John Uffold, chairman of McCartneys and member of the National Steering Group for the EBLEX (English Beef & Lamb Executive) Better Beef Returns Programme said that he was very pleased with the turnout and the general level of interest and enthusiasm, which was shown by the very varied company who attended the meeting.

Cattle were examined and their grades discussed. This was complimented by a boning demonstration given by Mr Allan Bennett a master butcher. This was plain enough to see for anybody who attended with Mr Bennett stroking the meat as if he was an artist but using a knife instead of a paintbrush. The demonstration was accompanied by much amusing banter as Mr Bennett told the producer audience what he needed to satisfy the demands of his “housewives” in his butchers shop every Saturday. There was a competition for the grading of animals liveweight and the winners were Mr John Owens, Woodhouse Farm, Shobdon and Kay and Sean Carpenter, Woodgreen Farm, Stourport on Severn

“McCartneys have always believed that their business should take a pro-active role in promoting a greater knowledge of the meat trade and the EBLEX meeting was one such event” John concluded. He hoped there would be many more as there was a need to promote understanding between buyer and producer.

Photo 1 Mr John Uffold, Mr Allan Bennett and Mr Clive Brown (EBLEX)

Photo 2 Mr Allan Bennett presenting Mr John Owens, Woodhouse Farm, Shobdon with first prize.

Photo 3 Mr Allan Bennett presenting Kay & Sean Carpenter, Woodgreen Farm, Stourport on Severn with second prize.