Frank Fisher, 90, has closed his traditional butcher's shop in Dronfield, Derbyshire, ending a family business that spanned more than 300 years. The shop, which Fisher claimed was established in the reign of Queen Anne, had been a fixture on the high street for generations. Fisher himself worked there since his teenage years, serving the local community with dedication.
The shop's closure marks the end of an era for Dronfield, as it was the last traditional shop on the main road. Fisher had resisted shutting down despite declining strength and competition from supermarkets. In January 2018, he was still open, but within six weeks, a note on the window apologised to passersby as the blind was drawn for good.
Fisher's shop was a time capsule, with a low, tiled interior, a walk-in meat larder, and a crimson-stained cutting block. He moved gracefully in the cramped space, noting that the only change in 75 years was the location of the weighing scale. The shop had once been essential to the community, but customers increasingly chose supermarkets or home deliveries.
Fisher kept a wary eye on Dronfield's three supermarkets, including a large Sainsbury's with its own butcher counter. To assert his heritage, he had a sign painted declaring the shop's establishment in Queen Anne's reign, though he admitted the date was approximate. Despite the challenges, Fisher insisted he was not ready to retire, but ultimately, the long-resisted closure arrived.
