Tomos Hopkin wins Welsh Butcher of the Year

Tomos Hopkin, 17, from Ponty Butchers, Pontardawe, once more excelled in the final which was held at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd.

Runner up was Andrew Perry from Morgans Family Butchers, Brecon, third was Nathan Evans from Narberth and fourth was Ben Roberts from M.E. Evans, Wrexham.

The four butchers, all under the age of 23, impressed judges with their skills and traditional clean cuts of oven ready Welsh Lamb and Elan Valley Mutton.

“It was a much tougher competition this year and I felt the extra pressure of defending my title,” said Tomos. “Winning feels even better than last year.

“I tried to do added value cuts showing innovative ideas and I think that is the way forward. Eventually I would like to have my own shop.”.

Arwyn Watkins, managing director of Cambrian Training Company, which organises the contest with support from Hybu Cig Cymru/ Meat Promotion Wales, said: “The standard was absolutely tremendous and there were only 15 points between first and third places.

“We have run this competition for four years and this was the best one yet for all-round skills. The important point is that these young butchers have taken vocational jobs in their local communities and are contributing to the economy. It was also great to see their supportive employers at the final.”

Watkins revealed that he hopes to take Tomos and Andrew to London next year to showcase their butchery skills in a demonstration area at the WorldSkills 2011 event.

The competition judges were Tony Davies from Elan Valley Mutton, Graham Titchener from Hybu Cig Cymru, Gareth Evans from Celtic Pride and Nick Davies from Cambrian Training Company.

Titchener said: “I thought the four finalists expressed themselves very well, but Tomos’ butchering and finesse for his age was outstanding. He is a shining example of the skills that are still alive and well in the
independent retail sector and we could do with more like him.”

Devised by Welshpool-based, award winning training provider Cambrian Training Company, the contest aims to showcase the very best traditional butchery skills in Wales.

Apart from the prestige of becoming national champion, Tomos received £200 prizemoney and a trophy. Perry collected £100 and the two other finalists received £25 each.

>>Welsh champion to defend title

>>Young Butcher Talk

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