This month we visit two Independent retailers …Trent’s Traditional Meats and Sewcraft

Trent’s Traditional Meats

A proudly independent traditional butchers shop that is going the extra mile to give the local community high-quality meat at an affordable price is Trent’s Traditional Meats in Havelock Street.

This long-established business, formerly Mike McGuire Family Butcher, was bought by Trent’s three years ago and, after a revamp and relaunch, it’s been taken to heart by customers, both old and new.

“We are doing really well,” said Tony Haines, Trent’s operations director. “Our customers like the fact we are there in the town centre and they can pop into the shop once-or-twice a week, and get exactly what they want – maybe they just want a couple of rashers of bacon, or a chicken breast, they can buy whatever quantity they want, large or small.

“Our butchers are knowledgeable and friendly, we are proud of the service we give.”

Traditional initiatives like the Christmas savings club are popular, as well as fixed price Christmas hampers and, in the summer months, barbecue packs too. Trent’s make up to 50 varieties of sausage, including gluten-free, and are always happy to try new a new flavour if a customer requests it.

“Marmite sausages are a favourite; our customers love them!” said Tony. “And we have made a Boerewors sausage at the suggestion of a South African customer.

“We sell a lot of pork products including traditional offal such as tripe, liver and heart, we cook and sell our own faggots and ham – which are very popular – our own burgers including more unusual ones such as beef chilli or lamb and mint, and we are just trying out a range of meat pies.

“We also have condiments, marinades and free range eggs - to be honest, there is nothing we don’t sell really!”

Trent’s are proud to support the local community and sponsor Swindon power-lifter Charlie Shotton-Gale and professional wrestler Eddie Ryan.

Tim and Cindy Trent are the owners.

Trent’s Traditional Meats, 26 Havelock Street, Swindon SN1 1SD, call 01793 525819, www.trentstraditionalmeats.com

Sewcraft Swindon

Whatever your sewing, knitting or crafting requirements, Sewcraft is sure to stock it.

This independent family business in Havelock Street has been trading for 53 years and customers come from far and wide to visit this treasure trove of sewing machines, knitting and crochet yarns, haberdashery, embroidery and cross-stitch essentials, fabrics, patchwork and quilting supplies, ribbons, lace, beads and jewellery findings.

Owners Roger and Julie Shakles, who took over the business 18 years ago, are proud of the vast range they stock and if, rarely, there is something they don’t have they will do their very best to source it.

“We have built a reputation for quality and competitive pricing which is second-to-none,” said Roger. “We have nine staff and are one of biggest independent stores in Swindon.

“We are proud of the service we give – our staff are all knowledgeable about everything from knitting and sewing to patchworking and embroidery, so we can give advice and there’s always a lot of chatting going on. I do enjoy it, and love meeting people.”

And Sewcraft’s customers are of all ages, from a nine-year-old girl doing cross-stitch to a 103-year-old lady who came in recently to buy wool. It serves model-making enthusiasts too.

Sewcraft’s premises are spacious, having taken over the shop next door to the existing premises two-and-a-half years ago. This has given them more room for their vast fabric range.

“Craft crazes come and go,” Roger explained. “We have had ponchos and scarves, and currently it is patchworking and quilting.

“I believe we have the biggest range of buttons in the south-west, and a huge choice of ribbons and trimmings too.

“If people are interested in learning different crafts then we are happy to help them find local courses.”

For those who are unable to visit the shop, Sewcraft operates a swift mail order service. Simply phone with your order, make payment, and the goods will be despatched - often the same day.

Sewcraft, 33 Havelock Street, Swindon SN1 1SD, call 01793 536778, www. sewcraftswindon.ltd.uk

Visit their eBay shop at: stores.ebay.co.uk/sewcraftswindonltd

Retailers on Havelock Square:

ARIN HAIR SALON

BLUES Cafe

BOSS BARBERS

BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION

C&D RECRUITMENT

CANCER RESEARCH UK

CRUNCH Coffee Shop

FITNESS KITCHEN

HAVELOCK NEWS

LANTERNS Café

LUSO

Trent’s Traditional Meats

MRS G D MONK (OPTICIANS)

NOVA CAFÉ

PROSPECT HOSPICE

SEWCRAFT

SHAW TRUST

SKY NAILS

SNES

SUBWAY

THE JJ'S HAIRGROUP

VINCE AYRIS

For further information please visit swindontowncentre.co.uk