In a nutshell, vegetarianism really is that simple. More than ever it adds up and offers a positive and sensible way forward as we enter the new millennium.

Linda and I decided to give up meat in the early 1970s. As people who appreciated nature and who, of course, loved animals, we could no longer bear to look out on animals such as lambs playing in the spring sunshine, when later we would be sitting dawn as a family to eat food which was the result of the slaughter of such animals. It didn't make sense, it had to go and for us eating meat became a thing of the past.

There are now approaching four million vegetarians in the UK and many thousands of people each and every week are giving up meat and going veggie.

Such a change in the UK's eating habits should come as no surprise. The arguments concerning health and compassion for animals are as powerful as ever - concerns for the environment perhaps even more real and pressing than ever before.

Importantly, good vegetarian food is far more delicious, convenient and accessible than it has ever been. Just visit any place where you can buy food and you will more than likely see evidence of this. Vegetarian food has moved on considerably from convenience foods to what you will find available in top restaurants up and down the country - it's never tasted so good. All at which tells of just how far vegetarianism has come in so short a time.

As we move onward to face the challenges at a new century, there's never been a better time to be veggie - it offers something for everyone and it's everywhere and that is something well worth celebrating.

It's also a great time to celebrate the hard work and very many achievements of The Vegetarian Society.

As Patron, I am more than pleased and proud to be associated with The Vegetarian Society and to show my support for its work.

For veggies old and new, I hope you enjoy reading this book.

All the best,

Sir Paul McCartney
Patron of The Vegetarian Society