EF Smith

This is a picture of my grandfather EF Smith. A graduate of King College Cambridge, he was destined to become a doctor. However like many he was wounded at Gallipoli, and he ‘creep on ‘ a teas estate in Ceylon. In due course he became plantation manager at Glentaffe. He lived and sadly died on the estate, near Hatton. The planters bungalow was the childhood home of my father and uncle.

This is all very well but what does this mean for Glentaffe and Estate tea ? The aim is to capitalise on the growing trend for estate rather than blended tea. This is very much akin to single malt and blended whisky. So actions have been taken and plans are afoot. Trademarks are in place, discussions have been held with the owner of a transport and import business, whose grandfather arguably could have known my grandfather. A trip has been planned and I expect to stay in the same bungalow on the estate. I have also been in touch with high end retailers in the UK. So watch this space!