We forwent the attractions of the Newbridge Santa run to start the Christmas meat shopping.  Mr Morgan the butcher runs a cosy and busy butchers shop, tried a couple of tasty dishes from them, enhanced by the Rayburn.
Quite a character who lost 16 chickens and the rooster in one night – all gone, carcases and all.  Something dug underneath the outside fence and took them.  Target in the frame is mink!  Hadn’t thought of that.
Amongst many stories he told us was of a previous rooster who attacked anything and anyone in protection of his girls – even the fox who came off worse.  He also commented that the last cold spell he recalled was in 2010 when it reached -14; commenting along the way that with climate change, the local weather has really changed.  Gave us a good tip on where to park in Cardiff as well so lovely chat with some useful advice – including, to choose Danish ham, the best you can get!  Much to my surprise.  Apparently, Danish pigs are very good quality, and in the absence of a good salting company in the UK (one remaining in Wiltshire). English pigs are exported to Denmark to be salted and returned to the UK!  Ordered one for Christmas!  Ham that is, not a whole pig!