Bill ‘The Butcher’ Slater began his career as a school leaver in 1971 when he started work at Dewhurst, Neville Parade, with the late Mr. Kell.
He completed his apprenticeship becoming a Master Butcher and had brief spells at other Dewhurst shops before becoming manager at the place where it all began.
In 1986 the writing was on the wall for the company and Bill decided to open his own shop in the Thames Centre he also reopened the butcher shop at Neville Parade, unfortunately this had to close twenty years ago when Bill’s partner left, but he continued to run the town centre shop with the help of his three sons and wife and some amazing staff.
Bill has served the town for over 50 years, always with a smile and good humour, but he has finally decided it’s time to hang up his apron for the last time on Christmas Eve.
He will miss the job and his customers immensely and would like to thank each and every one of them for all of their support over the last half century.