Tag Archives: lord newborough

News

Respected organic meat manager retires after cutting it at highest level for decades

AFTER cutting it at the highest level for decades a respected meat production manager has stepped down from the role.

Following 17 years at Rhug Estate and many more in the trade – including a spell at London’s famous Smithfield Market – Gary Jones has retired from the industry.

He handed over the reins to Chris Esler, who joined the award-winning business, based near Corwen in North Wales, earlier this year.

Gary plans to return to his native Bedfordshire with wife Debbie – who previously worked as a supervisor in the restaurant and delicatessen at Rhug – and thanked Estate owner Lord Newborough and the team for their support.

“It has been a very eventful, fun and rewarding 17 years but the time is right for me to say goodbye, and with Chris set to take over, the meat production side of the operation is in very good hands,” he said.

“We’ve had our challenges of course, notably the pandemic, but there have been so many positives and I’m proud to have played my part in developing this side of the business, notably when we opened up to the international export markets.”

Gary added: “Debbie and I have been married for more than 45 years so we are looking forward to a new start and to spending more time with our children and grandchildren.

“I am so thankful to Lord Newborough for the opportunity and wish Chris all the very best for the future, I am sure he will enjoy many happy years here, as we have.”

Rhug Estate is recognised as one of the UK’s leading producers of high-quality meats and was appointed a Royal Warrant of Appointment by the now King Charles III for its care of the countryside and high animal welfare standards.

Its Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkey was a recipient of the 1* Great Taste Award and voted a ‘best buy’ in The Independent newspaper, as well as being featured on the menu at Michelin-starred venues and leading restaurants globally, from London to Singapore.

Having also moved from the south of England to join Rhug Estate, Chris – whose partner Jessica has taken on the role of purchasing manager at the farm shop – was thrilled to join the internationally-renowned farm estate, having worked in the beef sector for more than 10 years.

A former apprentice with ABP food group, he said: “I’m really enjoying the responsibility and it’s very different to my past roles, there is a lot of scope to use my butchery skills and to take Rhug to the next level.

“It’s a new challenge but I’m looking forward to it and wish Gary all the best in his retirement, he has been hugely encouraging and I thank him for all of his support over past months.”

For more news and information including upcoming events, visit www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media @rhugestate.

News

Organic farm estate helps children’s charity raise £280,000 at auction

A LEADING children’s charity raised up to £280,000 with the support of an award-winning farm estate.

The NSPCC’s Great Chefs Dinner included an auction featuring an Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkey – to serve eight people – donated by Rhug Estate, based near Corwen, North Wales.

The winning bid contributed to an incredible total of more than £279,000 on the night.

Around 450 guests attended the Guildhall in London for the event, and Rhug Estate owner Lord Newborough was proud they were able to play their part.

“Rhug Estate is always pleased to support charities both nationally and in our region,” he said.

“We are absolutely thrilled for the NSPCC on raising such a huge amount of money, I’m sure it will have a positive impact for children and families across the UK.”

Diners were treated to a delicious four-course menu created by renowned chefs Lorna McNee, Jude Kereama, Georgia Sommerin and Spencer Metzger, stars of the BBC’s Great British Menu TV programme.

Special Events Executive Charlotte Dixon thanked Lord Newborough and revealed the donation means children have access to a helpline and a listening ear whenever they need it.

“This will help protect children today, and prevent abuse tomorrow,” she added.

“Thank you, on behalf of all the children this money will help us reach, for being part of our event.”

Meanwhile, Rhug Estate continues to sell its prize-winning turkeys – a recipient of the 1* Great Taste Award and voted a ‘best buy’ in The Independent newspaper – as avian flu sweeps across the country.

Lord Newborough encouraged people to get their last-minute orders in and to consider other options such as beef, lamb, and pork when purchasing festive produce.

Rhug Estate is recognised as one of the UK’s leading producers of high-quality meats and was appointed a Royal Warrant of Appointment by the now King Charles III for its care of the countryside and high animal welfare standards.

“We still have turkeys and geese available and are here to support suppliers and customers with whatever they need,” he said.

Turkeys are scheduled for delivery from Monday (December 19) and if pre-ordered for collection will include a free garnish pack.

If you would like your turkey as a Crown, call 01490 413000, email contact@rhug.co.uk or visit the website: www.rhug.co.uk/product/rhug-estate-organic-dee-valley-bronze-turkey

For more news and information including upcoming events, visit www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media @rhugestate.

Visit www.nspcc.org.uk for the latest news and information from the NSPCC.

