WI hears of "best farm shop"

Burleydam and District WI, at its December meeting, heard that the farm shop at Gate Farm, Poole near Nantwich is the best farm shop in Cheshire, if not the country.

So said Andrew Jackson to WI members at their meeting on 1st December. Mind you, Andrew is somewhat biased, as founder of the Great Tasting Meat Company, it is his farm shop!

Nevertheless, if it's a matter of enthusiasm, commitment to animal welfare and a passion for high quality meat, then his claim is probably justified.

Andrew's talk to Burleydam WI gave us the opportunity of sharing his thoughts on what matters to today's entrepreneurial farmer. A high standard of welfare makes sense because, as well as being morally right, it also gives a higher quality of meat.

Meat is also improved by feeding animals on grass and raising them slowly. At the end of the talk Andrew and butcher, Geoff Broomhall provided a feast of Gloucester Old Spot pork with plenty of great tasting crackling and the discussion continued over a wide range of issues.

CompetitionThe competition was for two home-made mince pies which after, judging, were then enjoyed by members. The winner was Elaine Walton, second Sheila Beeston and third, Eva Sadler. The Lucaston branch of the CWA in Tasmania, with whom Burleydam WI is twinned, sent a calendar showing scenes from the Huon Valley. This was raffled and won by Margaret Blackburn.

A reply had been received in response to our letter to Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health, about the inappropriate imprisonment of people with mental health problems.

The New Year lunch, which takes the place of a meeting in January, will be held on Tuesday 19th January at the Bridge Inn, Audlem starting at 12.30.

The meeting on Tuesday 1st February will include a talk on "A Policeman's Lot" from Darren Midwinter. The competition will be "My favourite detective – in 50 words"

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