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Charity to benefit from KellyBronze anniversary calendar

Two Christmas turkey producers are celebrating their 20-year association with the KellyBronze turkey – and one is using the anniversary to produce a charity calendar. In 1999 Susan and Mark Gorst of Moorgate Farm, Potterspury, Northamptonshire, and Judith and Martin Dryden of Murton Moor Farm, Seaham, County Durham, began producing the premium turkeys as part of the Kelly Turkeys franchise scheme.

The Gorst family chose to join the scheme in 1999 because they were disappointed in the turkeys they bought for their family for Christmas. Now they’ve chosen to link the anniversary with a charity to help raise awareness of Huntington’s disease.

“The disease has affected our family and all profits from the sale of this calendar will go to the Huntington’s Disease Association,†said Susan Gorst. “They are the only national charity supporting people and families affected by Huntington’s disease across England and Wales.â€

“Loyalty is the word that comes to mind when Susan is mentioned, followed closely by enthusiasm,†said Derek Kelly, chairman of Kelly Turkeys which led the reintroduction of traditional bronze-feathered turkeys to the UK 30 years ago.

“We were indeed lucky when we selected Susan as a potential franchisee. Although they were not conventional farmers with empty buildings, her personality won the day. We’ve no better ambassador for KellyBronze than Susan.â€

The Gorst family have been built up a reputation far and wide for their turkeys. From 180 in their first year they are now selling more than 450, and promote the product through two tasting Sundays and a ‘one-stop Christmas shop’ for collection day. Now they are making ready-to-eat KellyBronze turkey pies sold through a local market every Saturday or delivered to your door with your weekly veg box.

“Our aim is to help educate the younger generation on where their food comes from and how it is produced,†said Susan. “Our farm is open for the local schools to visit from when the day-old poults arrive in June and July. We have gained a 5-star Health and Hygiene Certificate from South Northamptonshire Council.

“My grandchildren live in Dover and when they come to visit we always encourage them to get involved in all aspects of turkey rearing so they too can benefit from the farming lifestyle and hopefully carry it into the future.â€

It’s always been a family affair, with Susan and Mark`s children Frankie, Freddie and Anya helping when they were at home in their teens.

- The calendar can be purchased by contacting Susan Gorst on 07922 134915 or visiting their website moorgatefarm.co.uk

Click on the link for more information about Huntington’s Disease Association

- In County Durham the Drydens were looking for additional income during the quieter period on their arable enterprise, well located for farmgate sales on a main road near three towns. “We liked the idea of growing a top quality product which would give us a good profit and also marketing back-up,†said Judith Dryden. This year they are rearing 400 turkeys and have five collection points across County Durham.

- Kelly Turkeys is one of the leading producers of premium traditional turkey including the multiple award-winning KellyBronze and has franchise producers across the country.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact
Paul Kelly
Kelly Turkeys
01245 223581

Roger Ranson
BHR Communications
01508 536041 / 07803 086462


Image shows Susan Gorst with the front cover of her calendar and the turkeys

www: Kelly Bronze website