News

Organic farm estate steps into Christmas with series of fun family events

RHUG ESTATE is stepping into Christmas with a series of fun festive events for all the family.

The popular organic farm estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, is celebrating the yuletide holidays with more activities and attractions than ever before.

Father Christmas will pay Lord Newborough and the team a visit on Sunday December 11 for breakfast and afternoon tea at a specially prepared Santa’s Diner.

In between you’ll find him in his grotto handing out gifts to children from across the region.

On Thursday December 15 a carol service will take place at Rhug Chapel, there is to be a Christmas craft fair with local suppliers, artisans, and talented artists on Saturday December 17, and on Sunday December 18 customers can create their own bespoke hamper at the farm estate shop.

This all leads up to one of the most active times of year for Rhug – Friday December 23 – when their award-winning organic turkeys will be available to pick-up, for those who have pre-ordered in advance.

And the doors will also be open on Saturday December 24 from 9am until 4pm for any last-minute Christmas Eve shopping.

Managing Director Amy Coleman is looking forward to the month ahead and said: “It is going to be a very busy period for us, but we can’t wait.

“It will be a breath of fresh air to be able to hold our Christmas events in-person without restrictions for the first time in a while, and to welcome families for the wide range of festive activities we have available.”

She added: “We encourage people to follow our social media channels and visit the website for the latest information and to book in advance, so they don’t miss out on these events.

“There is so much happening – we look forward to seeing you at Rhug Estate soon.”

For more information and to book your place at one of Rhug’s Christmas events, visit www.rhug.co.uk or email emilydavies@rhug.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01490 411 100.

Rhug Estate still has turkeys for sale. They are scheduled for delivery the week commencing December 19 and if pre-ordered for collection will include a free garnish pack.

If you would like your turkey as a Crown, call 01490 413000, email contact@rhug.co.uk or visit the website: www.rhug.co.uk/product/rhug-estate-organic-dee-valley-bronze-turkey

News

Organic farm boss wins entrepreneurship award for success of foraged beauty collection

THE man behind one of the UK’s leading organic farm estates has won a prestigious national award for entrepreneurship.

Lord Robert Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, near Corwen, picked up the Health and Beauty Entrepreneur Award at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022 Grand Final.

He was selected following the success of their popular Wild Beauty collection, created from natural ingredients foraged on-site.

“I am absolutely thrilled to win the award, it’s testament to our vision to create a high-quality brand centred around the environment and sustainability,” said Lord Newborough.

“Thank you to the judges and especially our hard-working Wild Beauty team, whom I share this with.”

Hannah and Sophie Pycroft from Spectrum Collections were on the judging panel and praised the “exciting” brand, adding: “We particularly enjoyed learning about it came to be, and all of its efforts into sustainability, both on the farm with renewable energy and when manufacturing its products and material choices. The existing retailers are all recognisable brands and the international growth plans seem to be well underway for what sounds to be a very exciting period.”

The Awards, organised in partnership with Starling Bank, recognised the UK’s most inspiring entrepreneurial success stories for a decade and developed a community-oriented network of alumni which grows year on year.

The ceremony was held at Grosvenor House in London and saw 1,400 entrepreneurs and colleagues unite to celebrate a collective £2 billion generated in turnover and over 17,000 jobs.

Great British Entrepreneur Awards founder Francesca James said the 10th anniversary event was the biggest and best yet: “Celebrating Britain’s ambitious, driven, and inspirational entrepreneurs for a decade has been an honour, and we’ve learnt so much from hearing all their unique stories and perspectives.

“The extraordinary circumstances of the last few years have tested the resilience of our business communities, and the challenges were enough to give many entrepreneurs an excuse to give up. Instead, our award winners did the opposite and, through ingenuity, innovation, and the ability to adapt, they thrived.”

Anne Boden MBE, Founder of Starling Bank, headline partner of the Awards, added: “Entrepreneurs up and down the country across so many different industries have shown just how innovative and resilient they have been in these uncertain times. The awards are a celebration of their success – congratulations to all winners.”

Lord Newborough’s accolade comes just days after Wild Beauty won two prizes at the Free From Skincare Awards for its Hand Wash and Lotion Duo Gift Box Set.

The product won the Best Bath and Body category and was named Overall Champion.

To find out more about the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, visit the website: greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com. 

For more information on Wild Beauty, visit www.rhugwildbeauty.com or follow them on social media @rhugwildbeauty.

