I have been reading a fascinating book called "Great Baddow Oral History" compiled by Allen Buckroyd and colleagues of the U3A (University of the Third Age) back in 2003. In this book, Mr. Philip Taylor talked about his family's association with Lathcoats Farm since the early 1900s. At that time the farm was famous for breeding pigs such as the Essex Saddlebacks, but gradually moved to planting orchards. What struck me as we drove into the carpark was the rows of neatly pruned bare trees, and the strawberry beds being prepared for pick-your-own visitors in the summer. This carpark is in a 100 year old orchard. Back in 2003 they sold some 40 varieties of apples, and today we selected some delicious looking Cox's apples from a huge wooden box. Naturally we bought some of their cider in the farm shop and will be back later to try their apple juices, with at least six apple varieties to chose from. Between WW2 and the 1960s was the peak time for British fruit growing and there were many fruit farms in this area. By the 1970s competition came from French Golden Delicious and now the Chinese are dominating apple supplies. I must say I do miss the gorgeous Australian Ambrosia apples I used to get in Malaysia.
Today, Lathcoats Farm Shop provides loose-packed goods and liquid detergents etc which you dispense into your own packaging to reduce plastic waste; something I am in full favour of. And an added bonus is their excellent Beehive Cafe and an outdoor area for children to meet some animals.
