SWECA and ONE

74 members attended the Spring meeting of the South West of England Cidermakers’ Association, held at Rich’s Farmhouse Cider at Watchfield.

After the meeting Liz Copas and Neil Macdonald gave a well received presentation on the care of traditional orchards and the group held a lively discussion on a wide range of orcharding topics, including soil compaction and drainage.

The support being given by the National Association of Cider Makers to ONE (Cider And Perry Orchards Network of Excellence) drew many enthusiastic comments.  

ONE presented to SWECA and explained its new role, funded by the NACM, which will include communications with growers on matters such as knowledge sharing, investment, research, workshops and resources

ONE has been extremely successful at rallying growers and has a track record as a proven network for disseminating information.

This support is great for commercial growers and everyone is encouraged to become a member of ONE by clicking on this link.

SWECA visits West Bradley

On 1 March a party of SWECA members ( South West of England Cidermakers Association) visited West Bradley Orchards.
  

The tour was guided by Neil Macdonald from Orchard Pig Ground Force and Edward Clifton-Brown, owner of West Bradley Orchards.  Robert Fouvargue, Agronomist with Pearce Seeds, was also on hand to answer questions.

Neil Macdonald said “ We were very pleased that such a large number of SWECA members came to visit us.  We have been growing dessert apples on a wire system for some time and we wanted to share our thoughts on how this system could be adapted to grow cider fruit.”

John Thatcher, from Thatcher’s Cider, has been growing cider apples on a similar system for some time and was very enthusiastic and encouraging. 

“It is the way forward, of that I have no doubt” he said.

SWECA

The South West of England Cidermakers’ Association (SWECA) held its six monthly meeting last week.  Hosts were John and Martin Thatcher at the family farm at Sandford, Somerset.

SWECA is a group dedicated to supporting the needs of cider makers, apple growers and enthusiasts in the South West region.  Its objective is to link with NACM on behalf of the cider industry, and to promote the interests of those engaged in the region’s cider making industry.

About 50 people attended last week’s meeting at Thatcher’s and were fascinated to hear what the company has been up to recently.  John and Martin Thatcher have invested heavily in new plant this year - an expression of confidence in the future of the industry.  

They discussed the new harvesting machinery they have acquired to harvest cider apples with a shake-and-catch technique which minimises bruising and improves cold storage times.

John Thatcher is regarded as a great mentor for all in the cider business, tremendously enthusiastic and forward looking.  “He is ahead of all of us!” said Orchard Ground Force's Neil Macdonald.

Group members shared their outlook for this year’s crop, with Devon predicting a 100% crop, Somerset 80% and Hereford 120%.  Everyone expressed optimism in the growth of the cider market - 6% over the last twelve months - with similar predictions for the growth of the apple juice market.

Perry pears have had a good year, with the market looking robust.

SWECA welcomes new members who are fruit growers, cider makers or enthusiasts.  For more details contact Bob Chaplin on 01749 334007 or email bob.chaplin@gaymercider.eu.com