For some it is the crust, others the jelly and more still the meat it
seems no one can quite agree on the perfect pork pie. But connoisseurs
from far and wide descended on Calderdale for the 16th Annual Charity
Master Pork Pie Maker Competition, to give it their best shot.
Hundreds piled in to the Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden, for the judging and
with 47 entrants, the competition was as stiff as the pies crumbly.
Aside from the agony of decision, there were pie making demonstrations,
music from Friendly Brass Band and an appearance from Pork Pie Man, the
savoury superhero who famously declined a cake at his wedding, opting
for a three tiered pie instead.
The event has grown hugely since being dreamed up by the Calderdale
based Pork Pie Appreciation Society, with entrants from across the
country jostling for the prestigious trophy. Peter Charnley, society
secretary, said: “We had humble beginnings but each year it gets more
and more popular and each year the competition gets stiffer.” As young
and old sampled the savoury treats, opinions were as divided as the
dazzling array of pies on show.
Bruce Andrews, 39, a senior
judge said: “It has to be fresh, crisp and with the right amount of
seasoning. None of your soggy service station pies here.” Senior
craftsman and ex judge Alec Fozard, 100, said: “Pies are getting better
every year and It is the quality of the meat that makes them.”
While Lucy Parker, a nine year old pupil at Holy Trinity Junior School,
Halifax, said: “I like them best with peas.” A decision, however had to
be made and after a gruelling day, judges ruled the pies from Allums
Butcher of Wakefield, the winners, with Hinchcliffes Netherton,
Huddersfield and Brosters Farm Shop of Lindley, Huddersfield, also
bringing home the bacon in second and third place.
The event raised more than
£2,000 for Calderdale Bird Conservation Group and Yorkshire Air
Ambulance.
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