Bernard Matthews facts for kids

Bernard Trevor Matthews (born January 24, 1930 – died November 25, 2010) was a famous English businessman. He started a big company called Bernard Matthews Foods. This company is well-known for making many different turkey meat products. He was also known for his famous "Bootiful" catchphrase from TV adverts!

Early Life and Big Dreams

Bernard Matthews was born in 1930 in a place called Brooke, Norfolk, England. His dad was a car mechanic, and his mum was a housekeeper. Bernard was very good at maths. He even won a special scholarship to attend the City of Norwich School.

However, he found it hard to settle in at school. Because of this, he didn't pass his exams. The headmaster didn't want Bernard's results to lower the school's pass-rate. So, Bernard left school without any official qualifications.

Starting a Turkey Business

First Steps in Farming

Between 1946 and 1948, Bernard worked as a trainee livestock auctioneer. One day, at an auction in Acle market, he saw twenty fresh turkey eggs for sale. He bought them for a shilling each. On the same day, he bought a paraffin-oil incubator for £1 10s.

He tried to raise these turkeys in his future mother-in-law's garden. But he soon realised he hadn't thought about the extra cost of feeding the birds. This first attempt didn't quite work out as planned.

Building a Company

After serving two years in the No. 617 Squadron RAF for his national service, Bernard became an insurance clerk. But his dream of working with turkeys didn't stop. In 1950, he started his own company and bought more turkeys.

To really grow his business, he spent £3,000 to buy a very old house called Great Witchingham Hall. This big house had 35 rooms. He filled all these rooms with turkeys! Bernard and his wife lived in just two cold rooms. Meanwhile, turkey eggs hatched in the dining room. The young turkeys grew up in the bedrooms, and they were prepared in the kitchens.

Becoming "Bootiful"

In 1980, Bernard Matthews Foods launched its very first TV advertisement. It was for their Turkey Breast Roast. Bernard Matthews himself appeared in the advert. He introduced the famous "Bootiful" catchphrase, using his Norfolk accent. This catchphrase became very well-known across the country.

In 2005, Bernard wrote his own book about his life, called Turkey Times. In January 2010, at the age of 80, he decided to retire. He stepped down as the Chairman of Bernard Matthews Farms.

Awards and Recognition

Bernard Matthews received several important awards for his work.

• In 1989, the New Zealand Government gave him the Queen's Service Medal (QSM). This was for his help to the New Zealand meat industry.
• In 1992, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
• In 2007, he was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This award recognised his support for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a programme that helps young people develop skills and confidence.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family Life

In 1952, Bernard Matthews married Joyce Reid. They lived together at Great Witchingham Hall for many years. They adopted three children: Kathleen, Jason, and Victoria. Bernard also had a son named Frederick.

Helping Others

Bernard Matthews was a very generous person. He helped many projects in his home county of Norfolk. He supported places like Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Hospital, the University of East Anglia, and the Norwich Castle Museum. He also helped the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library and True's Yard Museum.

Later Life

Bernard Matthews became a very successful businessman. He was a multi-millionaire, meaning he had a fortune worth over £300 million. He owned a villa in St Tropez, a large yacht, a private jet, and a Rolls-Royce car.

Bernard Matthews passed away on November 25, 2010, at the age of 80. He left behind a lasting legacy as a pioneer in the turkey farming industry.