R White butchers shop in Morton-on-Swale closes

Census records show that there has been a butcher’s in Morton-on-Swale as far back as the 1890s at least.

And it has been in the White family for more than a century.

But the time has come for its current owners Robert, 70, and Angela White, 67, to retire and close their R White Family Butchers shop.

Saturday was their last day at the butcher’s block and the couple admitted it was an emotional time as they had run the shop since Robert took it over from his father in 1984.

Angela said: “I am feeling emotional, it is a long time and Robert has known no other life really.

Robert and Angela White Picture: Alexa Fox (Image: Alexa Fox)

“He used to help doing all sorts when he was a boy and he used to deliver orders on his bike around the villages until he passed his driving test.

“There used to be three vans out at one time and Robert could be out delivering until 10 o clock at night; he just did his last delivery on Friday night.”

The couple’s daughter Rachel has worked at the shop for around 15-years and their other two children, Helen and Richard, also helped out when they were younger.

Richard also stepped in recently after Robert suffered a period of ill health.

Angela said: “It has been a real family affair really and we’ve had so many lovely, loyal customers over the years.

“We’ve been so busy with people coming in saying they’re sad we’re leaving and I’ve had messages on facebook from people as far away as Canada wishing us a happy retirement.

"Delivery drivers have just been dropping in especially to say goodbye to us.

“It’s all been so nice because I know I can chat on a bit, but it’s shown how much people have enjoyed coming here.”

Robert and Angela White Picture: Alexa Fox (Image: Alexa Fox)

The White’s efforts were particularly appreciated during the Covid pandemic when the couple ensured deliveries of fresh food were made to their elderly and isolating customers.

And their work over the decades has certainly been appreciated as scores of retirement cards have been delivered to the shop over the last week.

Morton-on-Swale resident Paula Weighell was the last customer to be served on Saturday afternoon and she said Robert and Angela will be ‘absolutely missed’.

She said: “I’ve been coming here regularly for about ten years; they are irreplaceable, especially for everything they did during Covid.

“My husband is a farmer so his family have been coming here for generations and it just won’t be the same without them.”

Paula Weighell was the last customer to be served on Saturday afternoon by Robert White Picture: Alexa Fox (Image: Alexa Fox)

Despite some sadness at closing the business, Angela said it was ‘the right time’ due to a combination of health, age and economics, with the rising cost of energy causing the couple concern for the shop’s future.

Angela said: “I feel like we can go out on a high.

“Butchers and small businesses like ours are really going to struggle with the rising bills.

“So it has been a great relief that we don’t have to worry about whether we can cope and we are able to go out on a high and just enjoy life with the family.”

And Robert had this final message for their customers: “Thank you for all the years of custom you gave us.

“They have been absolutely brilliant, and we are really going to miss talking to and seeing everybody.”

The couple plan to enjoy their retirement by spending more time with family and doing some travelling together.

The R White butchers shop in Morton on Swale Picture: Alexa Fox (Image: Alexa Fox)

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