Apr 30, 2024
This special springtime opportunity to enjoy the local orchards famed for their cider, dessert and culinary fruit, takes place over two days on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May. This year, community organisers the Big Apple Association have spread their wings to co-ordinate more activities than ever across three familiar venues, Putley Parish Hall, Court Farm Barn in Aylton and Putley’s Dragon Orchard, each offering a different experience. Putley Parish Hall will be the welcome hub, where visitors can park, buy their entrance tickets (£5 for adults, children under 16 free, valid for all three venues), pick up leaflets and start walks, both guided and ‘freestyle’, around the orchards. It will also be the centre for the famous Blossomtime lunches and teas, provided in turn by Aylton Church, Munsley WI, Ledbury Young Farmers and Putley WI. Court Farm Barn, Aylton will be the centre for arts, crafts, demonstrations, workshops and talks, where Laughing Betsy will co-ordinate a collaboration between visitors, craftspeople and artists to create an installation reflecting themes of regeneration, re-use, natural materials and nature. Dragon Orchard will host sample tastings selected from 150 entries to the 2024 Big Apple Cider and Perry Trials, a number of cider/perry makers selling their wares and music, poetry and entertainment in the orchard. Or visitors can just wander amongst the fruit trees, soaking up the sounds and scents of nature. Visitors will be encouraged to walk between the three venues – they are all within easy reach of each other – but for those who may need some assistance or just for the sheer fun of it, a tractor and passenger trailer will be available, as has happened at Harvestime for several years now. Speakers include Adam Wells, author of ‘Perry: A Drinker’s Guide’ and Gabe Cook, the well known and now locally resident Ciderologist. Full programme details are available at https://www.bigapple.org.uk/blossomtime/
Apr 3, 2024
British Cider Week is brought to you by a collaboration of cider-makers, retailers and venues from across the United Kingdom.
Join us to celebrate the depth and diversity of British cider. The week will feature events from a wide range of producers, from new young startups to traditional producers with generations of heritage. There will be activity across the country; from the cider heartlands of the West Country, to the apple gardens of Kent, from country orchards to urban cider works.
For more information and to view planned events visit the British Cider Week website or contact info@britishciderweek.org.uk.
If you are UK cider-maker or cider retailer, you may submit your event here.
Mar 21, 2024
The international angle, a scion exchange, plus cider and cheese matching are three new elements joining classic sessions like Cider Doctor (pictured above) and the infamous bottle share at CraftCon 2024, the Three Counties Cider & Perry Association’s annual trade conference, taking place at the Royal Agricultural University, 5-6 April 2024.
The fourth edition of the highly anticipated conference will gather the UK’s leading craft cider producers, with 35 speakers presenting on topics covering orcharding, cidermaking and business development. CraftCon is the only industry-facing educational conference for British cidermakers and has helped attendees grow their businesses and raised the product quality of participating cider companies since it was founded in 2019.
“This brilliant event brings together the most ambitious and pioneering craft cidermakers in the country to learn techniques, share knowledge, understand legislation, and to inspire each other”, says Chair of the TCCPA and director of Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company, Albert Johnson. “If we look back to the first CraftCon, the cider industry has taken a giant leap forward, and that is in large part the result of the professional development that happens at this wonderful conference.”
On the Friday evening of CraftCon, presenters and delegates will come together for an evening meal to celebrate the cider community and their products with a bottle share. CraftCon is an invaluable opportunity for small producers to network and discuss their shared challenges and hopes for the future of the industry.
“This year’s CraftCon is more diverse than ever, with talks on every topic from orcharding to sustainability in the cidery, right through to the latest in kegging”, says deputy chair of the TCCPA and co-founder of Artistraw Cider, Lydia Crimp. “The wealth of talent and knowledge that this year’s roster of speakers will be providing us with is simply not to be missed.”
Two notable cider and perry writers will be taking the stage at CraftCon. Adam Wells, co-founder and editor of Cider Review and Author of the forthcoming Perry: A Drinker’s Guide will be giving a keynote speech on Friday. “CraftCon has become simply the most important event in the calendar of aspirational British cider and perry”, says Adam. “The speakers and topics lined up for 2024 promise to make it the most exciting and ambitious edition yet.” James Crowden, renowned poet and author of Cider Country will be giving a keynote speech on Saturday, covering the early history of sparkling bottle fermented cider.
For the first time in person, an international element has been added to CraftCon’s agenda, with Italian pommeliers Andrea Bedini and Marco Manfrini showcasing the rise of cider culture in Italy.
