Photos: Smithfield’s Xmas Eve Auction

Continuing the long tradition of selling off the surplus meats, Harts of Smithfield held their annual auction this morning.

Of course, the need to sell surplus meats that wouldn’t last over xmas long since vanished into the refrigerator, but they keep up the tradition and buy in lots of fresh produce to sell to a crowd that grows by the year all after a bargain, and a damn enjoyable morning out.

This year was slightly marred by an elderly lady needing medical help after feeling faint in the crowd, and the heavens erupted later in the morning, utterly drenching the crowd, your correspondent, and the ten pound notes being waved by the bargain hunters.

However, it ended with good cheer, and lots of people staggering back to the tube trains smiling as they were laden down with vast cuts of meat of considerably better quality than can be bought at a supermarket, and bought for a fraction of the price.

A few photos:

And a vine clip:

Sadly, your correspondent didn’t get a bargain this year. Maybe next time.