Shannon Lifeboat Cider pressing day

Fri 26 Sep 2014

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Lifeboat crew members and the public joined in at Whin Hill Cider in Wells on 21 September to help make a special edition cider in aid of the Wells Lifeboats Shannon Appeal.

Visitors had the chance to use a Victorian cider mill, known as a scratter, and a 150-year old press to produce the juice from apples grown in Whin Hill's own orchard in Stanhoe. The juice is now fermenting in a traditional barrel through the winter.

Mark Jarvis, who runs Whin Hill Cider with his wife Lisa, said: “We are doing everything in the old, traditional way. We are using natural yeasts to ferment it and are hoping to raise £1,000 for the Shannon Appeal."

There should be 200 bottles produced which will be ready next Easter. Each bottle will cost £5 with all the money going towards the appeal. Bottles can be ordered in advance now from Whin Hill Cider or from Howell's Deli on Staithe Street... advance buyers receive a unique card showing the bottle numbers ordered so a bottle or two could make a great Christmas or Birthday gift.

Our thanks to Mark and Lisa for their support... and to all who turned out to help and watch.

It's now a case of wait and see for the Shannon vintage, “You can never tell with cider until is fermented how it is going to turn out, and then there is nothing you can do.", explained Mark.

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