In early November, local icon Craig Bell, the well-respected owner of Craig’s Galston Butchery, will mark 45 years of working at the same shop in Galston.
Born and raised in Schofields, Craig attended Riverstone High School. Upon leaving he worked at Riverstone Abattoirs, then joined his uncle, Col Bell, at his Butchers in Crestwood. When Col bought out his business partner, Craig moved to Cec Allen’s Butchers in Galston. The Bell family knew Cec through his piggery interests. Craig completed his apprenticeship in-house, where Cec taught him the trade ‘in the right way’. Consistency in products and service became Craig’s guiding principle and that remains so today.
Craig bought the business from Cec 27 years ago and renamed it Craig’s Galston Butchery. Over the past four decades, Craig has watched local orchards and market gardens give way to more housing and higher density. His drive from Schofields to Galston once involved just two traffic lights; today, there are many more.
His customers now span generations, with original patrons becoming parents and grandparents and their families continuing to buy meat from his shop. Gone, though, are the days of customers arriving on horseback or by tractor, like John Orr, and parking out the front!
THEN (age 19)
NOW (age 63)
With so many hours spent at work, the Galston institution is Craig’s home away from home. Over the years he has developed strong friendships with customers and fellow business owners alike. Little has changed since Cec Allen’s days: even the sausages are made to Cec’s original recipe.
The range of products now includes a few more partly prepared options, such as chicken filo parcels and marinated meat mixes, for busy families with less time to prepare complicated meals. The interior of the business is resplendent with hundreds of porcine figurines. Some bought by Craig, some given to him by loyal customers.
The father of two and grandfather of three is a generous supporter of local organisations and schools. His personality, reliable produce and excellent customer service will ensure his business keeps going for many years to come. Why not drop in and wish Craig a happy anniversary and perhaps gift him a little celebratory piggy to add to the collection!
