The Houghton Project, based on a family farm in Bodenham, Herefordshire has won two awards at The International Cider and Perry competition, held at The Hereford Cider Museum on Thursday 5th May 2022.
The team were delighted to take first prize in the sweet cider category, and second prize in the sweet perry category, beating off stiff competition from a total of 186 entries from across the UK and other countries around the world, including the USA.
Tim James -Moore, Project Manager said “Winning awards like this gives community projects and the people we are supporting a real sense of achievement and credibility. We all thought our cider and perry was really good, and now this proves that it is. I am immensely proud of all the work that has gone into producing the drinks, from growing the fruit, to using traditional methods on the farm to make it, everyone has worked really hard.”
James Hewitt who was involved in making the cider and perry added “Before I came to the Houghton Project I knew nothing about cider or perry.  The project, and winning this prize, has played a massive part in overcoming the difficulties I faced, and has given me the self confidence to help others .”
The Houghton Project is a not for profit community farm, providing opportunities for people with a range of support needs, to engage in a variety of rural skills and activities. These include working with animals, growing food, cooking, cheesemaking, as well as craft sessions and woodwork. The aim of the project is to provide an inclusive and enjoyable environment, within which, people are able to develop and apply new skills in a productive work place, to enhance health, wellbeing, confidence and a sense of community.
The award winning cider and perry is now available to buy directly from the farm, with all proceeds being used to further enhance what the Houghton Project has to offer.
