Thatchers Cider

It was 1904 when William John Thatcher first made his delicious apple cider here at Myrtle Farm. His farm workers who enjoyed William’s finest as part of their wages were said to be the best around – just like the cider. Today, they still have the best cidermakers working at Myrtle Farm, just like the cider!

Stanley Thatcher was born in 1910. Stan was the real cider business pioneer, he was the person who decided to start making draught cider and sold a lot to local pubs.

1965 the first ever hydraulic press arrived at the farm and made the whole cider making process a little bit easier on the Thatcher family backs. The old manual presses were quite hard work to operate.

1970 John Thatcher stepped in and took over the business, expanding the orchards and the presses, back in the 70’s. Although he’s now retired and enjoying a much earned rest, like most farmers John is still a big presence around the farm, offering his opinion and experience, and is always on hand to do a bit of ‘quality control’.

In 1973 Martin Thatcher planted his very first tree on Myrtle Farm aged just 5 years old. Martin’s children Eleanor and Peter still help out with tree planting when they can.

In 1981 Thatchers historic oak vats were moved into a new warehouse on the farm. It wasn’t easy! But it was definitely worth it. They still mature the cider, even though they are 150 years old.

In 1992 Martin took over from his father, John Thatcher, as managing director of Thatchers and he’s still in charge today. His job involves looking after the whole operation, from the orchards to the bottling and beyond, and making sure the cider is the very best it can be. Thatchers produces more cider in a day now than they did in a year back then.