Bumblee's Preserves

06/06/2026

A new little venture from a family very close to my heart.

Many of you may have seen the gorgeous Fred visiting my stall and bringing joy wherever he goes. Well, it seems Fred has been busy nudging his Nan Jane to share her wonderful baking with everyone.

Next weekend (Sat 13th June) sees the launch of Fred’s Shed, bringing delicious homemade sweet treats to Norton Fitzwarren every weekend.

I’ve had the privilege of calling this wonderful family friends for over 30 years, watched children grow up & welcomed new generations, including Fred. Jane’s made several of our family celebration cakes over the years, so it makes me especially happy to see her beginning a new adventure, that I hope will bring as much joy as Fred does.

With a little encouragement from her four-legged business partner Fred 🐾, next weekend sees the opening of Fred’s Shed in Norton Fitzwarren.

If you’re in Norton, or even just passing through at the weekend, do pop by and support their new venture. I have no doubt you’ll find something delicious waiting for you.

Wishing you every success, my lovelies, Jane and (CEO of Cuddles) Fred. 💕🐾

Francine x

06/06/2026

Just look at this beautiful Cheese Wedding cake created by Trading Post Farm Shop for a recently wedding

The bottom tier was a 2.8kg Colston Bassett Stilton, topped with a 1.7kg Cornish Yarg and a 1kg Alp Blossom Gouda. Cascading down the cake were five St Jude Brie, with three jars of Bumblees Apple & Somerset Cider Chutney served alongside.

That has to be my kind of Wedding cake, definitely second helpings with this one 😉

Don’t you think Kate & Andy from Trading Post did the newly weds proud with this.

04/06/2026

Excited to welcome Sustenance WsM to the Bumblee’s family of stockists. Now all you lovely lot how pop along to eat Festivals EAT Weston can stock up whenever you are running low. Just pop into see Kelli, with the delicious deli range & some cracking preserves now too 😉

⚠️ New Producer Alert! New Producer Alert! ⚠️

We're welcoming to our shelves this week, a small batch Somerset producer, you may have spotted these guys at Weston's Eat Festival before.

Grab their classic Raspberry Jam or get a little adventurous with their Bengali Spiced Tomato Chutney. Personally, I'm excited to give their Wild Blueberry, Pink Peppercorn Balsamic Vinegar a try, how should I test it first, in a brie and bacon toastie, or get crazy and drizzle it over a slice of Basque Cheesecake?

04/06/2026

It’s June… and yes, I know I’m a little late saying it!

The last few weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster.

So far June has brought a lost phone (a complete nightmare when it’s used to organise both life and business 🥴), power outages in the kitchen (yes, mid-cooks too, naturally! 😢), and a frame of mind that’s occasionally asked, “What on earth am I doing this for?!”

The reality is that being a small producer can be tough, isolating and relentless at times. There are no departments to pass problems to. When something goes wrong, it’s your problem to solve. When a cook is interrupted by a power cut, it’s your batch on the line. When you stand for days at an unwelcoming event, full of rude people, you feel every bit of it. Yeap firework up the rear are currently needed! 🤣

Thankfully, the phone has been found 😮‍💨, we’re crossing our fingers for reliable power soon, and then, just when your head starts disappearing down the toilet, a couple of messages arrive…

“Saw you at Devon County Show, such a beautiful stall and flavours. You were politely talking to a rude woman who bizarrely appeared unhappy that you were from Somerset. She certainly missed out, your Gooseberry Jam is heavenly. It reminded me of weekends at my grandmother’s kitchen table with homemade jam on warm crumpets. I’ve enjoyed your delicious jam and my wonderful memories alike. Keep cooking with passion, a new order on its way, so many more flavours to try.” — Carolyn G. (from Devon!)

“We bought some of your marvellous Whortleberry Jam when visiting Dunster. The best jam we have tasted. Ordered more for when we returned home.” — Nigel T.

And suddenly the head is a little less in the toilet… perhaps only the basin now 🤣

Messages like these remind us why we keep going. They help soften the difficult days and provide the little spark needed to start that firework deadly needed at the mo.

So my lovelies, whatever your own challenges may be this month, I truly hope June covers you with sunshine (love this song) & so many of the sparks you need to keep smiling.

Much love,

Francine x

27/05/2026

Lemon & Lime Marmalade early this morning. To be honest I don’t think the marmalade was the only thing reaching 104.5 degrees today 🤪

5hrs in we were melting in the kitchen by 10am, so called it a day & headed home to do some labelling.

Nocturnal cooking for the time being I think 😆

26/05/2026

Just popped head out of the already warm kitchen & see these lucky people enjoying the early morning balloon flight.

Must be absolutely amazing up there this morning before it’s too hot.

Whatever your plans are today, stay cool, enjoy the sunshine & take a moment to breathe.

Have a fabulous week my lovelies, hope you fly to new heights 💕

Much love,

Francine x

25/05/2026

Back in Devon today for eat Festivals Axminster Gate to Plate.

Here on Church Street from 10 - 4 today.

This is my last event for May & then lots of cooking back in a very warm kitchen.

Pop along today & see us all. Lots of refreshing drinks, ice cream & suck to keep you cool not to mention all the amazing producers here with a plethora of food & drink.

24/05/2026

After another trip to Exeter to collect the stall from the past 3 days everything is now boxed & ready for tomorrows trip to Axminster for the Gate to Plate.

Do pop along, find me on Church Street. It’s going to be a beautiful day, a tad warm, so plenty of Factor 50, water & there’s some lovely shady spots around the beautiful church & of course lots of amazing producers there for you.

Here’s to a lovely Bank Holiday Monday

F x

23/05/2026

Wow 😱 the boy did good!

Thank you EAT Burnham for a cracking day & for looking after Hubster. Again so many wonderful comments & support, forever grateful.

Thank you to Bev for sending me the photo & to both the gals & the team’s hard work.

Next stop is Axminster on Monday 🙌🏼