G. Mitchard and Sons, the well-known local butcher at Westfield, held a party to celebrate the centenary of their business at Prattens Social Club last Sunday. At the celebration, there was music from 'Up Front and Casual' and Mitchards supplied a hog roast and pickles, with local cheese for everybody. PSJ Marquees erected a marquee for the hog roast and buffet. 400 plus of their customers and friends came to enjoy the fun. Owner, Brian Mitchard, entertained everyone with a song, Tony Bennett's 'Have I Told You Lately', displaying hidden talents! And son and partner in the business, Chris Mitchard, supplied ample stories from years gone by.

G. Mitchard, butchers of Westfield, began in 1913 when Gilbert Mitchard (Brian's grandfather and the original 'G'), used to work in the local mines during the day, but began purchasing a side of beef at the market on his way home for sharing out with his friends. He took over the existing butchery business, which had already been started at Elm Terrace, in Westfield. In the 1920s, Gilbert had his own slaughterhouse built in Westfield. The family have always been involved in the business over the generations.

Gilbert is pictured on the left (Picture 2) in this 1930s' photo taken outside the shop in Westfield, as it was then. Jack Mitchard (Brian's father) is pictured on the far right and his older brother, Leonard, is also pictured.