Butcher takes golden prize

FRANK Winkles may manage the smallest butcher in the region, but he has won one of the biggest accolades in Queensland's world of meat.

The Laidley butcher won the Best Ham in Queensland at the Royal Brisbane Show on August 4.

“What we have to offer is massive and it meant a lot to win. We now have orders from Bundaberg and it has done a lot for us and the Laidley area,” Mr Winkles said.

The petite butcher on the main street of Laidley previously won various Sausage King awards earlier in the year, and Mr Winkles has just as much faith in his bacon.

“I reckon it is equally good and there have been double the sales since we won,” he said.

“We have won seven major awards in two years after managing the store for just under three years.

“We bring in a lot of business and the award has been a stimulant for more success in the future.”

As for the secret to his victory at the Royal Queensland Show this year, he has carried it with him over his 37-year career as a butcher.

“The recipe is the same as the bacon and it was handed to me when I was 17 and just started,” Mr Winkles said.

“The man that gave me it was just retiring at 72 and he had no one else but me to pass it onto.

“It would be about 140 years old, as it was passed down to him as well.”

Mr Winkles said that every cut of their meat is of quality standard and they sell it cheaper to retain their loyal customer base.

“That's another key to our success, as we listen to what our customers need and want,” he said.

“We have resorts that buy our meat and a few other local businesses, but we could always do with support.”