Of Stilton Cheese and Conkering Kings......

Lord Patel has played a small part in the history of Stilton Cheese manufacture.

Cheese is a plastic substance (in the engineering not chemical sense) amd requires (like many cheese) when in store to be daily rotated to even out movement of the chese fromit's true cylindrical form.

A freshly made Stilton cheese exudes both fats and salt. Until about 1965 a single cloth was used as a mat under each cheese to absorb this material. These cloths were re-cycled and became increasingly unpleasant to use.

A simple (and it proved to be a highly profitable change) substitution of a lightweight non woven fabric reduced costs and improved the way cheese were handled - the supply continues to this day. (At the same time he was also involved in manufacturing disposable ladies panties from such (then) novel materials)

Long Clawson Dairy (Long Clawson) , leading (and very log standing manufacturers have now made a bid to buy out of the Millway business of Dairy Crest Group (Millway) - which - says the Office of Fair Trading will" result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market in the UK, including that for the supply of Blue Stilton cheese (Stilton)".

The OFT claims that the merger combines two of the only three mainstream suppliers responsible for the vast majority of Stilton sold, and would gives Long Clawson over 50 % of total UK sales of Stilton - the UK market at retail value is said to be around £65 million per year in Stilton, which is a protected name under EC regulations, and can only be produced, with a proper licence, in three East Midlands counties. There is also a very healthy export market worldwide.

In another of those stupid and time wasting moves this bid had been referred to the Competition Commission under the Entreprise Sct 2002 - the CC expect to report by 24 March 2009.

The CC would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by Friday 24 October 2008. To submit evidence, please email james.waugh@cc.gsi.gov.uk or write to: James Waugh Inquiry Manager Competition Commission Victoria House Southampton Row LONDON WC1B 4AD

NB the Village of Long Clawson will be full of festive fun this month - Don't miss..

The Famous Vale Of Belvoir 25th Annual Conker Championships

October 19th 2008 Long Clawson Village Hall Event registration 11.30am Commencement of Conkering 12.30pm

Come and show your conkering skills and have a great day at the family event of the autumn!

For advance registration Phone Mike Dickson on O7808 098021 Adults £4,Juniors £1

Health and Safety allowing .....