A popular butcher from Belmont has sadly died less than two years after his retirement. 

Roy Gravett, 79, recently passed away from respiratory problems (unrelated to coronavirus). 

On January 6, his funeral took place and the cortège passed through Belmont High Street where around 40 people honoured his life and paid their respects.

Tributes included the children and grandchildren who have visited his shop ever since it opened in 1974. 

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A similar number stood outside the Downs Lawn Tennis Club where he was chairman and a member for many years. 

Mr Gravett leaves behind not only his wife and two sons but also the whole community.

His son Alan Gravett said: “As we drove through the village, despite knowing how popular my dad was, I was surprised and humbled by how many people turned out to pay tribute to him.

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"Dad loved being around people and working in the shop kept him energised. Many family members and friends did stints in the shop over the years. 

"We are sad at losing my father so soon after his retirement but grateful for the life he had.

"As well as family and friends, he will be missed by many of the local residents he served so faithfully for nearly half a century.”