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The content previously published here has been withdrawn. We apologise for any inconvenience.

This is Bristol Reports:

He is the oldest cider-maker in Britain, producing the golden nectar for nearly 80 years, so it is no wonder that Oz Clarke and James May wanted to sample Frank Naish’s legendary liquid for their televised salute to the best of British drink.

Fellow enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Mr Naish succeeded in converting Mr May, a notorious cider sceptic, and the evidence can be seen in episode seven of the series, Oz and James Drink to Britain, which will air at 8pm on BBC2 on February 17.

Indeed, it seems Mr May could not get enough of the stuff.

Hi everyone,

I want to let you know about an important new organisation designed to put your voice into the debate around alcohol. The Responsible Drinkers Alliance is the first time the vast majority of responsible drinkers can have a voice in this debate.

The Government is about to make some major decisions on how we all buy and consume our drinks. There are voices calling for major restrictions and taxes. They are getting a widespread coverage in the media and vocal support amongst some politicians. The voice of the moderate drinker is being drowned out.

The Responsible Drinkers Alliance will change that by giving us a platform to make our voices heard. So come visit the site and become a member. You can join in our online debate or you can simply add your name to our community of responsible drinkers.

As they say, it’s your choice, it’s your voice, so use it!

Listen to Rod Marsh from the National Cider Collection in Sussex, Barry
at Borough market and Simon Russell of the NACM.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours/items/04/2007_46_thu.shtml

NPR – Out of the Pear Orchard and Into the Glass

Perry, or alcoholic pear cider, was a favorite drink of Napoleon’s. Now, it’s getting a modern makeover.

Tom Oliver of Herefordshire, England, has been making perry all his life.

“When you first try it, you can forget all about anything else you’ve ever tasted and drunk, because this is just a little bit different,” Oliver tells Michele Norris.

Oliver’s Cider and Perry

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/food/2007/06/from_core_to_door

Ciderstore.com delivered in two days.

Fantastic news – after talking about great cider that you have to travel to, I’ve found a website that will bring it to you. For this I have to thank the people at ukcider.co.uk/wiki who posted on my last piece and whose list of online suppliers includes Ciderstore.com.

If you haven’t drunk cider since your college days, you’re missing out – cider’s well and truly back. So in the name of scholarly research why not reacquaint yourself with all things apple. There’s over 9,500 acres of apple orchards in Herefordshire, producing well over half of the cider that’s drunk in the UK. Many farms and producers not only give tours and talks but also sell direct to the public so you can fill up the boot for further revision at home. Start at Dunkertons Cider Mill for some tasting and a mosey around, then whiz down to Newton Court Cidery and visit the organic apple orchards. Finally, drive the short distance to Butford Farm to sample some traditional perry!

Traditional orchards differ from densely planted commercial orchards as they contain older, taller fruit trees, the grass pasture around them is usually grazed by cattle or sheep, the trees are more widely spaced and the orchards are not treated with chemicals or pesticides.
The loss of old orchards has been due to a demand for cheaper fruit imports and the land being used for housing development.