Brailes Mechanical & Craft Society – March 2026
Jon and his brother Nick grew up at Fulready near Halford. They both went to university and gained MA’s. Jon studied Theatre at Goldsmiths College in London, and Nick studied Business at the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester. They combined their skills to start Paddock Farm.
Farming
In 2011 they paid £500 for two Tamworth sows and housed them on their parents small paddock. The sows produced numerous piglets. Righton’s butchers in Shipston cut the meat and the brothers sold it to pubs and other businesses. Jon described how they gradually expanded the business, firstly by renting woodland at Idlicote. They now have 60 acres of Lord Northampton’s fields, 110 acres at Cheney’s farm, 30 acres at Traitors Ford belonging to Chris Righton, and a further area at Roundhill Farm on Brailes Hill.
In wet weather, pigs on clayey ground make the ground too muddy. The answer was to diversify and introduce Hereford cattle and hens. The fields are divided into rectangular plots. The animals are regularly moved to ensure the optimum use of the ground. The edges of the fields have a wide perimeter of grass in which vehicles are restricted to one track thereby reducing compaction and improving the retention of rainfall. Their chicken caravan, or Eggmobile as their website calls it, is guarded by a dog to keep foxes away. Since the Long Compton abattoir shut, the abattoir at Warminster has increased their costs considerably.
Retail Butchery
Their first shop was at Talton Mill near Ettington Park. They found this arrangement too restrictive and 11 years ago they took over Frank Barwick’s premises in Brailes. The shop was renovated and since then they have expanded across the rear of the other two shops. The move to Brailes was well received with 300 customers on the opening day.
Nine people, including a full-time cook, now work in the shop. The butchery is carried out at the rear. As well as the local trade, their weekly cycle of restaurant trade includes prestigious London restaurants.
50 members and guests enjoyed an excellent talk.
Our next meeting is on Monday 2nd of March with a talk on “It shouldn’t happen to a Vet..or Should it?”, by Laura Holmes. We meet at 7 30 in the Village Hall.
New members and guests are welcome.
Eric Darvell
Secretary