For The Love Of Reg

A young woman is following in her dad’s footsteps at one of the county’s legendary food producers

- Emma Mayoh

The photograph of Reg Johnson next to the desk of his daughter Kara is one she will always treasure. The renowned poultry farmer is standing in front of a gate at Swainson House Farm in Goosnargh, looking straight into the camera with a bird under his arm and that broad smile many people came to know.

‘I always talk to him – and sometimes shout at him when I’m angry because he’s not around any more,’ said Kara. ‘It’s nice to have that picture close to me so I know he’s watching over whatever we’re doing. It helps when I miss him.’

Reg was a man who needed little introduction. For decades the Goosnargh geese, ducks and corn-fed chicken he reared with step-brother Bud Swarbrick at the family farm have been at the top of the shopping list for many of our most famous chefs.

Michel Roux Junior, Gordon Ramsay, Mark Hix and Raymond Blanc loved his produce and top restaurants and hotels still clamour to have it on their menus. He was a man who, along with chefs Paul Heathcote and Nigel Haworth, was at the forefront of promoting Lancashire food and he travelled the country spreading the word.

‘He was the perfect salesman,’ said Kara, who lives a stone’s throw from the family farm. ‘He was always out in his van, he just did it all while talking to people. He never had to do a hard sell.’