Our history of providing 'meat for people' goes all the way back to the 19th century when my enterprising great, great, great, great grandfather started farming land at Hunshelf. His son James saw an opportunity to enhance Thomas' farming work by butchering and selling meat to local families attracted to the area for the quarrying and wiredrawing trade. So ensued a steady business, maintained by the third generation, Joseph (top right).
However change was needed as the business expanded. Joseph Bramall moved the growing business to Near Coates Farm (second from top), the current day site.
His son Ernest(third from top) joined the business at the age of 16. He was a common figure at Penistone market (top left) and for the next 31 years he hawked meat every Friday and Saturday until his death. His son Norman took over at a young age, butchering and hawking meat and travelling around the Yorkshire markets, which he still does to this day. Although he no longer has his travelling shop (he is 83, so we'll let him off) his passion is still that of the 16 year old when he started out.
My father Michael expanded the business into national and international wholesale and maintains excellent relationships with local farmers to ensure a fair deal for farmer, wholesaler and customer.
As for me? I come from a long line of butchers and I want to keep the tradition and values of the past alive. i recognise that times have changed and selling on the Internet has replaced meat hawking rounds, but the core values of providing top quality meat at exceptional prices remain unchanged.
Noel Bramall