| Honey Stores |
| In the early 50s one of the main businesses
being conducted, right in the heart of the village, was that of
Mr. Bate's Honey Stores. His place of business was a long stone
building, once the stables belonging to the Rectory. This
business he carried on for over 45 years, producing many gallons
of fine honey and mead. Recently, a small home-produced booklet
came to light, outlining a brief history of Bate's Honey and it
is with thanks to the late Mr. Bate's family that it is
reproduced here: |
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THE STORY OF
BATES HONEY |
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HOW IT BEGAN
As a keen naturalist during his early boyhood days, Mr. Gordon
Bate spent many hours listening to the hum of the large Bumble
and Native Honey Bees foraging for Pollen and Nectar in the huge
Sycamore Trees which surrounded his birthplace in Cornwall. This
aroused his curiosity immensely and, whilst still at school, his
Father purchased a hive of Bees, and later in the early 1930s
he became established as a beekeeper. As those early years
developed so the Bees increased in numbers and the story of
Bates Honey began.
WHERE IT IS PRODUCED
The delicious honey is gathered by British bees from
numerous apiaries situated in valleys, orchards and wood1ands
lying within approximately a 25-mile radius of the little
village, which dates back as far as the early Saxon times, known
as Week St. Mary, in the Southwest of England and on the borders
of Devon and Cornwall, separated by the glorious Tamar Valley
with its waters flowing into Plymouth Sound.
CLOVER AND FLOWER HONEY ALL ABOUT IT
Far from any industrial towns, this area provides a
perfect environment for the Bees to produce a delicious soft,
light coloured, creamy honey, which is ideally palatable for
everyone, and for which England is famous.
Because our Climate is so unpredictable, quantities of this
honey is often limited, and only the largest beekeepers are able
to maintain a steady supply. The unique flavour of our West
Country honey gathered by our hard-working honey bees is due to
the English climate varying so considerably from day to day. The
bees are often forced to find new sources of flora which yields
nectar at lower temperatures, and having derived from such a
variety of flowers, our honey has a distinct appreciable
flavour.
Often the bees fly many miles a day before finding a rich source
of nectar and even though strong breezes from the Atlantic may
prevail, they are tough and do not retire to their hives until
many loads of nectar have been safely gathered.
The honey is then removed from the hives and extracted from its
pearly white combs using the latest modern equipment. It is then
carefully stored in bulk, until we are ready to bottle it for
your table use.
THE HEATHER SEASON
In either direction, on yonder hills, the moorland
landscapes can be seen. To the East, lies the Devonshire
highlands of Dartmoor, and to the South-East, the Cornish Bodmin
Moors.
It is in these areas that the rich Ling Heather thrives,
providing a magnificent purple carpet covering many thousands of
acres of hills and deep Valleys, flowing with crystal clear
waters. In early August our hives are transported to these
moors, packed with vigorous bees, and between the morning and
evening mist some very delicious nectar is gathered.
This honey has such a high density that it is not possible to
extract it from the comb direct, as other honeys, but the
quality and richness of flavour of the heather nectar gathered
from these South Western Hills, more than compensates the bees
for the extra work involved. On some days the bees are only able
to forage for a few hours.
To conclude - Bates English Honey has a freshness, purity and
flavour often unmatched by any other. It soon stabilises after
bott1ing and can be made clear by gently warming whether you buy
it Set or Clear according to your taste, it is still the same
honey.
ITS VALUE AND USES
Once honey is eaten it releases an immediate supply of
energy. It is an invaluable food for those doing tiring work. It
will aid and soothe digestive troubles. Athletes eat it before
their races. Children love it, and it gives much pleasure and
satisfaction to older people as well. It is said that babies
grow better when fed with honey instead of sugar.
There are many recipes in which honey can be used where
sweetening is required, and we feel sure that Bates honey will
satisfy and fulfil all your future requirements.
YOU DESERVE THE BEST WHY NOT GET IT
Produced and Packed by:- G. Bate, Week St. Mary,
Holsworthy, Devon. |
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| The British Beekeepers Association
BBKA |
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