Bee Skep Collection

In the wake of the storms the calm

The keenly awaited email arrived from Farmer David - 'bee skep is ready'. Saturday morning set off early to collect, stopping briefly in Cirencester - Roman town Corinium. The local parish church built in 1115 wearing a deep golden hue against blue skies in the morning sun. Called at Marks & Spencer to buy our 'Dine-in for Two' - £10. Fantastic value - more of that later.

On arriving in Farmer David's village there was plenty of evidence resulting from the recent rain storms. The River Churn which runs into the Thames is often little more than a trickle.

Here it had overflowed across the road now slowly receding. 

It is strange that we have never visited this pretty little village before which is no more than half an hour from our home. Definitely must return in the summer to explore it more - we have learnt there is a treasure in the church.

A wonderful espaliered tree growing against the wall of a house. I wonder how old it is? - I want to see it again when it is wearing its summer gown.

Farmer David and his wife are 'the salt of the earth' a couple whose family have farmed and lived in the same old stone farmhouse for generations, a pleasure to meet. As well as David's ancient bee skep craft they keep traditional Cotswold sheep, sell jars of honey, and make candles out of their own beeswax. Farmer David has made a wonderful job of the skep, we are delighted. Although made from straw it is exceedingly robust, very rigid, and so firm and strong that you could even sit on it!!!

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Cotswold sheep, nicknamed Cotswold Lions, are classed as a rare breed, and known for their lustrous, long curly locks. They are thought to have been introduced here by the Romans. The Romans were great makers and exporters of woollen cloth from the British Isles to the rest of their Empire. In its heyday the sheep did much to shape the landscape of the Cotswolds. In addition to the grazing of large flocks which has created the distinctive field systems surrounded by drystone walls, many of the beautiful churches and houses owe their existence to Cotswold sheep, albeit indirectly. Rich early medieval wool merchants made fortunes in the cloth trade. They gave money to build churches, and built themselves beautiful houses in the countryside and little towns, including Cirencester, mentioned at the beginning of this post.
More information on bee skeps here.