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Tea-tasting as an occupation has always intrigued people whose reactions vary from thinking it an easy way to make a living, to the slightly incredulous, or the comment, “You must have a fantastic palate”. Having been a tea taster for 21 years from 1952 to 1973, I feel a little de-mystification is desirable. Read More
The year was 1954 – in April to be precise; my husband Percy and I were on the first leg of our honeymoon and on our way to Killarney Estate in Bogawantalawa, where we were to stay with our dear friends Douglas and Margaret Kelly. The drive to the bungalow was unique. The first section, while twisty and windy, was approachable by most motor vehicles of that period. Read More
Living here in Azerbaijan has been an incredible experience so far. I have met countless people who have never ever seen a ‘dark skinned’ person, let alone a “Sri Lankan”. I have had conversations with people in sign language, with little bits of Azeri, and thru an interpreter about all kind of topics, ranging from ‘Tea’, ‘Tsunami’ to ‘Tiger Rebels’! Read More
Moiya Hazell recalls what it was like to be born in “Ceylon” and live a carefree life on a tea plantation in “Ceylon” over half a century ago… Norwood Bungalow as it stands today is one of the world famous “Ceylon Tea Trails” bungalows, which maintain the ambience and old world charm of an era long gone by But Moiya Hazell Kidde-Hansen is a rare person Read More
I was but a stripling, eighteen years of age when I first met Vivian. I still vividly recall that meeting way back in 1963. He and his beautiful wife, Charmaine, (who died last year) were a truly striking looking couple, who no doubt had a mesmerizing effect on a callow youth, such as I. I met him again about a year later when I began my planting career Read More
Perhaps you are sipping a cup of coffee, or would it be the nectar from the two leaves and a bud? I hope so. Then, come along with me, hold my hand, and journey with me into a day’s panoramic fantasia in the green valley. I’ll take you into the verdant pastures and hold up to you a sight which, to us, who have gazed on it day after day, has been a part of our life. Read More
Aitken Spence & Co. (AS) had been involved in tea/rubber plantations for well over 100 years as an Agency House. However, plantations were nationalised in the early seventies and the estate agency business came to an abrupt end. Fortunately, Aitken Spence was in Shipping and Insurance and had by then diversified Read More
The factory at the Hethersett tea plantation played an important part in the development of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, and in helping Pure Ceylon Tea to become renowned as the world’s favourite beverage.Tea from the Hethersett factory was the first to fetch the highest price in the world for silver tip tea from Ceylon. Read More
