For several decades Spalding was famous for its bananas thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of the Geest family that provided employment for many in the area as the town’s largest employer. By 1961 they were the country’s largest importer of bananas supplying over 15 million a week.
Never one to miss an opportunity Heather van Geest was raising money for charity when she attended an episode of Top of the Pops in 1969 and got Jimmy Saville to wear a headdress and necklace of bananas whilst holding a stem of fruit. For some reason this episode can no longer be viewed.
However, Geest bananas thrived and expanded into many areas of food and horticultural production. The banana business was sold to Fyffes in 1996.
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