CUSTOMERS queued in Henley market place on Christmas Eve to pick up their festive meats.

Machins the butchers opened at 7am in order to serve the throng of people collecting pre-ordered turkeys.

Owner Ian Blandford said: “People have been ordering turkey but also duck and goose.

“Everyone was in a festive mood which was nice as it meant there was a good atmosphere in the shop.”

Meanwhile, a woman who won a £70 turkey from Machins in a Standard competition plans to share it with four people who spent this Christmas alone.

Karen Washbourn, of Blandy Road, Henley, spent Christmas Day with her husband Alistair, a marketing manager, and son Charlie, 11, a pupil at St Mary’s School in Henley, and other relatives.

Mrs Washbourn said: “I was delighted to win the turkey. I’ve often bought meat from Machins but I’ve never had a turkey from here.

“I’ve decided that I will do a little Christmas meal after the day to make it special for people who are on their own. There are four people I’ve got in mind.”

Mrs Washbourn said she reads the Standard every week but this was the first of our festive competitions that she had entered this year.

She said Charlie became very excited when he heard about her win.

Mr Blandford presented Mrs Washbourn with her prize and said: “We would like to congratulate her on winning.”

Published 29/12/12