A traditional butchers shop which prided itself on supplying the people of Skelmersdale with "the finest quality meats" has closed after nearly nine decades in business.
H. Greaves and Son in Upholland was founded in 1935 by Harry Greaves, and continued as a family-run business for three generations, selling fresh cuts of beef, lamb, pork and poultry. It supplied to more than 30 hotels, restaurants and clubs in the North West, including the DW Stadium, home of Wigan Athletic FC, and the Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club.
Doors closed on the family business on April 18, putting an end to its 88-year legacy.
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The history of H. Greaves and Son was set out on the business' website. It read: "Harry was a man of high standards and skill and his reputation and expertise was soon passed on to his son, Anthony, who in turn passed his skills onto his sons, Robert and Christopher. Robert showed great promise from an early age and showed his skill and dedication by winning The National Young Butcher of the Year Award at the age of just seventeen.
"The business has continued to expand and now supplies top quality meats to many of the North West's leading restaurants, hotels and catering establishments including such places as, Stanley House, The Inn at Whitewell, Eaves Hall and Mitton Hall to name but a few."
The butchery also provided a catering service, Clare's Kitchen, run by Harry's granddaughter Clare Rigby.
Loyal customers were dismayed to find a note in the window of the shop which read: "It is with immense sadness that H. Greaves and Son has now closed its doors." The butchery's phone service has been replaced with the message: "As of April 18, H Greaves and Son are no longer trading."
People took to social media to express their disappointment. One woman said: "Very sad, I used to get requests to take their pies over to Dubai as they were so popular!"
Another said: "This is certainly a shocker, never in my days I'd have thought this would happen. Sorry to hear the sad news."
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