This year’s show was memorable for being the largest cider competition in the world, with 490 entries. Making a much admired appearance was celebrity chef Raymond Blanc,(seen here with Nick Bradstock from the NACM) who had all the cidermakers nodding appreciatively as he led the judging panel.
Everyone was delighted when pomologist Liz Copas, one of the
great apple identifiers in Somerset, a pioneer at Long Ashton Research Centre and a
gifted artist, was presented with the Bath & West Society’s Gold medal for a lifetime’s contribution to the world of cider production, by Professor Peter Gregory, chief executive of East Malling Research – the Kent home of the national apple collection.
The award came as a total surprise to Liz. “I was completely bowled over. I had no idea. It was a very well kept secret!”
Growers’ Day, on Friday 1 June, was well attended and packed with interesting presentations, including Emily Durrant talking about HONE, John Thatcher on
Orchards of the Future and an Open Meeting of Orchards South West as well as visits from MP Ian Liddell-Grainger and MEP Julie Girling.
Orchard Pig picked up a First prize for its sparkling Apple Rambler juice, one from the new drinks range from Orchard Pig.
