6 CRAFTBUTCHER l MAY 2019


BYFORD’S ENJOY BIGGEST HAUL OF GOLDS EVER!


MEMBERS NEWS


A R DAY CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS


Robert Byford and staff were delighted when CEO Roger Kelsey called into the shop in Leigh on Sea to congratulate them on their win of 9 gold awards at the recent NCB BBQ competition held in March.


ALL GOING WELL AT THE MEAT SHED!


Andy with son Tom and Saff y Williams T e last thirty years have


seen many changes for A R Day but Andy’s life in the meat trade started when he was 16 years of age and went to Smithfi eld College for 2 years to learn his skills. Whilst at the college he would also gain valuable work experience in Smithfi eld Market. Catching the night bus from his digs to the market for 2am starts. On moving back to


Cornwall, he worked in various establishments honing and refi ning his skills from working in an abattoir and a processing plant to managing a butchery counter in a local supermarket. Andy worked in the current


Andrew Page behind the counter at the Meat Shed Diane and Andrew Page are


a dedicated husband and wife team who some three years ago gave up their secure jobs and ploughed all their savings into setting up their own business in the pretty village of Orford. Andrew, having previously


worked in the butcher’s shop in Orford, was approached by the local parish council following the closure of the shop and asked if he would re-establish a butcher’s shop within the village. So it was that with the council’s help, in fi nding suitable premises, the Orford Meat Shed opened its doors for business in 2016. It has since gone from


strength to strength with Diane running the delicatessen,


which is well stocked with a large array of locally sourced pies, pasties, sausage rolls and cheeses. While Andrew runs the butchery side of the operation, stocking locally sourced beef, lamb, pork, poultry and game. All the meat has full provenance under the Beef and Lamb QSM Scheme. Having been open for just


three years they are delighted to have been nominated for a Rural Oscar, and thanks to customers’ votes have made it to the regional fi nals. A well-deserved achievement in return for Diane and Andrew’s commitment and dedication to the business. Helped with the support provided by National Craſt Butchers. n


shop for about 2 years prior to purchasing the business. However, on April 1st 1989 at 25 years of age Andy purchased the shop and A R Day Butchers was born. Andy has seen many


changes over the years as he explained. "T ere is a lot more regulation these days, mostly brought on by the BSE crisis, which peaked in 1993. T ere was a real worry at the time that the crisis could have killed off the meat industry in the UK, however the industry rallied round and put in place a lot of new training. T ose of us sensible enough to take advantage of this not only satisfi ed the Environmental Health Offi cers but regained the confi dence of the public. I would say that the “rogues” of the meat trade have now


disappeared. Butchers running small shops these days are around because they want to be there, not just wanting to make a fast buck!" Andy has noticed other


changes too. "T e biggest change is I no longer have regular customers who shop every day of the week. When I fi rst started out, I would see the same dozen local folk in the fi rst hour, doing their daily shop. We do retain a good number of regular customers, that is partly testament to our ability to deliver what customers want. Gone are the days of customers regularly buying meat on the bone or in bulk – they want something ready to cook straightaway." When away from the shop


Andy has found time to be involved in many local groups and activities over the years. Including playing rugby for 20 years and coaching for over 10. He was also Chairman of the Local Chamber of Commerce for several years and for the last 15 years has also given his time voluntarily to the local Cliff Rescue Coastguard Team, becoming Station Offi cer 3 years ago. Cycling also fi gures amongst his past-times when he recently cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats. He also enjoys going out in the boat for a spot of fi shing. n


If you have a story or would like to share your celebratory moments with us, email info@ nationalcraſt butchers.co.uk n


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