - Del to his friends - and Alison, who are also grandparents, now hope to spend more time with their family.

Derek added: “I’m also looking forward to not getting up quite so early every morning.”

PICTURED: Derek Shaw and Shaun Piper