After 33 years Icarus Hines stepping down from Norfolk butchers

When Mr Hines opened his butchers shop in Church Street it was one of seven in the town.

His award-winning business is the only one left and he is leaving, after 33 years, on September 29.

But the name of the shop will remain the same and the famous mannequin, George that stands outside will also stay.

Richard Banning and Jake Wright, who have both worked at the butchers for more than 15 years, will take over the leasehold of the shop and the running of the business.

Icarus Hines is stepping down from his butcher shop after 33 years. L-R: Jake Wright, Icarus Hines, Ric Banning. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Mr Hines, 58, said: 'It's quite emotional. We are now on to the third generation of customers coming to the shop.

'I will give Richard and Jake support and will return to cover for holidays, so people will see me here.

'I want to stay actively involved in the Cromer community. I love Cromer, so I'm not calling it a retirement.

'I will pursue other interests and travel with my wife, Sandra, who runs the paperwork side of the business.

Flashback to 1998. L-R, Icarus Hines, his wife Sandra, and then manager Andy Williams. Pictures: Submitted by Mr Hines (Image: Archant)

'When you run a business you have to sacrifice a lot, so it will give me a bit of time to reflect.'

Mr Hines, who lives in nearby East Runton, started in the meat trade as a Saturday boy aged 15 at Dewhurst's butchers.

He briefly turned his hand to cooking and attended catering college, before returning to the trade he loves.

In 1985 he became a partner in Mac's Butchers, Cromer, which he ran from day one. In 1990 he bought out his partner and the shop became Icarus Hines Butchers.

Icarus Hines is stepping down from his butcher shop after 33 years. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

The grandfather-of-four added: 'There have been some ups and downs. My advice to anyone running a business would be to embrace the challenge. I've no regrets, as I gave it my best shot.'

In Greek mythology, Icarus flew too close to the sun. Mr Hines acquired his unusual first name from his prosaically named parents, Bob and Wendy, who also gave his five siblings similarly extraordinary names.

Icarus Hines is stepping down from his butcher shop after 33 years. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)