Ashampstead butcher pipped into second place for 'Best Butcher' title

Ashampstead butchers and farm shop, Vicars Game, in Dog Lane, were among ten finalists for the Countryside Alliance’s ‘Butcher Award’, and after scooping the ‘Best Butcher in the South of England 2011' regional title, earlier this year and for the second year in a row.
Co-owner, Alan Hayward, aged 63 - who owns the business with his 62-year-old brother, Owen Hayward - stepped up at the ‘Rural Oscars’ to receive the Highly Commended award from environment minister and Newbury MP Richard Benyon, and celebrity chef Clarissa Dickson Wright.
Alan Hayward, whose brother Owen was away on holiday at the time of the ceremony, said afterwards he was very pleased to get the award, adding that Mr Benyon was a regular customer.
“He said he was really pleased for us and said, ‘You deserve it',” said Mr Hayward, who took along his wife, Elly, and nine-year-old son, Joseph.
Mr Benyon said the day had proved to be “a great celebration of the best of British rural life,” adding: “The winners of these awards have really made a difference to their local community either through boosting local businesses, protecting the natural environment or supporting a thriving rural community. It’s been a privilege to share their success with them.”
Winners of the ‘Best Butcher’ title were Nolans, of Kilcullen, Co KIldare, with winners announced by Countryside Alliance chairwoman, Kate Hoey, MP, at a packed Parliamentary reception attended by all regional champions from across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Photograph by Peter Anderson