'If you’ve had a taste of Devon it’s tough to walk away'
Tell us briefly about yourself and what you do in the county.
I'm a cider maker. I grow, squash and ferment the fruit from the orchards of Devon. I’ve been working in the fields of this valley for 30 years, and it seems to suit me. My job is an overgrown hobby- so along with making cider, I also study apple genetics (with a lot of help from doctors and professors of genomics) in my own attempt to help save ancient apple varieties from extinction.
Where in Devon do you live?
In the parish of Sandford, on the rich red lands of Mid Devon. Sandford parish neighbours the ancient town of Crediton. Crediton was a city a thousand years ago, before even Exeter was - and we won’t let anyone forget it!
How long have you been here and what brought you here?
The apple didn't fall very far from the tree! It's where I was lucky enough to be born. I spent most of my childhood in the boughs of apple trees. I went away to university, and started work in Birmingham. But growing up here, is what brought me back here. If you’ve had a taste of Devon it’s tough to walk away.
What's the best thing about living in Devon?
Loving what Devon is and what it is to be a Devonian. Devon is beautiful, with so much to be proud of, with everything the county has one may expect its folk to be boastful - but I find most Devonians are humble, unhurried and understated. It makes many brought up with loftier pretensions find us frustrating. And I’m fine with that.
And the worst?
F@*&ing potholes.
Describe your ideal day out in Devon
A pub, a long walk, and a view. I don't always need a walk.
What is your favourite Devon journey, by any mode of transport?
I can think of so many. The glimpses through gateways in deep Devon lanes - the vast moorland vistas around Princetown from Okehampton, but honestly - Brunel's railway line from Exeter to Plymouth is peerless.
What is your favourite view in the county?
Whitehills, looking over Crediton towards Dartmoor on the A3072 from Tiverton. There's a convenient layby just there if you need to stop and soak it in. The view from Cadbury and Raddon tops are perhaps more arresting, but when I reach Whitehills I’m looking at home - and nothing beats that.
What is your favourite month to be in Devon?
October - it’s also my least favourite, because I’m at my happiest and most stressed. The sharp cold nights ripen the cider apples and fill the valleys with morning mists - and we’re up early harvesting and milling our fruit, to make next year’s cider. The smell of the cider works in October is a tonic that carries us through the year.
What gift from Devon would you give to a friend?
If I don't say cider now, I'm going to look very stupid indeed. If I really liked them I’d add fresh duck, wine, cheeses, clotted cream, jams and chutneys, a rib of beef, fresh fruit and a gallon of ale. We are truly blessed to live in a county of exceptional food and drink, and smart enough to value it.
What three words best describe Devon?
Cider Done Right
sandfordorchards.co.uk