Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2017 | Page 113

Food and drink
New generation butchers
A blend of old-fashioned butchery skills and 21st
century marketing has created a recipe for success at
a traditional family business in Bembridge.
The well-known W.W. Woodford
butchers, established way back in
1903, was taken over eight years
ago by long-time butcher Graham
Hawkins, who had worked in a
number of shops, and remembers
the days when Ryde alone boasted
14 butchers.
But times change, and Graham is
determined to make the business
move with them – with the help
of a young and enthusiastic team
that includes his grandsons,
Matthew and James, and
Matthew’s girlfriend Bryony, and
Grahams resident professional
butcher Steve Oddy.
Graham personally trained 26
year-old Callum Graham, who
has worked in the business since
leaving school, and his brother
Chris, who specialises in making its
famously delicious pies.
For a new generation of
butchery customers, Woodford’s
offers the convenience of on-line
ordering with a delivery service
six days a week. Customers can
also pick up their purchases from
a collection point at Primrose Fine
Foods in Newport.
Graham is keen to promote local
produce such as Island beef and
lamb, as well as best quality poultry
and mature Scotch beef, and the
shop’s own home-cured bacon.
“People are more interested in
how their food is produced” says
Graham, “so it’s up to us to keep up
the traditional butchery skills and
ensure they’re not lost”.
Find WW Woodford at 26 High
Street, Bembridge, call 01983
872717 or visit the website
www.woodfordandson.co.uk.
www. visitilife.com
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