If you live in Didcot, it’s more than likely that you have heard of Jeanette Howse BEM. Jeanette is known for all things touristy as well as being the lifeforce behind Didcot Events beginning with the Christmas Street Fair almost 30 years ago. Her voluntary and charity work in the community was recognised by the Queen who awarded her a British Empire Medal in 2005. Did you know though, that alongside all of this she makes the most incredible jams and preserves?
Well now you do – and Well Preserved has not only graced the breakfast tables of Didcot folk but has been sent all over the world to the rich and famous and has won numerous awards including The UK Taste Awards for Seville Marmalade, Damson Jam and Mustard Piccalilli.
We asked Jeanette how it all happened…
Well Preserved came about by enjoying a hobby of making preserves for friends and colleagues at Tourist Board Day Out Fairs over 30 years ago, whilst working at Didcot Railway Centre.
It was a way to get ladies who didn't like the thought of visiting 'dirty steam engines’ to visit and as the centre has a lot of wild fruit (blackberries, plums, pears, damsons and apples) that had grown from people throwing cores and pips out of the train windows, it seemed a wonderful idea to use these fruits to make jams and chutneys for sale in the restaurant.
The hobby and enjoyment of selling preserves then became a fundraiser for Didcot Christmas Street Fair when it started in 1993 raising over £1,000 each year.
The first craft fair attended was at Hagbourne School near Didcot where the Street Fair Committee were given a small table to give out leaflets and sell some jam. Despite only selling half a dozen jars a booking was made to take a stand at the same event the following May, but this time in the school library. That started the craft fair circuit and the experience gained from other exhibitors encouraged a more professional look to the stand, labelling and range of produce.
These days, Well Preserved produce can be purchased in over 25 shops, delis, farm shops and tourist attractions, food festivals and local events around Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Home-made produce has created more and more interest in recent years not only are more people enjoying chutneys, pickles, jams and marmalades than ever before, they are sharing recipes or asking for an ’old favourite’ which usually had been made by their mother or grandmother.
Well Preserved will be at Didcot Craft and Gift Fair on 12 November, The Marriott Christmas Market on 19 November, Didcot Festive Market on 4 December and Bothy Vineyard Pop up on 10 December. Hampers can also be supplied and made to order with a choice of any preserves from two in a jute bag to large baskets.
Facebook @WellPreserved
Email: jeanette@well-preserved.co.uk
