The History of Chocolate from bean to bar was the subject of a talk given to Oakley & Deane WI
at their August meeting by the manager of the Basingstoke branch of Hotel Chocolat. Over the
years cocoa has been developed from a drink made with water to the first solid bar being made in
1847. The process of transforming the bean into actual cocoa is a complicated, time-consuming
process and the by products are widely used in beauty products. Members sampled various types of
chocolates, all made with completely natural ingredients and no artificial colours. Hand creams and
body butters were also sampled. Hotel Chocolat was formed in 2004 and most of their beans come
from The Rabot Estate in St. Lucia which is part of its Engaged Ethics Cocoa Programme To date
they are the only company in the UK to own their own cocoa plantation.
Village Show
Oakley & Deane WI provided teas and cakes at the recent successful and very enjoyable Village Show
when our members had a very busy afternoon. A considerable sum of money was raised for our
funds which will go towards the cost of speakers for the forthcoming year.