Bernard Matthews: Norfolk pays tribute to turkey farmer

Margaret Luckett-Gray worked for Bernard Matthews as an interpreter

Norfolk celebrities, business people and residents have been paying tribute to turkey tycoon Bernard Matthews.

Mr Matthews CBE passed away at his home in Great Witchingham, near Norwich, at 2pm on 25 November 2010, aged 80.

He began his business more than 60 years ago with 20 eggs and a second-hand incubator bought from Acle livestock market.

His company now employs thousands of workers and creates millions of pounds for the local economy.

"He was an extraordinarily successful guy and he did bring food to the masses and [make it] affordable as well," said Norfolk celebrity chef Galton Blackiston.

"An amazing foresight, very entrepreneurial and an extraordinary success story. He made that Norfolk accent appeal nationwide," he added.

Margaret Luckett-Gray, from Walcott, worked with Mr Matthews as a French-speaking interpreter, and spent many lunch breaks playing cricket with colleagues on the lawn of the company's headquarters.

"It was fantastic working at Witchingham Hall. Bernard was a great guy, he was interested in everything," she said.

"He was a down-to-earth Norfolk gentleman and he was fantastic to work with and for," she added.

Charities

Mr Matthews was also a keen supporter of Norfolk charities. One of those was the Caister Lifeboat, which named two vessels after him.

"In 1987 we asked him if he'd like to become involved," said spokesman John Cannell.

"He came over and had a look, got chatting to some of the lads and from then on was a solid supporter.

"It's very much helped us along the way of becoming as established as we are today," he added.

He also funded a number of projects, including the Bernard Matthews' Olympic Pool at the University of East Anglia's Sportspark.

"He was a very generous benefactor when we were gathering funding to build the Sportspark," said its assistant director Maria Rowe.

Mr Matthews leaves a widow, Joyce, four children and six grandchildren

"He supported us from the start and ensured these excellent sporting facilities were built in Norfolk.

"The Bernard Matthews' Olympic Pool was named after him in his honour and as a result his legacy will live on.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

People around the county also had close encounters with the turkey tycoon.

"We'd been to the beach on a Sunday and we got home in the afternoon. Me and my brother were looking out of the front window and a Rolls Royce pulled up outside the front door," said Kevin, from Norwich.

"This chap with a cap came to the front door and he handed my father something. Within a few seconds he'd gone.

"Father came in and said, 'I didn't realise but I'd lost my wallet'.

"He'd lost his wallet at Mundesley and lo and behold who brought it back to the door - Bernard Matthews. My father knew who it was, but didn't feel able to give him a reward!"

Do you have a memory of Bernard Matthews or a tribute? We'll publish a selection of your comments here.

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Gwendoline, as a relative of Bernard myself I was wondering on what side you were related to Bernard? Are you a relative of Joyce? And what was your mothers name?
Laura Grant, Wymondham

You made turkey affordable for all of us and put our county on the map of the world - Sir Bernard - RESPECT! We all stand to salute you.
Matt from Knettishall

Bernard Matthews was my uncle. I have many fond memories helping turkey chicks from the incubators at Great Witchingham, my brothers feeding and watering the turkeys and our Christmas dinners together - he always carved and served us - rides in the E-Type Jaguar and sliding down the flying staircases.

My Brother Robert made the first white turkey model in paper and cardboard for the Norfolk show stand.

We spent every Christmas holiday with them until 1958. I still treasure those days together as a family, times around the pianola, roasting chestnuts and the grand parties.

Uncle Bernard always was there to share with us and have fun. I was the flower girl at the wedding of Joyce and Bernard and my brother Michael was pageboy.

Thank you for the memories Uncle Bernard.
Gwendoline Cowell from Evans Head, New South Wales, Australia

I was a PA to Bernard many years ago and he was a very kind, humorous person with a brilliant mind.
Pauline from Norwich

Bootiful man. RIP.
Cushla Moore from Lincoln

I'm very saddened by the loss of Bernard. I have always loved his food products since I was a child. I'm now 43 and still enjoy his food products.

All I can say is RIP Bernard, you'll never be forgotten. Just hope your range of food produce continues on as I always buy it. God be with you.
Joseph Marshall from Bedlington