Our chairman – Robert Garner
Norfolk farmer Robert Garner whose family have been farming at Godwick Hall for nearly 80 years is the chairman of the Traditional Farm-fresh Turkey Association (TFTA).
Mr Garner of Godwick Hall succeeds Suffolk farmer Mick Binder, who has been chairman for the past two years.
For nearly 80 years three generations of the Garner family have been farming at Godwick Hall, in a unique corner of Norfolk. The ancient village of Tittleshall-cum-Godwick is long gone but the beautiful grasslands, rich in natural goodness remain. The Garner family philosophy is straight forward – they simply want to supply the best. Godwick quality turkeys are fed only on the finest natural diet, free from additives, this allows the turkeys to grow and develop naturally, to full maturity and to the highest welfare standards. Godwick Free Range Bronze Turkeys are produced only for the Christmas market and are available from selected independent butchers or direct from the farm. The turkeys are dry plucked and game hung for 7 days following tradition to achieve a superior taste and texture. The only turkey with the EU Traditional Speciality Guaranteed of old fashioned flavour and quality.
Our vice chairman – John Howe
John started producing turkeys in 1976 with just 25 birds. Over the last few years he has made major investment in buildings and infrastructure and now produces 8,500 birds.
Our president – Henry Bryant
One of the founder members of the Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association, Henry Bryant was elected president in 2006.
Three generations of the Bryant family have been producing fruit and turkeys at Hernhill, near Faverham, in north Kent. The Christmas turkey enterprise was expanded soon after the formation of the TFTA and now produces around 9000 free range bronze sold to local butchers, wholesalers and farmgate customers. “The turkeys are very contented with their outdoor lifestyle and, I’m sure, benefit from the exercise,” Henry says. The fruit farm grows cherries, plums, apples, pears, blackcurrants and cobnuts.
“The TFTA brought together like minded people to develop the market and proved the catalyst to drive our turkey business forward,” says Mr Bryant. “Today the Totally Traditional Turkeys brand is a firm favourite with many consumers, recognising its guarantee of traditional quality.”
Our secretary – Emma Peters
Emma Peters was appointed TFTA secretary in 2007, becoming only the second secretary in the 23 years of the association. She has considerable experience in senior secretarial positions with companies in London, and lives at Eastbourne.