Help Save Stradbroke Island Honey

I've just got back from the most glorious week at Stradbroke Island (know to those that love the island as "Straddie"). On Sunday we stopped in at the markets to purchased some of the Bowman family honey.  It is a wonderful honey that has the unique flavour of the island's flora.  It's been difficult to get in past years due to the drought and it was wonderful to see it back in supply.

The family was collecting signatures for a petition to the state government as they have just been sent a letter from the State Government demanding they remove their hives within 6 weeks, due to re-classification of mining lease land as national park.

The Bowman family have maintained hives on mining lease land for over 25 years. 

I personally think this is outrageous, heavy handed and entirely at odds with what Anna Bligh has been talking about regarding the Islands future.

Its made more insulting because the Bowmans are descendants of the Quandamooka people, the original owners of Straddie!

Stradbroke Island Honey is not a product we sell (I'd love to but there has never been enough) but Fino is helping collect signatures for a petition to the Department.  If you would like to help out please drop in a sign the petition at Fino or email the environment minister at ashgrove@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Some recent media coverage on the issue,

The Courier Mail

The Australian

John Reyment Photography

John Reyment came along on one of our field trips to Clovely Estate and has recently posted some photos to his blog.  The images are astoundingly good especially when compared to the ones I have posted on my blog.

John's fees are very reasonable and I highly recommend his services.

http://www.adayinthelifeimages.com/fino-foods-field-trip-to-south-burnett-agricultural-company-clovely-estate

The olive oil we pressed on the trip.

Easter at Ambar Hill

We have just returned from a couple of days at the Farm for Easter.  Every time I spend some time there I am struck by how beautiful it is, but particularly at this time of year. 

My daughter Lucy collecting flowers for the table.  We grow roses at the end of each row in the French tradition.

My sister Jacqui baking hot cross buns.

Hot cross buns, tea and Dad's wild black berry jam.

My father inspecting the vines.

Morning looking over the vines.

My father sawing a big old gum tree that fell over with the January rains.  Harry was pretty dam impressed with the chain saw.

If you would like to visit the area Ambar Hill has a lovely cottage in the village of Glen Aplin.  There are even a couple of bottles of complimentary wine included.
www.ambarhill.com.au

Queensland Saffron

Whilst down at Stanthorpe I dropped into Natures Glen, Queensland's first saffron farm.  The farm is run by  Noelene and Russell Leming.  They are practically neighbours from my parents place at Ambar Hill Winery being just a couple of farms down the valley.

Russell and Noelene Leming

The harvest was just about to begin with the first few flowers of the 2011 crop poking through the fields.  I don't envy Noelene and Russell the job of harvesting the stigmas.

A saffron "corm" (bulb).

Natures Harvest 
www.qldsaffron.com.au
Mob: 0428 712 343

Medusa Dining

Medusa Dining is Chef Ming Le's new restaurant.  It looks fantastic with a wonderful view south across Brisbane's inner west.

Minh has already made a name for him self in Brisbane and I expect big things from this restaurant.

Medusa Dining
Shop 1/62 Macgregor Terrace Bardon
PH: 3161 1858