FROM a humble mulberry tree in their backyard, Gran and Pops’ jams, pickles and marmalades will soon be featured in the new Gilbert’s Fresh Market Mandurah store’s Cottage Kitchen.
Gran and Pops owners Lana and Doug Lockyer are excited and proud their produce, made from recipes passed down from Lana’s mum, will now be in a store rather than just at local markets.
Mrs Lockyer’s parents spent a lifetime as seasonal workers travelling the country to work in fields, orchards and vineyards harvesting fruit and vegetables.
They gathered recipes along their travels which formed the base for Gran and Pops in the years to come.
“It was a bit of a hobby for mum and dad,” Mrs Lockyer said.
“They went to the odd farmers market and shows selling their produce.
“They got to teach me how it [making the produce] is done.
“I didn’t do much cooking before; but I slowly picked it up.
Mr Lockyer said his father in-law wanted them to “give it a go” and take over.
“At Christmas time my father-in-law said why didn’t I give the jam making a proper go,” he said.
“I was doing fly-in, fly-out work but was away too much.”
Mrs Lockyer said her husband’s family still couldn’t believe he was making jams while Mr Lockyer said his in-laws liked to keep an eye on progress.
The pair’s children, Rose, Max and Sammi also lend a hand when needed, helping out on market days and swap meets.
Mr Lockyer said having their produce in a store was the next step for them.
Gilbert’s Cottage Kitchen provides people in the community who make produce with the opportunity to display their product in the store.
Rachel Klumpp from Gilbert’s Fresh Market Mandurah can also help anyone wanting to take their product from the kitchen to the shelf.
For more information or if anyone is interested in having their products in the store go to gilbertsfresh.com.au and click on the Gilbert’s Cottage Kitchen tab and complete the form.
For more information on Gran and Pops go to granandpops.com.au
