Villagers bid farewell to butcher John after 25 years in Gainford

RESIDENTS in Gainford have rallied round to say farewell to the village’s jovial butcher who has served them for more than a quarter of a century.
John Wigham, who joined Fred Simpson and Son butchers almost 26 years ago, has decided to hang up his cleaver in exchange for the farm yard and his flock of about 100 sheep. His last day was on New Year’s Eve.
Such is the impact that he has had on Gainford that villagers organised a collection to say thanks and made an impromptu presentation.
They say his friendly and helpful nature has turned the butcher’s shop into a hub for the village.
Postmistress Anne Pratt, who among those bidding Mr Wigham a fond farewell, said: “Not only is he a brilliant butcher, but he is a wonderful person, a real asset to the village.”
Mr Wigham, who is semi-retiring to his farm Heatherdene, in Butterknowle, always wanted to be a farmer but was advised through career guidance to become a butcher.
He was taken on by Dewhurst Butchers, in Bishop Auckland, at 15 and spent 15 years there before accepting the position in Gainford.
Overwhelmed by the response of people in the village to his retirement, the 56-year-old said: “I’ve done 41 Christmases, I’ve never had a Christmas off.
“I thought I was going to dodge this one when I put my notice in, but fortunately I didn’t because I would have missed this then.”
He added that he had enjoyed working in the village, meeting a host of unusual characters and seeing how things had changed over the years. While businesses, such as the Co-op and the local garage, all closed during his time there, the butcher’s shop has continued to thrive under his stewardship.