Liverymen from the Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB), recently undertook butchery training for the farm managers of the charity, Farms for City Children.
Pamela Brook and Master Butcher, Viv Harvey, recently spent three days at the WCB's nominated charity's farm at Nethercott in Devon. As Pam explained the idea was: "To train members of the team in basic carcase breakdown so that when their animals are sent for slaughter they will be able to both butcher them on site and explain to visiting children where the various cuts come from on the carcase.
“In time,” continued Pam, "we hope to facilitate the children making sausages from the animals raised on the farm, enabling them to follow and understand the whole story from farm to fork.”
Farm School Leader at Wick Court Farm in Gloucestershire, Stuart Cragg, Farm Managers John Goodman (Wick Court) and Adam Bratt (Nethercott) and Nethercott’s Kitchen Manager, Jenny Percival began by watching Viv Harvey break down a pig and lamb carcase into primals and then various cuts. The four students then took up their knives and followed the process for themselves.
Liveryman, Viv Harvey said: “It was a great pleasure to work and train four great people. John, Jenny, Stuart and Adam took on the training with professionalism.
Stuart Cragg said: “I don't think I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. Thanks to Viv for patiently showing us the basics and then the options we have to suit our kitchens. I feel it gave me the confidence to safely do some butchery, and left me feeling I would love to get some more experience and learn more. It was incredible to see the finished product and feel the pride in presenting it well."
I also really enjoyed the training and Viv is amazing with a huge wealth of experience. My mind is buzzing with ideas and plans for the future at Wick Court.
Adam and Jenny added: “So much learnt and enjoyed. Thank you.”
Viv summed up the three days saying: “My passion has always been to pass on the wealth of skills I have been so fortunate to possess and from the photos you can see clearly how quick they have gained knowledge.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the few days with a great group of people who gave me pride in what I love to do. I have said to the group that when they get their butchery workshops ready to go, I am more than happy to come over and assist/ shadow them on their first session.”
Farms for City Children CEO, Donna Marie Edmonds said: “We have long been blessed by our friendship with the Worshipful Company of Butchers livery, but this butchery training session is a real highlight of our partnership.
“This has been championed by our dear friend and liveryman, Pam Brook who tirelessly works to promote the meat industry in the UK. All of our friends at Meat Management know how driven and passionate Pam is, and getting Viv to our charity is just another example of her championing the industry and relationships with charity.”