The first Timbs Butchery opened in Oxford, England in 1876 and was run by Peter’s great-great grandfather Samuel Timbs.

Samuel’s son Cyril immigrated to New Zealand in 1910 and opened a butchery in Whakatane during the 1930s. His sons Vern and Ron joined the family business.

Ron moved to the South Island and operated businesses in Heathcote for 25 years before retiring. His son Peter continued the family tradition, beginning work as a butcher at the age of 15. His first shop was at the foot of Cashmere which he opened 30 years ago. The Edgeware Road store opened 18 years later.