Update: The cheese technologist of tradition Valerine Bines

Update: Funeral arrangement at the end of this article. Many thanks to Mary Quicke for the information.

It is with sad hearts we note the passing of the influential cheese technologist Val Bines, who passed away peacefully on 1 May, after more than 60 years contributing to cheese in the UK and beyond. Mary Quicke, founder of Quicke’s cheese maker in Devon UK, reflects on her friend and collaborator: “Quicke’s Hard Goat’s Cheese was her creation. Her advice helped many UK cheese makers of all sizes make everything from Old Winchester to Tunworth and Winterdale cheeses. She was not just in Britain – she advised Avonlea in Prince Edward Island in Canada make a clothbound cheddar. She was part of a fine tradition of great ladies in cheese.”

Her accolades included receiving the Cheese Industry Award from the Royal Bath & West Show for “her exceptional contributions to the cheese industry” in 2006. She helped set up cheese making courses at Reaseheath College with Chris Ashby, to help address what she saw at the time as a worrying lack of cheese making education for the industry. “We endeavour to train farmers who are trying to increase the value of their milk, and others interested in the cheese making process so they’ll know enough to get started,” Val said in an interview with Dairy Industries International in 2006. “Cheese makers are now making a greater number of varieties of both traditional British and continental style cheeses here in Britain.”

Quicke further notes, “She continued to provide wise advice to cheese makers up until this year.

“She delivered her advice with courtesy, humility, and unfailing good humour, and from a depth of knowledge of the science and practice of cheese making at all scales. She worked equally with MDs of companies and the most junior operator, always giving the reasons why delivered quietly, in the kindest way possible and with a twinkle in the eye.

“Many remember her turning up at their premises in her beloved racing green Mazda MX5, full of tales of her naughty terrier Scruffy, both in a long line of beloved cars and dogs. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and her contribution will be missed by the whole industry.”

Letters of condolence may be sent to Mr J Bines, 17 Walden Avenue, Arborfield, Reading RG2 9HR. The funeral will be held at Easthampstead Park Crematorium on Thursday 29 May at 14:00 and the wake at Easthampstead Park Hotel, Off Peacock Lane, Bracknell, Wokingham, RG40 3DF.