Sheppy`s Cider Farm – Near Taunton
On 20th August this year, a group of nearly 20 members went along to the Sheppy’s Cider Farm, Cafe and Outlet on the A38 West of Taunton after some prior arranging required by Sarah Richards, the visit organiser of Sheppy’s to enable a guide and appropriate arrangements on the day.
Accordingly we were met by Mike at 11am who explained the format of the visit and expected duration. Some of our members were unable to manage the walks to the orchard and around the factory so were entertained in the cafe, museum and outlet until the ‘walkers’ returned about an hour later. They had had a full explanation of tree planting, differing varieties and apple collection in the nearby orchard at the rear of the Farm together with the extent of orchards under cultivation by the company which is still family owned after 6 generations, the name being a degeneration of its founder’s “John Shepson” who commenced cider production at home in the late 18th Century. Eventually he changed his name to Sheppy as he was locally known and went into greater production.
From the orchard we went around the factory, all built on sloping floors to enable collection of any spillage, viewing the apple pressing machine, collection and storage of the diluted juice in enormous cylinders, 2 of which are made of timber to produce the traditional vintage brands. The majority are stainless steel like the rest of the equipment to ensure a controlled end product of which we were shown 18 although there are 30 varieties of apple used in the manufacture. Some special flavourings like raspberry, blackberry and elderflower are also added to create their individual products of which we were then treated to a few in the entertainment lounge. Our complete party reassembled there where we tasted eight taken from the entire range finishing with Gold Medal Heritage Cider which is more like a wine with 7.5% alcohol. At the opposite end of content they also produce an alcohol free cider, which from personal knowledge is very acceptable but we were unable to sample that. They do also produce a select perry from pears of course which was greatly appreciated especially by the Babycham aficionados in our group.
Our excellent guide Mike, and assistant Octave, was also knowledgeable about local wassails and entertained us further with a couple of songs, poems and music from his repertoire gained over many years to complete a superb visit which we’d recommend to all.
John Inman
Coldharbour Mill – Uffculme
In July 2026, several members of Culm Valley Probus Club visited Coldharbour Mill in Uffculme. The visit was arranged by a Probus member who volunteers there, and the tour was led by a staff member with professional textile training and experience in cotton and wool mills across the UK. Although the mill was originally steam powered, steam is now generated only on special days, making a return visit worthwhile.
Our knowledgeable guide explained the process clearly from start to finish. The visit was fascinating, particularly as she described the machinery and demonstrated some of it in operation. Some wool-related terms from different stages of production sounded unusual today. Several of us stayed for lunch at the mill, completing a very enjoyable and informative day.
Andrew Nash
Fleet Air Arm Museum Yeovil
In June 2025 a group of members from Culm Valley Probus Club, visited the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovil. This proved to be a very enjoyable and informative day. On the return drive back to Cullompton, we stopped at an Inn for dinner and further genial conversations.
Andrew Nash August 2025