Two long-serving workers have retired from popular butchers Cranstons after a combined 33 years at the firm.
Cranstons said farewell to Kath McManus, who has been with the firm 22 years, and David Hanning, who has worked there for 11 years, this week.
Kath joined the company in 1999 working in Cranstons’ original shop in Kirkoswald and the King Street shop in Penrith before moving to the Cumbrian Food Hall where she is a familiar face to customers on the butchery and deli counters.
Kath said she was looking forward to putting her feet up and spending time with her grandchildren.
Philip Cranston said: “Kath is much loved by everyone in the Cranstons team and our regulars will miss her kindness and excellent product knowledge.
“She has been a key team member over the years at three of our shops and I would like to wish her a long and happy retirement.’’
Kath said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Cranstons and I will miss the camaraderie amongst the team and the customers some of whom pop in several times a week.
“It’s been great to see the company grow and develop its ranges over the years.”
David initially joined Cranstons as a Christmas production temp, brought in to help out with pigs in blanket production but has been with the firm ever since after he was asked to stay on and look after the food hall store.
The company said David was known for his wry sense of humour, practical jokes and for having a locker full of biscuits which he dishes out generously.
David said: ‘’I have really enjoyed my time at Cranstons. I am really looking forward to my retirement but I will miss the crack.
“It’s been great to be part of a supportive team and I have made a lot of friends for life here.”
Philip added: ‘’I hope you have a happy retirement David, thank you for all your hard work throughout the years and for all the laughs and jokes you have shared, we will miss your jovial face and I know our local suppliers will miss seeing you when they deliver.’’
