Award Winning Appointment With Royalty

Two meat technology students had an awarding winning date with royalty after both scooping top awards from the industry.

John Thornton and Andrew Barraclough travelled to the Butchers’ Hall in London last month (February 15th) for the Institute of Meat and Meat Training Council Annual Awards 2010 to receive their prizes from HRH The Princess Royal, who is Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers.

More than 15 awards were presented to individuals, companies and training establishments at the prize-giving, which recognises the achievements of the industry’s best.

John, who works for Thorntons Butchers of Easingwold while also attending Thomas Danby Campus, received the Adjudged Best Student for the Intermediate Certificate in Meat and Poultry Award. He was also awarded a cheque for £250 plus a year’s free membership of the Institute of Meat.

John intends to carry on his studies at the College, progressing onto the Foundation Degree in Food Science and Manufacturing Technology before going onto work in a supervisory or technical role within the industry. He would also like to travel overseas to experience meat industries in other countries.

Andrew, who completed his studies at the College last year, was the recipient of the Adjudged Best Student for the Advanced Certificate in Meat and Poultry Award 2010, sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Butchers.

Andrew, who entered the industry to follow in his great grandfather’s footsteps, has been told he has a natural feel for butchery and hopes to go on to own a butchers shop or become a teacher in the meat and poultry industry.

Andrew was presented with a replica of the Perpetual trophy and a cheque for £350, plus a year’s free membership of the Institute of Meat.

Programme Leader Chris Moorby, who joined the students at the ceremony along with Head of Faculty Gordon Sibbald, said it was a great achievement for John and Andrew as well as for the College, which continues to receive recognition for its students at this annual event.