Cider

We're rather annoyed about the changes in cider taxation in our house. My son thinks it ISN'T a legitimate excuse to play the Wurzels! I think it will help to make a great traditional drink disappear.

I'm not talking about chemical cider, which Labour MP Rob Marris says "if it's been near an apple it's because it passed a fruit wagon going the other way". That shouldn't be taxed more, it should be banned!

I share the National Trust's concerns about the loss of orchards (details here). According to a report in the Guardian 60% of England's orchards had disappeared since the 1950s and that some areas, including Devon, had lost almost 90%. Drink traditional cider (in moderation) and help save species like the Mistletoe Marble moth!

The Cider Bill of 1763 resulted in riots and made the British Prime Minister (Lord Bute) resign! What can you do? You can join over 30,000 others in a Facebook group Leave our Cider Alone and sign a petition here http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Realciderbeerale.

If you want to get some before the price goes up (on Sunday) there's a rather fine map here:

www.real-cider.co.uk/cider-map