Museum of Cider director and co-founder of Cider Women Elizabeth Pimblett (pictured) is the latest winner of CAMRA’s Pomona Award.

As a social historian, she was instantly intrigued and inspired by a set of air-twisted,18th-century cider glasses at the Hereford museum where she has had a leading role for the past seven years.

According to Pimblett, the artefacts “showed the rich history and heritage behind the story of cider and its luxury status centuries ago, while also being seen as a drink for the workers, spanning all areas of society”.  

Pimblett’s nominators described her as a “key player in Britain's cider community, representing the UK internationally and shining a light on its historical and cultural importance”.

Pimblett said: “Cider flourished in the 17th century but then in the 19th century became more of a neglected drink apart from the farmers who held true to it.

“I instantly felt a passion for cider and wanted to explore it further and be part of its revival; we are now seeing a renaissance of this fantastic drink. It is a wonderfully inclusive field with fantastic interplay across the world, showcasing specialisms and a vast range of interesting people and products.”

She was one of the founding members and original co-chair of Cider Women. A group celebrating women involved in all aspects of cider, spanning production, sales, education and advocacy.  

Pimblett said: “Women have had a longstanding association with cider making, spanning centuries. Herefordshire records show a female cider maker active in the 1790s, for instance, and I wanted to celebrate this; to increase representation and help women step out of the shadows and develop in confidence. After all, women have been involved in cider production and in consuming it probably since cider began.

“Recording the history of cider while sharing and educating people is a huge passion for me. It really is such an honour to receive this award and it still hasn’t sunk in that I have been recognised for work in this field. The people I have worked alongside have been a huge inspiration and to promote our new wave of cider makers has been such a wonderful experience. 

“The story behind cider and perry is my true passion and there is always more to learn. The information I'm uncovering shows how versatile and accessible cider has always been – there is a cider for everyone, and this makes it such a special part of the scene today.”

Pomona Award organiser Andrea Briers said: “Elizabeth has shown unwavering dedication to researching the fascinating role of cider across the centuries. This has led to vital learning about its beginnings, including its rich social historical importance, while she has been at the heart of the new wave of cider producers.

“She has also played a key role in promoting the role of women across the industry through creating, driving and celebrating Cider Women. Her passion for cider and perry makes Elizabeth a worthy winner, while she continues with her remarkable work.”

The award will be presented on Saturday 14 October at 2pm, at the Big Apple Association’s annual celebration of cider and perry, held at Hellens Manor House, Much Marcle, Herefordshire.  

To find out more about the award and CAMRA’s other celebrations during its Cider and Perry Month, visit https://camra.org.uk/what-we-do/cider-and-perry-months/

Photo by Susanna Forbes