Retiring Arthur has big 5-0 all sewn up

The 78-year-old became a stallholder at Cannock Market in 1959, but is preparing to say a sad goodbye after chalking up the landmark half-century.

Arthur will retire from his longheld post on his fabrics stall at the end of the month.

As an early leaving present, Mr Biddulph was honoured with a surprise presentation by fellow stallholders and Cannock Chase Council's past and present market officers. Fellow stallholder Margaret Lavender, 67, first met Mr Biddulph at the outdoor market in 1964, and said he was well known for his "wonderful laugh" and sense of humour.

Mrs Lavender presented him with a bottle of whisky, a gold watch and a greetings card, with dozens of market staff and close friends gathered to enjoy a specially-made cake and drinks.

Mrs Lavender, of Rugeley, said: "That laugh is wonderful. It brightens up everyone's day. Everybody knows him here, people are so sad that he's leaving."

Mr Biddulph did two years of National Service in 1948-9 and was based in South Africa. He then spent a few years in the building trade before following in the steps of his brother-in-law and taking up a stall. He settled on Cannock because he says, "it was the best in the Midlands, and had very reasonable rates".

Mr Biddulph, of Wetley Rocks, near Leek, said: "I stayed here for so long because I didn't want to leave, I just enjoyed being here with my friends. But I don't want to drive 30 miles through country roads in bad weather, and I'm not getting any younger."

"The thing I will miss most is the friends I've made," he continued.

"I remember when mothers used to come to the stall with their children, they used to tell them to go to Arthur's stall if they got lost. And the kids would end up at my stall. There are some lovely friendships that have been built up over the years. But I will now have time to relax, keep my garden tidy and cut my own wood on my farmland."

Mr Biddulph was also joined by former market bosses or 'superintendents' Jim McCulloch, 68, Geoff George, 84, and Harold Pritchard, 89.

Current markets officer Tony Duckmanton, 63, said: "Arthur has been a stalwart of Cannock Market for so long that it's going to take everyone a while to get used to life here without him.

"To serve the people of Cannock for five decades is an amazing achievement, and I know everyone is going to miss him.

"I wish Arthur every happiness for his well-earned retirement – and I hope he pops back to see us again in the future."