Villagers in Peasedown St John said a sad farewell to two popular businesses last week, who between them have clocked up 41 years of trading in the community.
Brian Millard retired last Saturday after 33 years as Peasedown’s only specialist fresh meat butcher.
The village’s Bath and North East Somerset Councillors Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independent) visited Brian to present him with an engraved glass plaque.
Cllr Karen Walker said: “Brian will be sorely missed. He has been a friendly face on the high street for many years.
“I remember when he first opened his doors in 1984 because it was the same year my oldest son was born, and for a number of years we lived in one of the houses opposite his business. It’s hard to believe that 33 years have now been and gone.
“To mark his retirement and the closure of Brian Millard Family Butcher, Sarah and I wanted to do something that’d he’d like, so we arranged for a glass plaque to be engraved with his name, the number of years he’s been trading, and a thank you message from the community.”
The week also saw the closure of The Coffee Hut. Thanks to Jo Light, it’s been a popular place for people to enjoy a cup of real coffee, freshly prepared paninis and home baked cakes. After 8 years, Jo has decided to move onto pastures new.
Last Friday, during the Coffee Hut’s final day of trading, Cllrs Sarah Bevan and Karen Walker surprised Jo with a trough of potted spring flowers to thank her for her dedication and service.
Cllr Sarah Bevan said: “Jo’s fresh coffee and tempting treats have been a big hit over the years, which has meant she has attracted a regular, loyal clientele. I would often find myself relaxing with a latte and reading through the daily newspapers in the Coffee Hut.
“It’s been a fantastic place to meet people, relax and take a break from the daily routine since it opened in 2009. Jo’s service to the community included hosting the regular Neighbourhood Police Beat Surgeries – a facility which I hope the new proprietors will continue as part of their community offer.
“We’d like to wish Jo and her family the very best for the future.”
