Ilkeston Cam On Holiday 2002 - South West Wales
Part 14 - Llangloffan Cheesemakers
The photos on this page were taken on Thursday 18th July
The approach to Llangloffan Cheese Centre from the north is relatively
straightforward and is not far from the main A487 road but, me
being me, we reached the entrance from a southerly direction
via B roads and minor country lanes.
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We were still there in plenty of time though for the cheesemaking
demonstration that began at 10.00am and also had time to admire
the attractive setting of the farmhouse.
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Outside the dairy, equipment from a bygone era acted as a reminder
of a time when hygiene regulations were far less stringent.
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The cheesemaking process had been started much earlier in the
morning but by the time the visitors entered the dairy, creator
Leon Downey was able to show how the milk was separated into
curds and whey.
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Leon and his wife Joan revived the art of Welsh farmhouse cheesemaking
in 1977 and their family run business has gone from strength
to strength. Formerly Leon was the co-principal viola in the
Halle Orchestra. He puts his undoubted talent as an entertainer
to full use during the demonstration with a deadpan and comic
commentary on the cheesemaking process. By lunchtime, after the
whey has been drained off, the curd milled and salt added, the
cheese moulds are filled ready to be pressed.
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Left to mature and ripen in the storeroom, the cheeses are turned
daily. All that remains now is to sample the produce.
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