The new president of the Confederation of Yorkshire Butchers Councils (CYBC) is calling on butchers across the county to “beef up” their support for its annual highlight, the Great Yorkshire Pork Pie, Sausage & Products Competition weekend.
Keighley butcher Roy Dykes has issued a clarion call to fellow White Rose meat men and women to rally round and support the 2014 contest later this year.
Mr Dykes said: “The Great Yorkshire is now into its 26th year and remains the biggest and most prestigious regional meat trades competition in the UK. Last year’s landmark 25th contest attracted almost 300 individual product entries from over 30 different butchers across Yorkshire, among them nine first-time entrants.
“However, we are acutely aware that there are many others who have not yet taken part or have not entered for a number of years. We are also keen to attract new young blood and our standalone ‘New Kid on the Block’ competition class is purpose designed to equip first-time entrants with valuable experience in the meat trades competition arena.
“Yorkshire butchers produce some of the best pork pies, sausages, black puddings and burgers in the land. We are challenging them all to stand up be and counted and put their products to the test in the Great Yorkshire.
“We know they will learn a great deal from one of the stiffest product evaluation trials in the country. What they might not know is that the victors, the main title winners in particular, can expect a major boost to trade.”
Several years ago, the competition was also opened up to Yorkshire bakers who make pies on their own premises. “We can virtually count the numbers who have entered to date on one hand. We urge them to have a crack. They will be warmly welcomed and will both enjoy and benefit from the experience,” commented Mr Dykes.
He said he was also on a mission to stem the declining number of people attending the president’s annual dinner dance on the eve of the competition. “It’s a great night for all ages, represents greats value for money and makes for a great weekend,” said Mr Dykes.
A butcher for 40 years, the last 18 at the helm of his own business in Keighley Market Hall, Mr Dykes has himself been a stalwart of the Great Yorkshire, both as a judge and competitor, winning awards for his home-made sausages and beef burgers. He sources all his meat locally and has also clinched BPEX accolades for both his bangers and bacon.
The 2014 the Great Yorkshire Pork Pie, Sausage & Products Competition, which is supported by a trade fair, will again be staged at Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, on the weekend of November 15 &16. Full details are www.greatyorkscomp.co.uk
ENDS