News

Organic farm in ‘race against time’ to sell turkeys as UK bird flu crisis deepens

THE owner of an award-winning 15,000-acre organic farm issued a stark warning as the crisis in the poultry industry deepens.

As avian flu continues to impact available stocks of birds UK-wide, Lord Newborough – owner of Rhug Estate in North Wales – urged people to secure their Christmas orders well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The UK has lost more than 40% of its free-range turkey flock to bird flu and resulting culls, putting the industry under huge pressure at its most crucial time of the year.

It is the country’s worst-ever outbreak and has left butchers nationwide without supplies as the strain is particularly strong and virulent around turkey and geese.

Lord Newborough encouraged people to order soon and not miss out, and to consider other options such as beef, lamb, and pork when purchasing festive produce.

“Rhug Estate is taking a big gamble to ensure its customers have only the very best turkeys this Christmas,” he said.

“It is nail biting stuff and a race against time for many of us given how rapidly avian flu is spreading, but I believe a fresh turkey must be your first choice – better than one previously frozen – so we will continue as we are and encourage people to order all their meat requirements for the Christmas period in advance.”

Rhug Estate is recognised as one of the UK’s leading producers of high-quality meats and was appointed a Royal Warrant of Appointment by the now King Charles III for its care of the countryside and high animal welfare standards.

Its Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkey was a recipient of the 1* Great Taste Award and voted a ‘best buy’ in The Independent newspaper, as well as being featured on the menu at Michelin-starred venues and leading restaurants globally, from London to Singapore.

The birds also made the news in past years for the stress-free life they live on the Estate, roaming free range for more than six months ahead of Christmas, feeding on organic farm oats and listening to classical music.

Lord Newborough added: “This was already a very busy time of year and of course one we all look forward to, so it’s such a shame this crisis has spiralled in past weeks.

“But we still have hundreds of turkeys and geese available and are here to support suppliers and customers with whatever they need.”

Turkeys are scheduled for delivery the week commencing December 19 and if pre-ordered for collection will include a free garnish pack.

If you would like your turkey as a Crown, call 01490 413000, email contact@rhug.co.uk or visit the website: www.rhug.co.uk/product/rhug-estate-organic-dee-valley-bronze-turkey

For more news and information including upcoming events, visit www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media @rhugestate.

News

Organic farm on hand to supply 1,000+ turkeys as UK faces national shortage this Christmas

AWARD-WINNING Rhug Organic Farm is preparing to serve up Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer for customers nationwide.

Rhug Estate, which covers 12,500 acres from Gwyddelwern to Carrog, North Wales, has more than 1,000 of its acclaimed Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkeys for sale.

As suppliers and supermarkets face shortages due to an outbreak of bird flu at sites across the UK, Estate owner Lord Newborough revealed they have already secured orders from prominent names in the hospitality sector and see that trend continuing over the coming weeks.

“The current situation is a big concern for the industry as sales have been affected across the country, but we are well placed to cater for customers and also have special offers and events lined up over the festive season,” he said.

“Our turkeys are award-winning and we work hard throughout the year on ensuring the quality is of the highest standard, which means animal welfare is paramount, especially as we come out of the pandemic and given the unprecedented challenges of past years.

“They are already proving popular, and we have received a lot of positive feedback from independent buyers, suppliers and restaurants getting ready for the upcoming Christmas period.”

Rhug Estate is recognised as one of the UK’s leading producers of high-quality meats and was even appointed a Royal Warrant of Appointment by King Charles III for its management of the countryside and high animal welfare standards.

Its Organic Dee Valley Bronze Turkey was a recipient of the 1* Great Taste Award 2019 and voted ‘best buy’ turkey in the The Independent newspaper, as well as being previously featured on the menu at Michelin-starred venues such as The Connaught, Four Seasons, and The Rosewood in London, and restaurants in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.

“We are exceptionally proud of the team for continuing to produce the best quality, organic turkeys, which live free range on the farm in the most spectacular surroundings – our meat can be found on some of the most important menus in the world,” said Lord Newborough.

“We encourage people to get in touch soon if they are looking to purchase – our sales staff are ready to help with whatever you need.”

Turkeys are scheduled for delivery the week commencing December 19 and if pre-ordered for collection will include a free garnish pack.

If you would like your turkey as a Crown, call 01490 413000, email contact@rhug.co.uk or visit the website: www.rhug.co.uk/product/rhug-estate-organic-dee-valley-bronze-turkey

For more news and information including upcoming events, visit www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media @rhugestate.