Bailey Brewing Co Remember a Local Legend

The founders of Bailey Brewing Co, a new Swan Valley brewery set to open this Spring, are researching into the history of their property to ensure the local stories of the area continue to be shared and celebrated.

After several years of homebrewing, Brothers, Steven and Daniel, and their father Geoff purchased the 10-acre block on the intersection of Park and West Swan Road late last year in order to realise their dream of building a brewery.

“When the previous owners, Peter and Amanda Lyndon-James, purchased the block back in 2007 they discovered that one of the sheds was full of interesting old items – tools, books, lamps, maps and even some vintage beekeeping equipment. Peter moved it all from the property to his house for safekeeping and when we were buying the place from him he invited us over to take a look at it all” explained Steven Bailey, Co-Founder and Director of Bailey Brewing Co.

The eclectic collection sparked interest in the three founders of Bailey Brewing Co who wanted to know more about the history of their site.

“We learnt that the items in the shed had belonged to another past owner - a local beekeeper known as Toppy Geer. So, we started our search there” Said Steve.

Reaching out to local beekeepers and beekeeping associations, they struck gold when they were sent a profile on Toppy written for Bee Informed Magazine. It gave them insight into the property’s former owner.

Alton ‘Toppy’ Geer was a renowned WA beekeeper and a resident of the Swan Valley for over 38 years. As a child he was always on the move which lead to the affectionate nickname ‘Top Gear’ or ‘Toppy’. 

He grew up in Northam and East Guildford and worked for WA Railways in both the Traffic and Civil Engineering branches. It was during his railway career that Toppy first become involved with beekeeping. Upon retiring in 1978 he opened a honey shop at his Middle Swan property.

“Toppy’s shed reminded us of the classic Aussie backyard with a wide veranda and the old man’s tool shed tucked at the back.  We really liked that idea for Bailey Brewing Co because we want the brewery to feel like an extension of your family home.”

A lifelong collector, Toppy had planned to build a shop extension to display it all – particularly his prized collection of vintage tools. Many of the old cars he collected remain on the site and Bailey Brewing Co are planning to repurpose them in their playground.

Steve, Dan and Geoff have enjoyed learning about the life of Toppy Geer and intend to keep his memory alive at their brewery.  

“Bailey Brewing Co are apart of the Swan Valley community and it’s important that we do our bit to make sure the local history is preserved and remembered. Peter & Amanda [Lyndon-James] have donated some items from Toppy’s shed and we are hoping to use them around the brewery for decoration. Toppy’s old cars will be used in our nature playground and we have also refurbished two of the original old cottages on the block, one of which, Toppy’s old honey shop, will be the brewery’s office”

The story of Toppy Geer also partly inspired the branding and philosophy of the brewery.

“Toppy’s shed reminded us of the classic Aussie backyard with a wide veranda and the old man’s tool shed tucked at the back.  We really liked that idea for Bailey Brewing Co because we want the brewery to feel like an extension of your family home.

 “The dotted pattern you’ll see in our branding is inspired by pegboard, which you often find on the walls of old sheds. The different shapes we use are mix of tools, a bee for Toppy and key brewery items, like a beer glass.”

“Our philosophy has always been to brew simple, sessionable beers that taste great. There are some inventive breweries out there experimenting with flavours and funny beer types like milkshake IPAs which is great but that’s not what we want to do. We want to brew good, classic beer that a guy like Toppy could have enjoyed after a long day tending to his bees. We actually might look at brewing a seasonal Honey beer to celebrate Toppy too”

Bailey Brewing Co invites people who knew Toppy Geer to get in touch and share their story.

“It really feels like Toppy has become one of the team. We’d love to learn more about him.” 

The brewery is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in late Spring 2020.