My Pies Have Seen The Glory Print
Pie Club History

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.