Peter Toombs retires from family butcher shop after 42 years

Peter Toombs, 55, has worked as a meat merchant since he was 13 years old, an occupation his father held before him. 

Toombs Butchers, located along Reepham Road in Hellesdon, was bought by Peter's father Kenneth in 1982, but since his retirement in 2009, Peter has run the shop.

Peter's dad Kenneth (left) in front of the Reepham Road shop in 2002 (Image: Newsquest) But now it is Peter's turn to retire after more than four decades of "hard graft". 

"I look in the mirror now and even though I feel 25 I see an old man," he said. 

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"I've worked hard since I was just 13 but it's time to take a step back and do all the things that I haven't been able to do while I've been working.

"Even things like going to a Christmas market, which I couldn't do before because it has always been the busiest time of the year and I needed to be in the shop."

Peter is passing on the reins to the next generation (Image: Toombs Butchers) Peter said his favourite memories are watching families grow and seeing multiple generations shop at his store. 

"It's been a pleasure to watch people come and go over the years and I have enjoyed it all," he said. 

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And instead of closing the shop, Peter has listed it for sale in the hope it can continue to serve as a "cornerstone" of the community. 

The business has been listed for sale (Image: Toombs Butchers) "We have a really strong team here, most of who are apprentices from Hellesdon High and the business has seen a rise in sales over the years," he added. 

"What it needs now is a new set of eyes and someone with the impetus to take it to the next level.

"It's hard work but you certainly reap the rewards."