Another new edition to the programme is a scion exchange, with conference attendees encouraged to bring cuttings from their apple and pear trees to share with fellow makers and orchardists. To accompany this, practical advice will be given by Tom Tibbits of Artistraw Cider and Leo Jordan of Blue Barrel Cider on how to use these scions for grafting and top-working in orchards.
CraftCon19-CREDIT-Terry Richards (2)
Further highlights of the conference include:
- A session to help small producers turn their cidermaking hobby into a business with Max Nowell of Steilhead Cider and
James Finch of Chapel Sider.
- Pommelier Cath Potter, That Beer Place’s co-founder Dale Lord, Alex Fitton of Pullo Bottle Shop and landlady of Station House Durham Susannah Mansfield will present a blind tasting of ciders and a discussion on faults, what’s natural and what’s not.
- Young Cheesemonger of the Year, Lily Morris of Morris’ of Usk and Sam Wilkin Cellarman Sam will share with their audience the art of matching cider and cheese as everyone tastes through the three pairings Lily and Sam have chosen.
- Chava Richman of Welsh Mountain Cider and Joey Hughes of Orchard Daughters – Merched Y Berllan will discuss orcharding for the future and the importance of varietal selection.
- A panel on the challenges and opportunities of tannin and bittersweet apples with Adam Wells, James Forbes of Little Pomona, Martin Johnson of Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company, Polly Hilton of Find & Foster, and drinks writer Tamlyn Currin.
CraftCon is being generously supported by lead sponsor, The National Association of Cidermakers, as well as The Licensing Guys, The London Cider House and Pershore Press, with other sponsors to be confirmed.
Tickets and further information about CraftCon 2024 is available on the TCCPA’s dedicated CraftCon website and on instagram and facebook
Mar 7, 2024
Albert Johnson of Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company and Lydia Crimp of Artistraw Cider [Photo: Rebecca Fletcher]
Craft cider and perry producers around the country stand to gain as Albert Johnson of Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company, and Lydia Crimp of Artistraw Cider, are elected to the top two roles at the Three Counties Cider & Perry Association (TCCPA).
“It is a privilege to chair the largest membership association of small cidermakers in the UK,” said fourth generation cidermaker Albert. “My father, Mike, was a founding member of the TCCPA, so to continue the legacy is very special.”
Lydia, co-founder of Artistraw Cider and co-chair of the pan-industry group, Cider Women, joins Albert as his deputy. “I am excited to be given the opportunity to add to the TCCPA’s already rich history,” said Lydia. “It’s an honour to be working with such dedicated and talented people.”
Representing over 100 cider producers located far beyond the association’s original boundaries of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, the vibrancy and energy of the revitalised sector is symbolised by members’ desire not just to reach out to consumers but also to learn and move forward.
First up will be CraftCon 2024, at the beginning of April. “This will be the fifth anniversary of this landmark event, organised and hosted by the association,” said Albert. “I hope to build on what we have achieved in the last five years to continue to achieve our aims of supporting and promoting the interests of cider and perry producers in our Three Counties region, but also all across the UK.”
“With five weeks to go, I’d urge all fellow cider professionals to join us for what will be an incredible couple of days with many of the world’s leading lights sharing their wisdom,” said Albert.
“As always, the CraftCon programme will cover topics within three main strands of orcharding, cidermaking and business and marketing. This year, with more speakers and more subjects being covered than ever before, there really is something for everyone! In amongst all of the learning CraftCon also offers excellent networking opportunities throughout the conference, culminating in the now famous Friday evening bottle share,” said Lydia.
CraftCon 2024 takes place on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April 2024 at the Royal Agricultural University, Circencester. Over two days there will be over 20 speakers and panellists presenting interactive workshops and seminars aimed at aspiring and existing cidermakers in the UK and beyond. There will be two keynote speakers: Adam Wells, co-founder of Cider-Review.com and author of forthcoming book, Perry: A Drinkers’ Guide, and James Crowden renowned and award-winning author and poet.
“My predecessor, Dave Sanders brought the membership back together after the disruption of COVID to ensure the successful re-establishment of CraftCon,” said Albert, “The quality this year will be a fitting legacy to all his hard work.”
“We look forward to seeing you there,” said Lydia. “The future of cider looks very bright indeed!”
CraftCon is being generously supported by lead sponsor, The National Association of Cidermakers, as well as The London Cider House and Pershore Press, with other sponsors to be confirmed.
Notes:
- The TCCPA was founded in 1993 by a group of craft scale cider makers who came together at the cider and perry trials run by the The Big Apple in the parish of Putley in Herefordshire. From these early beginnings, membership has now grown significantly. With over 100 members, the TCCPA seeks to represent and support small craft cider and perry producers and enthusiasts via several means, including that of education and training.
