Maldon Society hosting curator of Tiptree jam museum

The Maldon Society will welcome Nicholas Wickenden, who is curator of Tiptree Jam Museum.

After the Wilkin family first came to Tiptree in the early 1700s, they started farming at Trewlands Farm.

By 1685, the farm was moving away from arable crops to fruit, which were then shipped to London markets.

Arthur Charles Wilkin founded the Britannia Fruit Preserving Company in 1885.

This was reformed as Wilkin and Sons, and by 1906 the company owned 800 acres of land on farms in Tiptree, Tollesbury and Goldhanger.

They grow a wide range of traditional English fruits which include strawberries, plums, raspberries, mulberries and cherries.

They also grow rhubarb, damsons, quinces and medlars. 

Product - Limited edition Coronation Mayonnaise from 2023 (Image: Wilkin and Sons)

Their products have now expanded to include spirits, liqueurs, condiments, chutneys, marmalades, jams and more.

Since 1911, the company has held a royal warrant as purveyors of Tiptree products for preserves and marmalades continuously.

In 2023, Wilkin and Sons launched a limited edition Tiptree Coronation Mayonnaise in honour of King Charles III's then-forthcoming coronation.

The mayo featured a blend of Tiptree mayonnaise, mango chutney and a touch of spicy curry powder.

Presenter Andi Peters and an ITV team also visited the site last year, where he recorded live segments for Good Morning Britain and Lorraine.

The talk will take place on Thursday, March 7, at the Cygnet Room, behind the Swan Hotel in the High Street.

A spokesman for the Maldon Society said: “As our monthly talks are proving extremely popular with the Cygnet Room being filled to room capacity, pre-registration is strongly advised by members and members of the public to reserve your seat. 

“Please email: maldonsociety@aol.com or ring Dorreen on 01621 853428.”

Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start.

Drinks may be bought at the Swan Hotel’s bar and there will be a raffle towards the cost of room hire.