On 30th October 2005, the first apples were crushed in the newly restored village cider press. You can see photos of the event in Robin Tilley's November South Zeal page in the archives. Friday June 9th was the first official drinking of this 2005 vintage (can you say 'vintage' of a non vin?). The weather was spectacularly good (as you can see from the children in the swimming pool) and the party began at 6.30 dt (Devon time). When enough people had come home from work, changed their clothes and come along to the Boother's garden, the tasting began. One could tell the seasoned cider folk from the others because they came armed with their own tankards. Others went round desperately seeking cups, jam jars or other suitable containers.

There was a point, when the assembly were merry but still able to walk upright, when due homage was paid to the noble apple by a specially choreographed (by Shirley Denford) 'Cider Brawle', with the movements of the dancers echoing the various actions involved in the making of the brew, from the apple picking right up to the drinking. Music was supplied by Nick Groom on his hurdy gurdy with Dave Denford providing the drum accompaniment. No still photos can adequately represent this ceremony without the music and movement, but possibly you can get some idea from the following.