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Core Equip will be holding an open day at Watergull Orchards in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, on the 15th and 16th of September. Watergull Orchards have recently purchased the Kreuzmayr KWE 3000 apple washer/elevator/mill in combination with the Kreuzmayr KEB 750 apple belt press, an investment that will significantly improve their apple juice and cider productivity.
The Open Day will be an opportunity to view the new Kreuzmayr equipment in action and talk to Robert Kreuzmayr, the Managing Director and founder of Kreuzmayr GmbH. In addition, the new Kreuzmayr Easy-juice KEB 400 belt press will be on display. The equipment is being marketed as an ideal first belt press for those apple juice and cider producers looking to progress to a belt press for the first time. Kreuzmayr pasteurisers and other equipment will also be demonstrated.
The event will be open from 10am until 4pm each day and refreshments and a buffet lunch will be served. If you are interested in attending, email Jonathan Chaplin at
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SWECA's 2011 Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for 10:30am on 15th September at Perry's Cider at Dowlish Wake. This year's meeting is of particular importance as the agenda includes a vote on the Association's new Constitution.
If you would like to attend, please email Bob Chaplin as soon as possible. Bob can be contacted at
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Twisted Cider's Ben Weller is on the hunt for a 5.2-litre press for an apple day event at Damerton. The date of the demonstration is 22nd October, so he's looking to source the equipment before then.
If you are able to offer the loan of a suitable press, please contact Ben at
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Alan Stone reports good progress on the research phase for his next book on Cidermakers in Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and Devon with a priority on SWECA members. He has taken a few days off work this week to step up his knowledge of Devon makers.
"Had a great day today [20 Sept] interviewing three SWECA members in the west Devon area. Vernon Shutler at Countryman Cider, George Travis at Westlake Cider and James McIlwraith at Sandford Courtney Cider," says Alan. "They are three cidermakers with very different backgrounds and totally different businesses, but all with a keen passion for their cidermaking.
"I am hoping to get some more producers seen on Friday, then try to cover most of the rest in the run up to Christmas."
Alan hopes to have a few days off in the week commencing 24 October and if anyone would be free for him to visit during that week please email him to arrange an appointment at
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On 1 March a party of SWECA members ( South West 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.