Pork pie connoisseurs from across the UK descended
on Calderdale Each was hoping for a slice of the action at the 15th
Annual Charity Master Pork Pie Maker Competition.
Fifty-three entrants from as far afield as Glasgow and Southampton
fought it out for the title of Champion Pie Maker in a gruelling contest
organised by the Ripponden-based Pork Pie Appreciation Society at the
Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden.
But the top four, who all received trophies, all hailed from West
Yorkshire. After three rounds of blind judging by a large panel,
including last year’s winner Simon Haigh, of Hinchliffes’ Farm
Shops,
Netherton, Huddersfield, London food critic Jennifer Middleton, and a
99-year-old former butcher Alec Fozard, from Batley, Andrew Green, from
Wilson’s of Crossgates in Leeds was crowned champion.
Mr Green, who won the competition three years ago, said: “This for me
is the best pie competition because it is judged by people who are so
passionate about pork pies.
“It is the biggest compliment to me. If they think your pie is good,
it’s good.”
Barry Kaye, from Broster’s Farm Shop, in Outlane, took second place.
He said: “I was really surprised. We’ve only
been making our pies for 10 weeks but we must be doing something
right.”
Third place went to Michael Thewliss of Golcar,
Huddersfield, and fourth to Eddie Grange and Son of Slaithwaite,
Huddersfield.
Before testing the pies, president of the Pork Pie Appreciation Society,
Kevin Booth, described what the judges were looking for.
“A good pie needs to have a good appearance, a
good cross-section with thin pastry, a nice jelly and not too fatty, and
most importantly taste good.”
Pork Pie Appreciation Society member Stuart Booth donned the superhero
Pork Pie Man costume to entertain the crowds. Throughout the after-noon there was a demonstration of hand-made pork
pie making by John Lord, of Bradford, and music from Elland Silver Youth
Band. This year the event was sponsored by Timothy Taylor’s Brewery,
Keighley, and Packaging World Limited.
Proceeds will be split between local Alzheimer’s charities and Elland
Silver Youth Band.
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