End of an era as fishmonger Geoff bids farewell to Brierley Hill market
He has had his own plaice at Brierley Hill Indoor Market for more than six decades.
But fishmonger Geoff Brown has now left his perch for the final time.
Geoff, 68, has been involved with the business since he was just four years old when he started out helping his father Bob.
He was the third generation to run Brown's Fishmongers – which has had a presence at the market since it opened in the 1930s.
Geoff's grandfather Ted was succeeded by Bob, who handed the reins over when his son was just 17.
Geoff said: "I've started helping my dad out at the age of four. They used to use a piece of grease proof for the fish and wrap it in newspaper.
"My job used to be to rip up the paper. In those days the market was very busy and I spent a lot of time there as a kid."
During his time at school, Geoff continued helping out his father on Fridays.
He explained: "I never went to school on Fridays.
"The teacher used to call out the register and would be saying 'Brown, Brown – of it's a Friday, he'll be up at the market helping out his old man'.
"Then I took over from my dad when I was 17. That's when I started having to get up at 4am and go to Birmingham Wholesale Market."
Early rises have been part of Geoff's routine since he took over the mantle from his father.
Geoff said he has had help from his sons Paul and David, and daughter Lyn, while he has been in sole charge at the market.
But his children have chosen to follow their own careers, meaning it is the end of an era for Brown's Fishmongers.
His fellow traders gave him a fitting send-off at the market over the weekend, handing over an engraved pocket watch and bottle of bubbly.
And Geoff now hopes to spend more time with his girlfriend Edith Brookes in his retirement – as well as seeing his five grandchildren.
He said: "My children all helped me out at different times, but they don't want to continue it as they've got their own lives.
"It's been a very good life but it's a good time to move on.
"My customers were more like my friends than family. Some of the things they've written in the cards are unbelievable.
"I probably wouldn't have retired but now I've met Edith I want to spend quality time with her as well as the kids and grandchildren.
"It will be a relief to have a lie-in!"
