Apprentice Butchers (1960)

M/S of a large hall filled with wooden work benches where entrants dressed in white overalls in the butchers 'Apprentice of the Year' contest at Edmonton, London, are cutting sides of meat; meat is hanging from hooks on the left hand side of the room. C/Us and M/Ss of Brian Smith cutting a shoulder of lamb while an examiner, Mr Triebel, looks on and makes notes.



C/Us of another contestant, Peter Brooke, arranging some meat chops on a tray, and adding sprigs of parsley around them. M/Ss and C/Us of entrant Tony J Reed cutting a side of pork with a saw, as another examiner, Mr Tuplin watches and makes notes. Commentator says "With the apprenticeship system losing favour in the last few years few people realise that an apprenticeship in this trade even exists! Yet the eight finalists competing at Edmonton, North London represent eleven hundred in England and Wales".



C/Us of diplomas being rolled up on a table and tied with ribbon; then of two silver cups standing on the table while diplomas are handed to winners and hands are shaken. M/S of two butchers looking on. Commentator says "The final test included work on beef, lamb, pork and even sausages; and the apprentices (all under 21) were judged on cutting skill, neatness, speed and hygiene - as well as their overall method".



M/S of the judges as winner Michael Townsend enters shot and receives his diploma and cup; C/Us of diploma and cup; M/S as MT shakes hands with Mr H West, Chairman of the Apprenticeship Council, who then beckons for two men to enter carrying a garland of sausages and a crown made of paper and a joint of beef with ribs attached. After putting MT's white cap back on his head, Mr W puts the sausages round MT's neck, then C/U as he places the crown on his head. C/U of the other men applauding; C/U of the crown; it has what looks like a miniature carving knife in the centre.



Note: printed sheet on file giving more details on the contest and apprenticeship scheme.
FILM ID:105.13

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