“It’s a strange feeling. After being in work for nearly fifty years – it’s every day – not going to work doesn’t seem right, I feel guilty!” the 65-year-old told The Free Press last week.
“I leave with a lot of kind thoughts shown to us over the years. I thank all my loyal customers.
“We came to Corowa with three young children. The family has grown up in Corowa and we’ve been well supported. I thank my wife Annette and the staff I’ve had over the enjoyable journey.”
It was in 1987 when John joined Corowa Meats, in partnership with Dave and Carol Darby. The working relationship was renewed, as the Darbys and John worked in John’s butcher shop in Wantirna South in Melbourne.
More interesting history included John being a third generation butcher. “My grandfather in Holland before wartime brought his ten children to Australia - my mother was the eldest – and my father was a butcher in Melbourne (Dandenong then Mulgrave),” John said.
It was in his parents family butcher shops that John started his apprenticeship, in 1972.
After 10 years in partnership with the Hennemans, Dave and Carol moved on to open their own butcher shop in Mansfield. John then employed local Graeme Leslie who worked for John for 13 years and became a part owner with John in 2014.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years,” John said. ”Dad and I would deliver meat to homes, go the back door and leave our meat on the kitchen table, and leave the change – they knew the price.
“It used to be mainly chops, sausages and mince but now it’s such a range of meat with the variety of steaks alone, there are pastry lines and already pre-cooked meals. Gourmet lines came in about 20 years ago, the last five years have seen pre-cooked, diversified meals.
“We are very proud of the high quality premium meats we provide to our customers, from grass fed beef cattle and lambs of the best grades.”
John has served the Corowa and district community admirably. A Life Member of Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club, he was treasurer for 10 years before being president for four years, stepping down a few years ago.
Graeme Leslie thanked his retiring business partner for the happy working relationship which began when Graeme “had two kids and a pregnant wife” in 1998.
“John looked after me,” he said. “My aim is to continue on with the high quality meat products and service.
“I do hope to do a few changes to keep ensuring we provide customers with the best we can deliver, and continue to support the town and sporting clubs.”
Graeme, 47, whose partner is Naomi, is also well known in sporting circles, being the three-year reigning squash club champion and club president for the past four years.
Retirement plans by the Hennemans include a tour around Australia in due course, which is well deserved.
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