Russell Davey, our well known and local butcher, founder of Davey’s Butchers in Meldreth, has had to make the hard decision to retire this Easter.
His career can be summed up as “50 Years Man and Boy”, as he first starting selling eggs and butter on Royston Market before Decimal Day back in 1971! In those days, Royston Market thrived with 220 stalls both sides of road and in the old cattle market. It was the biggest supermarket twice a week!
He took over the Butchers Mobile in June 1976 and never looked back, attending seven local markets a week selling meat, game, cheeses and eggs, buying all local produce, with a fair amount from Kennedy & Richardsons Auction Market in the early days. He also worked there booking in the goods each Tuesday night at the auction yard (where Kennedy’s Court residential homes now are).
From an old mobile Comer van to fully refrigerated trailers, his first shop opened in Whitecroft Road, Meldreth in 1981, before moving to the present site at Fieldgate Nurseries, Meldreth when fire devastated the property.
Russell had a spell in the mid 90s as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in Royston, and with many others he started the Millennium May Day Festival, with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the star of the day.
He will be attending this May Day Fayre in Priory Memorial Gardens on Monday 4th May, selling his renowned Hog Roast for the last time, he very much looks forward to seeing you on the day.
Russell now serves over 30 shops in the region, from Newport Essex, Hitchin, Cambridgeshire as far up as Stilton, and many small village shops around the area, all serving his local Fayre including his award winning Meldreth sausages.
Russell is over the moon to be handing over the reins of his well-established butchers to Matt and Jordan, who have some exciting plans to grow and develop the business.
The shop will continue trading as Davey’s Butchers, maintaining its strong local reputation and loyal customer base. Many will already recognise Matt’s familiar face from Good Raw Deal Pet Food Supplies, and we’re sure customers will join us in wishing them every success in this new chapter.
Years of early market mornings and seven-day weeks in the shop have taken their toll, and Russell is now looking forward to a well-earned retirement. He plans to spend more time with his family, enjoy a few rounds of golf, travel, and, of course, watch the Royston Crows a little more often.
We are sure our readers will join us in wishing Russell all the very best in his retirement. Thank you for your service, Russell (and your wonderful hog roasts!)
Open Monday to Friday 8am-5pm, Saturdays 8am-2pm, Sundays 9am-1pm
Easter Opening: Good Friday 8am-2pm – Saturday 8am-2pm – Easter Sunday Closed – Easter Monday 8am-2pm
