Our Story

David and Christine Hill

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

The Hill family have farmed at Manor Farm, in Norfolk, since 1932. David and Christine Hill, of R W Hill Farms, introduced spelt in the 1990s and have supplied Marriage’s for the past eight years.

Over the years, David moved to a newer variety of spelt which provides a lovely grain and higher yield than those first planted. Each year the acreage has increased to satisfy the growing customer demand for this versatile ancient grain. Marriage’s mill the ancient grains into both white and wholemeal spelt flour.

David has his own, on-site, de-hulling plant enabling them to remove the outer husk of the Spelt grain before it arrives at the mill.’

With increasing interest in ancient grains, spelt wheat flour has a good protein and fibre content, is sweet in flavour and provides a nutty flavour to its bakes. With a good nutritional profile, it’s no wonder demand continues to grow.

Harvey Jones

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

The Jones’ family have been farming in Essex since 1942, when Harvey’s grandfather established the farm in Battlesbridge, Essex. At the beginning, there were 26 people employed but farming has changed over the decades and there are now just three people – including Harvey and his mum.

In addition to arable land, Harvey has a herd of pedigree Swiss cattle. The farm, which holds both Red Tractor and LEAF (Linking Environment & Farming) accreditation, has been supplying wheat to Marriage’s for over 35 years.

Today, Harvey’s wheat goes into Marriage’s award-winning Golden Wholegrain flours.

The wheat produces a flour that has a lighter colour and milder taste than regular wholemeal. Many school authorities now use Golden Wholegrain to help meet the School Food Standards on nutrition and some children prefer the taste of baked goods made with this flour over traditional wholemeal.

Harvey says ‘As a farmer it’s good to know where your crop goes – especially when it’s going into food that children are eating and enjoying.’

Adam Marriage

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

As his name suggests, Adam is part of the Marriage family and one of our wonderful farmers. On prime arable land, close to our Chelmsford mill, Adam grows around 400 acres of wheat. Amongst other products, the wheat goes into our sacks of Chelmer White.

During a very busy harvest, it isn’t unusual for Adam to be out on the combine harvester for up to 16 hours a day. Thankfully, these modern machines have excellent lights, to allow work to continue into the night, making the most of the best weather conditions.

The combine’s auto-steering function allows Adam time to appreciate the surrounding countryside, including watching hares, pheasants and deer from the comfort of his cab. All this whilst listening to sport on the radio – it’s cricket and a formula one grand prix wherever possible.

Adam is a keen amateur baker and frequently turns out sourdough loaves, made using Chelmer White from his own wheat. He’ll still take time to bake bread during a harvest as it’s a great way to relax.

For a treat whilst working, Adam loves brownies – made by his wife.