Skipton Auctioneer John Hanson Retires
2009-03-31

John Hanson, a familiar face - and voice - on the rostrums at Craven Cattle Marts' Skipton Auction Mart since 1988, hung up his gavel this week, though not for good.

Calling time - Skipton Auction Mart auctioneer
John Hanson

While John officially retired from full-time work this week, he will continue to call sales on a part-time basis at the mart.

John entered the world of auctioneering straight from school in 1965 when becoming an articled clerk with Malton-based surveyors, auctioneers and valuers Boulton and Cooper, who ran sales at the town’s mart.

When John began his 21-year career as an auctioneer at Skipton, the mart was based near the centre of town, moving up to the present site in 1990.

Of the changes he has seen over the years, John comments: “Probably the most pivotal event was BSE in 1996. It changed the mindset of governments and has made life a lot harder for farmers ever since, being further compounded by foot and mouth and bureaucracy in general. However, farmers are a resilient lot and whatever is thrown at them they come bouncing back.”

John, 62, of Embsay, plans to combine his twin passions of walking and birdwatching during retirement, as well as travelling both at home and abroad with his wife Diana, also now retired as a tutor at Craven College.

The couple have two sons - Tom, who serves with the Metropolitan Police in London, and Robert, a graphic designer and illustrator working in Germany.

Jeremy Eaton, general manager at Skipton Auction Mart, said: “We wish John all the best in his well-earned retirement and look forward to welcoming him back to the mart on a part-time basis. He has been a model employee - loyal, committed and reliable, a true company man.”

Customers wishing to donate towards a presentation to mark John’s official retirement – due to take place at the company’s annual general meeting in May - can do so in the CCM office.

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