South West of England Cidermakers’ Association

Winter Meeting: 2018 SWECA Champion Cider - Bob Cork

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Created: Wednesday, 21 March 2018 15:37

SWECA members gathered at Sheppy’s Cider on Thursday 15th March for the Winter meeting enjoyed a number of topical presentations covering HMRC conformance and Labelling requirements.

Bob Price, Policy Director for the National Association of Cider Makers gave an illuminating talk on MUP in Scotland and the Alcohol Structures Directive. Both will have significant effect on the English cider industry if and when they  are implemented.

During the meeting the annual SWECA Cider Competition took place. Thanks to judges Tim Stoddart of Burrow Hill Cider and George Scott from Rich’s Cider. The winner of the  SWECA 2018 Champion Cider was Bob Cork for his dry cider.

Many thanks to Louisa and David Sheppy for hosting the meeting and providing members with a tour of their cider mill.

Taste of Dorset Food Awards

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Created: Wednesday, 15 November 2017 22:37

Bill Meaden, owner and Cidermaker at Cranborne Chase Cider has won the Best Cider Producer for the second year in a row at the recent Dorset Food and Drink awards held at the George Albert Hotel near Evershot. 

Photo shows Co-director Adam Vincent, right, of sponsor Dike & Son, presented the award for Best Cider Producer to Bill Meaden of Cranborne Chase Cider

Congratulations Bill!

Gold Medal for Nick Poole

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Created: Monday, 05 June 2017 16:46

West Milton Cider's Nick Poole awarded Gold Medal Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Royal Bath & West Show

Nick Poole, of Powerstock, near Bridport, was awarded the Gold Medal Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to the Cider Industry at the Bath and West Gold Medal at the Royal Bath & West Show.

Nick's work in promoting traditonal cider in Dorset, and in running the renowned Powerstock Cider Festival was recognised by the prestigious annual award. Nick and his wife Dawn - who also deserves special recognition for her part in the festival organisation - ran the festival for 16 years and raised more than £43,000 for local charities in the process.

Nick and Dawn also run West Milton Cider Company near Bridport, and their Keeved Cidre Bouche called Lancombe Rising also won Gold in its class and the top gong of Supreme British Champion Cider, receiving The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Perpetual Cup.

Nick said: “I’m delighted. It’s pretty amazing to be given two such prestigious awards in one year!”