The First of May marks the beginning of Summer in the old Gaelic cultures, a tradition widely known as Beltane. And where better to celebrate this ancient May Day ceremony than atop May Hill itself, iconic landmark of the Gloucestershire countryside, former Iron Age hill fort, ley line intersection and epicentre of the Perry Pear Universe. Readily identifiable by … Read More May Day! May Day!
I’d like to take a quick moment to send some love out to all the parents in the world, especially my own. As the youngest of three, I was (am) that classic fat, young fledgeling chick who doesn’t want to leave the nest, but eventually bumbles out, arse over tip. They have been so wonderfully supportive of everything I have … Read More Trans Europe (Cider) Express
I grew up with two elder brothers and so my childhood TV viewing consisted of Bottom, Red Dwarf, and, of course Blackadder. The third series, set in the Regency period, with Hugh Laurie as the magnificent, bonkers Prince George, is the best. And the episode “Nob and Nobility”, about the French Revolution is pure gold: ‘Ah, le Adder Noir, come … Read More The French Connection
Well, I’m a month in as a full time, freelance cider talking person. And I’ve still got a bit of money in the bank so I’m gurning like an idiot! I am, however, entirely aware that this is the honeymoon period and that I might well not be as spritely in 3 months’ time. But, it’s already apparent that the … Read More Dribble Tests and BBC Requests: The Life of a Ciderologist
Well, what an anti-climax. Apparently I, and my apple-based vocation, are of zero interest to the authorities and before I know it, I’m in Chicago. It’s my first time in this fabled city and I’m keen to see if it lives up to its Windy City billing having had resided in Windy Welly for a while – technically the windiest city in the … Read More Global Cider Tour Part 3: USA (United States of Apple-fermented-beverages)