The TCCPA is delighted to announce that 2025 sees the relaunch of the Jean Nowell Bursary initiative for aspiring cider makers.
Inspired by the memory of the late Jean Nowell, cidermaker of note and mentor to many, the Three Counties Cider & Perry Association originally launched the Jean Nowell Bursaries in March of 2020 and are delighted to be starting 2025 with a resurrection of the initiative.
The aims of these bursaries are directed towards providing opportunities for people to access a small amount of funding to further their progress and development in the world of craft cider, and previous successful applicants for the bursary include Emma Jordan of Blue Barrel Cider, James Finch of Chapel Sider aka The Cider Critic, and Rob Muir of the Temperance Cider Project.
“Jean was a versatile and talented cider maker,” says Elizabeth Pimblett, director of the Museum of Cider, and co-chair of Cider Women. “In her memory, we hope the grant will allow cider makers to develop their skills in a way reflective of her spirit of encouragement and guidance.”
“There is a very positive atmosphere around the whole of the craft drinks sector, with real innovation happening across the UK,” says Richard Toft, development manager at Pershore College WCG. “A craft cider innovator, Jean also observed the traditions of our fabulous local products.”
A tireless advocate for the progression and preservation of UK cider
Jean began making cider when she retired to Lyne Down Farm, Herefordshire, in 1984 and restored old equipment found there. She used traditional apple and pear varieties discovered in her orchards, saying “1500 gallons is worth making an effort to improve the quality and preserve the tradition of farmhouse cider… if small makers’ cider is decent it… keeps the big firms interested in promoting quality ciders.”
An early participant in The Big Apple festivals at the start in the late 1980s, Jean suggested the Big Apple host Cider & Perry Trials, and with the support of others, what became known as the Putley Trials were born in 1991. Two years later the Small Cidermakers Association was born, an association which would become the forerunner to the current TCCPA.
“I hope that the bursaries can help to stimulate the producers of the future, and/or new product developments within the sector,” says Richard, who has previously administered the awards on behalf of the TCCPA. “I am hoping to see creative ideas of where the bursaries can be used to seed-fund new ideas.”
Applications are invited from cider makers within the UK, with the first deadline being 2 March 2025.
While there are no age or experience limits, preference will be given to novice commercial cidermakers and projects where the bursary is being used to fund the applicant’s personal development. The TCCPA looks forward to announcing the successful candidate at this years CraftCon held on the 27-28th March ’25 in Hereford.
To apply, please see the The Jean Nowell Bursary Guidelines and download and return the Application Form
