Cider Women, the new pan-industry and consumer group designed to champion the role of women in cider, will have its official launch on 4 October at the preview of the Women & the Art of Cider exhibition at the Museum of Cider, Hereford.
The aim is to raise the profile of women and to encourage positive development in the world of cider, as well as welcoming all who are interested and promoting inclusivity on all fronts within cider.
Inspired by the example of its sisters across the pond, Pomme Boots, the group has begun as a facebook group with a dedicated facebook page with which to share news on a wider basis. Membership is open to all women and, while activities will initially be based in the UK, members are welcome from around the world.
Jointly chaired by Elizabeth Pimblett, who became engaged with the world of cider when she took up the directorship of the Museum of Cider, Hereford, and Susanna Forbes, co-founder of Little Pomona Orchard & Cidery, the group is directed by a five-strong steering committee, including Fiona Matthews, Bartestree Cider, Isy Schulz, Barleywood Orchard, Cath Potter, Pommelier, Hannah Barton, Kniveton Cider and Lydia Crimp, Artistraw Cider.
‘Our long-term hope is that Cider Women becomes a respected industry group which is seen as a support for women and something that adds to the general richness of cidermaking as a whole,’ said Elizabeth. ‘We hope that we can influence discussions for the benefit of all.’
‘We want to reach out to all involved, from the orchardists to the pickers, the cider makers to the saleswomen, the servers to the educators,’ said Susanna. ‘Not to mention all those who simply love to drink cider and perry.’
‘In the short term Cider Women will exist across a number of social media platforms and provide a safe space for discussion as well as a place to give and receive advice,’ said Lydia. ‘We hope that the group will become a source of inspiration for those hoping to get into cider making as well as nuturing those already involved.’
‘We will be offering support, advice, opportunities and information to anyone connected with the cider industry,’ added Fiona.
‘It has been documented that cider drinkers are split evenly on gender lines but despite this, sexist attitudes still exist in the cider community,’ said Cath. ‘Therefore it is really important to have a grouping of women to promote cider and to support each other in their cider-related activities.’ ‘Equality is the aim,’ agreed Hannah. ‘There is a need for a safe supportive space for women to widen their cider knowledge and to network.’
‘I have witnessed and benefited from the positive effects of women’s groups such as Dea Latis in the beer world,’ said Susanna. ‘I hope that we can bring a similarly positive outcome to the cider sphere.’
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