A family-run butcher's shop that served Fenland residents during World War Two has returned to March - more than two decades since it last opened.
Smith's Butchers welcomed an "incredible turnout" of new and existing customers to 73 High Street during its opening weekend.
Not only did owner Jack Smith sell out of meat, but customers shared memories of his dad Ian Smith and great-grandfather Derek Booth serving them in the late 1990s.
The business was originally started by Derek's dad Sydney Booth and, by 1920, they were operating.
However, Sydney died in 1952, leaving Derek to run the business until 1998.
(Image: Family)
In 2003, Jack was born to Derek's grandson Ian Smith. Having left school aged 16 to pursue an apprenticeship with the Institute of Meat at Ipswich, Jack also worked at two butchers in the local area.
After two-and-a-half-years of training, the following three years saw Jack gain experience as a fully qualified butcher.
Following the death of farmer Ian, who had always wanted to start the butchers back up, Jack was inspired to make both of their dreams come true.
In the two decades since it was a butchers, the shop had several different businesses in it.
Then, in 2023, after it became empty once again, Jack started working on the building.
(Image: Family)
With the help of his grandad Paul Smith, he revamped the shop, tidied it up and brought it up to a modern-day standard.
"I'm really proud of everything I've done to get to where I am today," he said.
"I've got to this point by working extremely hard, including lots of long days and nights."
Jack is the third generation of his family to run the shop, but the fifth generation to work inside it.
With the opening, he said he is optimistic about giving March a boost: "I want to give it some more life and try to restore some of its fading history.
(Image: Family)
"It would have brought such a big smile to my dad’s face and probably even his grandad, to think that the old shop that closed in 1998 is now a butchers once again," he said.
Jack added that, over the weekend, the queue stretched out to the flower beds besides the shop.
He said that "a life-lasting memory was made together as a family", with himself, wife Nina (who is head chef at a local primary school) and daughter Rosie serving a "constant flow" of customers.
"Thank you again for all the support - our little family greatly appreciates all the kind words and reviews we’ve received," he added.
Jack thanked Jay Blackwell Immedia-8 for the "incredible" signs above both buildings and The Balloon Lady for an "impressive" display.
(Image: Jack Smith)
Having been operating for a year, Smith's Butchers - who serve many of the same customers and their families - will also be delivering to customers.
"Our shop might be smaller compared to others, but we're still just as good," Jack said.
"There will be plenty of locally-reared meat available, and plenty of deals."
The opening hours are Wednesday and Friday from 3-7pm, Saturday from 8am to 6.30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
(Image: Jack Smith)
“Having lost my dad at the young age of 19, it makes me appreciate every day I wake up and can spend with my family," Jack added.
"I am working so hard to achieve security for my daughter if she was to loose me at a young age.
"I am now half the age of my father and the fact is ever-present in my head.
"Smith's Butchers is for my family's history, but also for our future."
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