Somerset's cider heritage took center stage last week at the Orchards and Cider Exhibition during the Royal Bath and West Show.

A crowd favorite, the 'People's Choice' allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the world of award-winning ciders and select their preferred libation. Over three days, attendees enjoyed indulging in various cider categories, including dry ciders on Thursday, mediums on Friday, and sweets on Saturday. With an impressive turnout of 1,700 participants, three exceptional Somerset ciders emerged victorious.

Ad Astra Cider's 'Nimrod' stole the show among the dry ciders. Ad Astra, a rising star in the Somerset cider scene, draws inspiration from the motto of the Royal Air Force, "Per Ardua ad Astra" (Through adversity to the stars). Led by RAF veteran Paul Rolfe, Ad Astra has quickly made its mark at Orchardleigh Farm in Stone Allerton. The public's enthusiastic response to 'Nimrod' was mirrored by the judges, who awarded it the prestigious title of Reserve Champion Farmhouse Dry in the celebrated British Cider Championships, hosted by the Bath and West.

Alan Berry's Blackmore Vale Cider reigned supreme in the medium cider category. Located near Templecombe in South Somerset, Alan Berry is no stranger to accolades, having previously claimed the Supreme Championship in 2016 with a remarkable medium cider. His consistent success in the British Cider Championships solidifies his position as a prominent figure in the industry.

The People's Choice for sweet cider, sampled by over 700 show-goers on Saturday, belonged to Southdown Cider's 'Festival.' Created by the talented Rob Whale in the scenic village of Shepton Montague near Bruton, Southdown Cider has garnered recognition despite its small-scale production. Rob's expertise and dedication have earned him significant awards, including the coveted title of Supreme Champion in the 2019 British Cider Championships. This further emphasizes the remarkable alignment between the discerning general public and the expert judges of the British Cider Championships in their appreciation of outstanding ciders.

Recognising the invaluable contributions to cider heritage, the Bath and West Society presented the Special Award for Services to the Cider Industry to Mary Martin and James Evans. This dedicated husband and wife team near the picturesque Cotehele in the Tamar Valley has devoted their lives to preserving Cornwall's apple-growing legacy. They have identified numerous indigenous apple varieties through meticulous research and documentation, particularly those found in Cornwall and the Tamar Valley. Their comprehensive work culminated in the publication of "A Cornish Pomona" in 2014, which cataloged and described the diverse array of Cornish apples they discovered. These precious varieties now flourish in their own 'mother orchard,' ensuring the preservation of Cornwall's apple heritage for future generations.

Today, numerous Cornish cider farms owe their prosperity to the wisdom of James and Mary in selecting the ideal cider varieties for their respective regions. Their dedication has effectively saved Cornwall's apples from the brink of extinction.

In further recognition of excellence in the cider industry, George Tuthill, a skilled Somerset engineer renowned for his contributions to apple harvesting, was awarded the prestigious 2023 Coopers Award for Craftsmanship. The Master of the Worshipful Company of Coopers, Ms. Clare Hughes OBE, presented George with the trophy amidst the enchanting ambiance of the Orchards and

Cider marquee at the Royal Bath and West Show. George's innovative machines, developed and manufactured since the 1970s, have revolutionized apple harvesting. Particularly noteworthy are his tree shaker, which gently dislodges apples from trees with a strategic shake, and the Tuthill Temperley apple harvester, designed for efficient collection from the orchard floor. These inventions have alleviated the arduous manual labour associated with apple harvesting, preserving the West Country's magnificent standard cider orchards that would have otherwise faced significant challenges.

Anthony Gibson, Chairman of Orchards and Cider, expressed profound gratitude for George Tuthill's transformative machines.

Without them, the very existence of the region's cider orchards would have been in jeopardy due to the formidable difficulties of apple harvesting. George's craftsmanship and unwavering dedication have secured the future of these cherished orchards, safeguarding their cultural heritage for generations to come.