Sudbury butcher leaves retirement to help his old business

Mick Boon, 73, was the owner of what is now called Jamie's Meat Inn in Sudbury for 32 years.

In 2014, he handed the reins over to Jamie Towells - someone he had hired and a colleague had developed a close friendship with - but continued to work there until retiring in 2015.

"I like to help out because Christmas is always busy and Jamie's a friend of mine," said Mick. 

Mick Boon in 2015 (Image: Phil Morley)

"I've been doing it for the last seven years and it's almost become a tradition.

"Last year I did five days and this time I did four.

"It's great fun but it can be a little tiring because of my age."

Now living in Glemsford, Mick had worked in the industry for over 50 years before eventually deciding to retire. 

"I loved every minute of it," he said.

"My favourite part of the job was talking to customers - I think that's what kept my passion for the trade alive.

Jamie Towells (left) and Mick Boon (second from the right) (Image: Phil Morley)

"I'm also a Town fan so I loved having that football banter with people.

"It was all really good fun."

Mick has developed a big reputation across Sudbury and is a popular character among the town's residents. 

A Facebook post put out by Jamie's Meat Inn announcing his brief return received more than 500 likes and more than 60 comments welcoming him back.

"People seem to always remember me," he said. 

"It was lovely over Christmas because I got to speak to people I hadn't seen in a long time."

Jamie Towells was delighted to have his old boss back again to help out. 

"It was very busy and it can be a really stressful time for staff," he said.

"But he did so well. 

"He's loved by everyone and is a big person in the town.

"For me, he's a great teacher, a great butcher and a great friend."

Despite the fun he had, Mick has no plans to announce a more permanent return from retirement. 

Jamie Towells (centre) said described Mick as a great teacher, a great butcher and a great friend (Image: Jamie's Meat Inn)

"No, definitely not," he laughed. 

"I did it for 50 years and had so many great times.

"I could even write a book about it all.

"But now I'm enjoying my retirement and getting some rest."