Anthony Saxby dies
Anthony Saxby dies
Anthony Saxby, a well-known meat man coming from a long established and respected family business, well remembered by many throughout the meat industry, has died aged 65.
Until his retirement, Anthony was chairman of Saxby Bros Ltd., having taken over from his father Jim Saxby. The family business dated back to 1904 based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and was noted for its pies, pastry and sausages.
In 2005, Saxby’s was acquired by General Mills, the parent company of Jus-Rol, who obtained the pastry division of the business. Saxby’s announced that it was to end production of its baked goods; pie and meat production then also ceased due to increased competition, price pressure and poor sales. In 2008, the pastry sector was transferred to Jus-Rol’s Berwick-Upon-Tweed division. The Chester Road and Brook Street East Saxby sites in Wellingborough were closed and demolished, and the land redeveloped for housing. Much to the regret of many consumers, the Saxby’s brand completely disappeared from supermarket shelves, ending a significant part of Northamptonshire’s food production heritage.
During his career Anthony managed all aspects of the Saxby business, including running 12 retail shops. He also had direct experience of livestock management and slaughtering, and for many years his company operated an abattoir. A devoted Northampton Saints rugby supporter, he was a regular at Twickenham, and a first-team player with Wellingborough RFC for 15 years. He listed following rugby as his major past-time. Anthony was a past vice president of the British Meat Manufacturers Association and past president of the BMPA from 2003 to 2005, as a well as a past Chairman of the Meat Training Council.
He leaves a wife Lesley and two grown-up daughters Emma and Elizabeth.
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