- Membership of the TCCPA extends beyond the borders of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire and is open to cidermakers, large and small, aspiring or commercial, hobbyists or advocates, and others with an interest in the cider world. Contact membership secretary, Tom Tibbits, for further details. tom.tibbits@gmail.com
- On Tuesday 30th January 2024, TCCPA held its Annual General Meeting at The Cider Museum in Hereford. At the AGM, Albert, Lydia and the new committee was elected.
- Further information about CraftCon 2024 is available on the TCCPA’s dedicated CraftCon website and on Instagram and Facebook.
![Traditional cider apple harvesting using a hooklug [Photo: Rebecca Fletcher]](https://cideruk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSCF4242-1024x683.jpg)
Traditional cider apple harvesting using a hooklug [Photo: Rebecca Fletcher]
Oct 18, 2023
Cider makers across the country are celebrating Apple Day on 21st October. It’s an extra special Apple Day this year as they are able to announce that it’s been a perfect year for cider apples, resulting in a bumper crop of beautifully ripened apples, ready to be pressed into one of the nation’s favourite drinks.
The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), which represents the industry, has declared 2023 the year of the cider apple, with the conditions for the orchards meaning the cider made this year will be particularly special. Cider apples, so woven into our heritage, with names like Merry Legs, Slack ma-Girdle, Sheep’s Nose and Brown Snout, have thrived.
Although we Brits have not enjoyed the best summer weather-wise, it has proved optimum conditions for cider apples. With the mix of sun and rain and the late burst of September and October sunshine, it has created the right conditions for the apples to ripen to perfection, with just the right amount of acidity and sweetness to press into the ultimate cider.
From bud to bottle, cider is a crucial part of the country’s economy. Cider making not only supports employment, farming, and sustainability, but boosts tourism particularly in the West, Southwest and West Midlands.
Throughout the UK there are three hundred farmers growing over fifteen thousand acres of orchards that are often handed down through generations. This farmland crucially preserves the UK’s biodiversity by attracting a wide variety of wildlife. Once produced, cider flies the flag for British food and drink with over £50 million of exports of cider per year.
Fenella Tyler, Chief Executive at National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) said:
“Apple Day provides a wonderful chance to celebrate apples and orchards, and cider makers across the country will be doing that with aplomb this year, raising a glass to the exceptional crop that 2023 has given us.
Those who love the drink, which is so much a part of the fabric of local communities, will be delighted with the results of this year’s harvest and we thank those who continue to support cider makers.
Not only is it essential to sustaining rural areas, the industry also supports local amenities and charities, funding wildlife ventures and community orchards. A glass of cider supports all of this, plus offers a little slice of sunshine!”
Exhibition Orchard, Thatchers Cider Copyright Neil Phillips Photo + Film Ltd
Oct 8, 2023
Cider presses are gearing up for action in a corner of Herefordshire, and Big Apple venues are standing by to welcome visitors to the Marcle Ridge on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 October. The apple harvest will be in full swing – no matter which way you turn in Much Marcle, apples are everywhere! Not to mention pears – perry pears of course.
Nine familiar Big Apple venues, including Woodredding, Lyne Down, Pope’s Perry, Hellens, Gregg’s Pit and Awnells Farm, alongside regular attractions at Westons Cider, are waiting to welcome visitors to enjoy the orchards, see, hear and smell cider being made and taste many different varieties of apples, local ciders, perries and apple juices. And don’t miss apple teas at the Memorial Hall!
This year’s highlights include the ever popular ‘high-altitude’ tutored cider tastings on the Marcle Ridge, giving a hand to press perry pears from the ancient avenue at Hellens Manor, and wheeling along with the Big Apple Bike Ride. The National Fruit Show Education Team make their first visit, tickling taste buds with an apple challenge at Hellens. Practical sessions on tool sharpening, the chance to buy refurbished garden tools and a talk from agronomist Matt Greep on apple pests and diseases are a ‘must’ for those who like to do things for themselves, while Bill Laws will share some of the pomological secrets behind his forthcoming book about the Herefordshire Pomona. Tasty food offers and musical interludes including Uke Can’t Be Serious and Leominster Morris are to be found in and around the orchards. Full details of venues and special events, and advance booking where required, can be found at https://www.bigapple.org.uk/harvestime/
The Big Apple is delighted to be working alongside others this year to place apples right at the heart of Herefordshire under the umbrella of Hereford AppleFest.
![Traditional cider apple harvesting using a hooklug [Photo: Rebecca Fletcher]](https://cideruk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSCF4242-scaled.jpg)
