British Cheese board presents contribution award

Yesterday, the British Cheese Board awarded the prestigious Nantwich Show Cheese Industry Award posthumously to David Willes, founder of Bideford’s Parkham Farms, who died on 18 March this year.

Now in its fifth year, the annual award recognises outstanding long term commercial or voluntary contributions to the UK cheese industry. This year the British Cheese Board departed from normal practice, by awarding the accolade posthumously for the first time, recognising this inspirational farmer and cheesemaker for his significant contribution to the industry.

The award recognises thirty years of hard work, shrewd business sense, dedication and an honest and amenable approach to running his business, which enabled the farmer to grow his Bideford enterprise to the success it is today. Parkham Farms now spans 3,500 acres, employs 85 staff, milks over 2,000 cows and makes 4,500 tonnes of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar to award-winning standards. Indeed, Willes’ cheese was awarded Best in Show at the 2010 Bath & West Show and Reserve Champion at the 2011 Show.

On collecting the BCB Nantwich Show Cheese Industry Award on behalf of his father, Peter Willes said:

’It is an honour to collect this award on behalf of my father, who has made a tremendous contribution to the cheese industry. He thoroughly enjoyed coming to shows like Nantwich and, I think, after thirty years, he’d like to pay his own compliments back to this great industry.’

Nigel White, Secretary of the British Cheese Board said:

’David is greatly missed and we are delighted to be able to make this presentation to his son, Peter. David was an inspiration to all aspiring cheesemakers.

He was an active member of the co-operative Farmhouse Cheesemakers Ltd in the West Country and a founder Director of the UK Cheesemakers Association in 1995 ’ subsequently renamed the British Cheese Board ’ and only retired from his position as Treasurer in February of this year. A true inspiration for all of us.’