Butcher bows out

- Published: 16 February, 2007

A Bristol man who dedicated most of his life to the meat trade, having worked for more than 50 years as a retail butcher, as well as holding a number of industry organisation positions over the years, has died aged 97.

Arthur Sutor (pictured) was an active member of the trade, starting his career in 1923 by working for Hodders Pork Butchers and Grocers in Bristol. He learnt his trade there and opened his own business on 15 February, 1939. He continued to work for Hodders and the shop was initially run by his wife, Arleen. He opened his second shop in 1942 and finally retired in 1993, aged 84, after 55 years running his own business.

He was the only Bristolian to be president/chairman of the Bristol Master Butchers and the Master Grocers and also served on the

Executive of the South West area and held the

position of chairman.

Arthur served on the National Executive of the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders (NFMFT) and was the national chairman of the pork and bacon section for four years, in 1975, 1979, 1980 and 1988. He also held ministerial appointments on the Retail Wages Board and the Meat & Livestock Commission.

Chief executive of the NFMFT, Graham Bidston, said Arthur's contribution to the trade would be

remembered as one which lasted a lifetime.