HISTORY repeated itself at a Cheltenham butcher as it changed ownership.
Robin Jenkins is retiring after 20 years running Robin Jenkins butcher in Bath Road, bringing to an end a career spanning nearly 50 years in the meat industry.
As he came to the end of his final shift on Saturday, the 69-year-old handed over his meat cleaver to new boss Darren Walker
The scene replicated a photo published in the Gloucestershire Echo back in 1993 when a fresh-faced Robin took on the shiny tool from outgoing owner Reg Pitt.
Mr Jenkins said: "We did a handover of the meat cleaver when I took over the place 20 years ago – almost exactly to the day. So it seemed only right that we do the same thing as I'm leaving.
"Darren has been with me for a long time and he knows the trade very well.
"I'm sure he will do a fantastic job."
With retirement looming, Robin is planning to take a well-earned break.
He and his wife Ann are looking forward to going on trips to Canada and the Middle East before returning to concentrate on the garden and seeing more of the grandchildren.
"I will miss it," he added. "Especially the interaction with the customers.
"But at my age you have to re-evaluate things and concentrate on what's most important to you. I've had a good run."
