West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin was given the taste of summer this week at the unveiling of a new county cider producer. Harriett visited the Oldfield Orchards in Frith Common and toured the new production facility where a range of different ciders are being produced. The cider is the brainchild of local brewer Nick Davis who runs Hobsons Brewery and farmer Geoff Thompson who has built the brand new £500,000 state-of-the-art production facility. Geoff grows both apples and hops and already supplies apples to Gaymers and has now decided to produce his own cider using Nick’s brewing expertise. Local people and VIPs were invited to the farm to a celebration event on Friday (May 15) and Harriett visited with local parish councillor Chris Dell. Harriett commented: “Cider is becoming an increasingly popular drink and countries like America and Australia are starting to acquire a taste for this delicious drink. “Geoff produces both hops and apples which have a unique flavour and I wanted to wish him and the team lots of luck as they branch out into cider production. Some of Geoff’s Teme Valley hops are bought by American micro-breweries. “Having tasted a few of the different cider varieties, I have been very impressed with the product and look forward to the bottles appearing soon in county stores. “I have also offered to promote the cider in Westminster and I hope that someday soon, we will be able to drink it in the Strangers’ Bar at the House of Commons.” Nick Davis, of Hobsons, added: “We were delighted to show Harriett all the work that has been done to produce these delicious new ciders, and it was a great opportunity for all those involved to enjoy the fruits of their labour in a wonderful setting. "The reaction from customers who have bought the cider has been extremely positive and we hope the ciders will be a huge hit this sunny summer.” Photo: Harriett is given a tour of the Oldfield Orchard Cider production facility. Picture (l-r) Chris Dell, Harriett Baldwin MP, Geoff Thompson, Nick Davis.