A Barnard Castle butcher has been nominated for a prestigious industry award only two months after completing her 18-month apprenticeship.
Aimee Rowe, who works at McFarlane’s Butchers, in Market Place, completed her butchery apprenticeship level 2 qualification in June.
Last week she learned she was one of eight women shortlisted for this year’s Women in Meat Industry Awards in the craft butcher category.
Aimee, 38, who moved to Barnard Castle seven years ago, said: “I am shocked and amazed and truly thankful I’ve been nominated. It was Covid that did it. I was working at the Golden Lion when the pub closed. Stuart [McFarlane] had advertised that he was looking for counter staff and an apprentice two days a week and so I applied. It is something I never thought of doing but I really enjoy it.”
The Women in Meat Industry Awards are run by Meat Management magazine, and aim to recognise the important contribution that women make to the business.
Public votes count as only butchers with the most votes go through to the final. To cast your vote for Aimee, go to the website, womeninmeat awards.com/vote/#gf_8
The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on November 17, which is being hosted by TV journalist and broadcaster Jennie Bond.
She added: “I’m not sure who nominated me but I think it could be Optimum Skills where I did my training as I am the first female butchery apprentice they have had.
“It was a shock when I first found out, but I’m proud of myself.
“It is something I never thought I would say that I’m a butcher.”
