Diversity is the name of the game for Eketahuna’s Biddy and Colin Fraser-Davies.
I’m a devoted foodie from way back, and I thought a visit to a maker of fine traditional-style cheeses would be my idea of heaven entirely. So in search of Biddy Fraser-Davies I journeyed across the Wairarapa to Eketahuna. But I discovered Biddy and her husband Colin offer much more than just cheese.
As a child Biddy had read Elizabeth Gouge’s epic novel Green Dolphin Country, and was inspired to leave Britain and come to New Zealand. Initially the pair lived on the Kapiti Coast, but then made the decision to move to Eketahuna, to their little farm CwmGlyn, 9km south of the town.
Originally they started their herd with a four day-old calf, but it now consists of two milking cows, one which was rescued from a journey to the meat works. They are named Sally and Emily, and “the girls” as they are called, are much loved and cherished. Colin, who has a PHD in science, checks each quarter of each udder every milking with a reagent to ensure maximum health of the milk. Sally and Emily have their very own herring-bone milking shed, to the amusement of the local dairy farmers.
I was treated to a cheese tasting, including a cumin-flavoured morsel, an allspice and a garlic. All the flavours are very subtle, and Biddy explained the garlic cheese is made from the milk which is collected during the first week of the month, when the cows are fed garlic for their health.
But as I said, there is much more than cheese. Biddy is a leading New Zealand enamellist. She has run workshops and seminars in many places around the country and a few years ago wrote the definitive text, nothing high-falutin mind you, but simple, easy to follow instructions and explanations about a very demanding craft.
I was especially impressed by an abstract piece hanging on the wall. The colours are vivid and glow with a depth and richness that is jewel-bright. Other pieces included a trinket box, crafted in sterling silver with a beautiful enamelled lid patterned with little flowers.
And then there is Colin’s quite remarkable model railway; one of the largest collections in New Zealand. Biddy talks knowledgably of the vast amount of rolling stock they have and the length of the track layout. I was especially taken with the intricate detail in the layout; bridges, tunnels, stations and embankments covered with very realistic vegetation, and the station master’s house, complete with a green house containing mini vegetables.
Biddy enjoys sharing her knowledge; I was shown how she creates the little trees from dried flower heads. The railway complex is known as Middleton Model Railway and the Fraser-Davies’ also stock some equipment for model railway enthusiasts.
Biddy explained that many model train enthusiasts put their hobby on the backburner whilst they are developing careers, raising families and getting home and hearth together, only to rekindle the passion and indulge a bit later in life.
The Fraser-Davies’ are kid-minded; the rail complex is safely encased in purpose built glass. There’s an area where kids can play with an assortment of safe colourful toys. Parents are catered for too, with comfortable seating. Entry fees are reasonable as well; it costs the same for a large family as a small one.
Biddy and Colin are very content with their life here in Eketahuna; so much so they’ve contingency plans put in place which will make it possible to remain here for the rest of their lives, come what may.
To find Middleton Model Railway and of course Cwmglyn Farm, travel two kilometres north of the Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre, then turn south into South Road Two at the Rongokokako intersection. Proceed left into Morgans Road for 365 metres. It is well sign posted and is open all public holidays and weekends from 11:30am until 4:30pm and at other times by arrangement. I just know I will be returning sometime soon with my grandkids.
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