Celebrating Women's History Month: 5 Inspiring British Female Cheese Makers
As we honour Women's History Month this March, we take a moment to recognise the remarkable contributions of female cheese makers who are making an indelible mark on the world of farmhouse and artisan cheese in the UK.
At The Cheese Lady, as a female-led business ourselves, we proudly stock cheeses crafted by these extraordinary women, each with a unique story and a passion for their craft.
Let's delve into the journeys of Selina Cairns, Julie Cheyney, Anne Wigmore, Stacey Hedges, and Mary Quicke.
Selina Cairns
Selina Cairns, the driving force behind Errington Cheese, continues her father's legacy of crafting raw milk cheeses, including the iconic Lanark Blue. Alongside her husband and daughters, Selina oversees a thriving farm boasting 350 dairy sheep and 130 dairy goats. Despite facing challenges, Selina remains steadfast in her commitment to quality and raw milk, serving as an inspiration to artisans everywhere. Her dedication has been recognised with prestigious awards, such as 'Best Scottish Cheese' at the World Cheese Awards. Under Selina's leadership, the introduction of goats has expanded their cheese repertoire, with favourites including Tinto, Bonnington Linn, and Biggar Blue, delighting cheese enthusiasts far and wide.
Photo credit: The Scotsman
Julie Cheyney
Julie Cheyney's cheese-making journey began at the tender age of 16 when she learned to milk cows. In 2005, her partnership with friend Stacey Hedges led to the creation of the first Tunworth cheese. Today, Julie specialises in crafting St. Jude cheese by hand, sourcing milk from a special herd in Suffolk renowned for its exceptional Biron Bigod cheese. Relocating to Suffolk to access this superior milk underscores Julie's commitment to quality. Recognising that superb cheese starts with top-notch milk, Julie pours her passion into each batch. St. Jude, her signature creation, boasts an elegant flavour and creamy texture that gooier with age, reminiscent of Saint Marcellin but with a distinctive Suffolk twist. Additionally, Julie produces St. Cera, a delightful washed rind cheese, and St. Helena, a semi-firm washed rind cheese, both offering sublime flavours.
Photo credit: St. Jude Cheese
Anne Wigmore
Anne Wigmore's cheese-making journey began in 1984 at the National Institute for Research in Dairying. Inspired by her travels, particularly by the Pecorino Sardo she tasted in Sardinia, Anne established Village Maid in 1986. One of Anne’s initial cheeses, Wigmore, remains a staple in the market today. This bloomy rind, semi-soft delight offers a sharp and crumbly experience when young, gradually maturing into a velvety, mellow masterpiece over time. Throughout the years, Anne has managed Village Maid alongside her husband Andy. With decades of success under their belt, their team has expanded, and their son Jake has also joined the business, helping to bring new delectable cheeses to the market, including my personal favourites, Maida Vale and Spenwood.
Photo credit: Village Maid Cheese
Stacey Hedges
Hampshire Cheese Co., founded by Stacey Hedges, began humbly in her kitchen. Collaborating with Charlotte Spruce, Stacey produces exceptional soft cheeses like Tunworth and Winslade. Tunworth, often hailed as the best Camembert globally, boasts a rich creamy and mushroomy flavour. Handcrafted with love, each cheese from Hedges and Spruce has garnered numerous accolades, including Supreme Champion at the British Cheese Awards. My personal favourite is Winslade – a delightful fusion of Camembert and Vacherin Mont d’Or, offering the luscious texture of Camembert with the enchanting sprucey notes of Vacherin.
Mary Quicke, MBE
Mary Quicke's ancestral ties to the Quicke family's 2,700-acre farm in Devon date back to 1540. Embracing a philosophy of sustainable farming, Mary champions practices that honour the land's longevity and nourishment. “Our philosophy is to farm like we’re going to live for ever: to treat the land well, so that it, in turn, treats us well,” says Mary. Transitioning to artisan cheese making, Quicke's now produces some of the nation's most beloved cheddars, and we are delighted to stock her Vintage Quicke’s Cheddar, which is matured for a minimum of 24 months. Awarded an MBE in 2005 for her contributions to the industry, Mary's unwavering commitment to tradition and quality has propelled Quicke's to global acclaim. A beacon in the cheese world, Mary's infectious enthusiasm for her craft leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter her.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's raise a toast to these remarkable female cheese makers whose passion, dedication, and vision continue to enrich our culinary landscape.
Cheers to their enduring legacy!
The Cheese Lady x
If you'd like to order some amazing British cheeses with a delicious 10% discount, click HERE.