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Archive 1

Druids Celtic Cider

The article Druids Celtic Cider claimed it is produced by Aston Manor Brewery, and due to lack of verifiable information about the product, I have redirected it. I am unable to verify whether it is produced by the company, as it is not mentioned on the company's website, so does anyone have more information about the product? --Snigbrook (talk) 00:57, 31 August 2008 (UTC)

Edit request

The section on the sabotage plot is not relevant to the Current company Aston Manor Cider. Could you please remove:

Industrial sabotage plot[edit] In 2001, Michael Hancocks, a major shareholder (12% of the shares) whose family owns 44% of Aston Manor, organized a conspiracy to contaminate the cider products of the company's rival, H. P. Bulmer. He recruited a former Aston Manor employee, chemist Richard Gay, to produce a yeast that he planned to introduce into Bulmer's production line, recruited his daughter's partner, Paul Harris, to transport the contaminant, and paid a Bulmer's employee, Russell Jordan, £16,000 to introduce the contaminant. Jordan did not introduce the contaminant, but reported the plot to Bulmers and to the police, and the plot was foiled. If the plot had succeeded, anyone drinking the contaminated cider would have suffered diarrhoea and nausea.[9][12][13][14]

The updated information about Aston Manor Cider is below:


Company's proposed version, August 2014‎

Established in 1983, Aston Manor celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2013.

Aston Manor Cider has a production and packaging facility in Birmingham, orchards in Worcestershire and Herefordshire and a further production and packaging facility at Tiverton in Devon.

In spring 2013 the business announced the planting of 1,000 acres of additional new orchards committing to the planting of over 350,000 trees. In doing so we have agreed twenty-five year contracts with our farmer and grower partners.

The Tiverton site has received significant investment to transform its capacity and capability. The £10m invested over three years has doubled both the volume of production and employment, making Aston Manor a cider manufacturer of scale.

In the autumn of 2013, a new fruit processing and pressing facility was added in Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire. This represented further major investment to support the expected growth of the business.

In order to support further growth, in July 2014 the business announced a multi-million pound deal to create an outstanding logistics facility at a new site just three miles from the Aston production site.

Adjacent to the M6 at Witton in Birmingham the new logistics hub will be configured precisely to the requirements of Aston Manor Cider. Further investment in the top quality, modern site will create a suite of offices for the management and support functions of the business.

Our product range spans from mainstream to premium ciders such as Malvern Oak and Malvern Gold through to organic cider produced for Duchy Originals. Many of our ciders have won awards, which is testament to the care that goes into every single bottle of cider that we produce.

We currently export a range of our ciders to more than 20 countries including America, Russia and a number of countries in Africa. We welcome export enquiries.

Aston Manor works closely with a broad range of customers to produce own brand cider products of the highest quality. In recognition of our collaborative approach with customers, Aston Manor were announced as the own-label alcohol category supplier of the year at The Grocer Gold Awards in 2013.

I have posted below a few links on updated and correct information for Aston Manor Cider:

-- — Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.33.43.66 (talk • contribs) 14:59, 12 August 2014‎

If you are claiming that Aston Manor Cider is a different company from Aston Manor Brewery, then you should leave the current article on Aston Manor Brewery alone. You could consider persuading an editor not associated with Aston Manor Cider to create an article about it. Such an article might use some of the information you have provided, but would be written in less promotional language.
If Aston Manor Cider and Aston Manor Brewery are the same company, then your request will be refused. The attempted contamination was notable and newsworthy. Maproom (talk) 16:58, 12 August 2014 (UTC)
The "about" page linked to above says "Established in 1983, Aston Manor celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2013". Sounds like the same outfit to me. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 18:48, 12 August 2014 (UTC)

Request to edit Aston Manor Brewery page and possibly create new page for Aston Manor Cider

Hello

I wanted to get in touch in regards to an earlier conversation about edit requests to the Aston Manor Brewery Wiki page and the difference between Aston Manor Brewery and Aston Manor Cider.

Aston Manor Brewery is the legal name for the business, however Aston Manor Cider is the company's trading name. The company made the decision to trade under Aston Manor Cider as it now exclusive produces cider.

New brand guidelines have been created and the company is soon to get all new letterheads and invoicing under the name Aston Manor Cider. The website has already been set up under Aston Manor Cider - www.astonmanor.co.uk

The information that is currently on the page could also benefit from being updated - there has been more export deals, new staff appointments and business news in recent times which I could happily supply you with evidence of?

Would it be possible to edit the page to reflect this? Which of these options would be better:

1. To change the name to Aston Manor Cider and update it with recent news still referencing Aston Manor Brewery as its legal name 2. To keep the page under Aston Manor Brewery but update it and mention trading under Aston Manor Cider with a link to a brand new page with information about Aston Manor Cider

Hopefully we can work with an editor to update this page.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks, Rhiannon

82.33.231.85 (talk) 11:32, 8 December 2014 (UTC)

This is an article about the company, and its history. It's possible to add something like "Aston Manor Brewery has traded as Aston Manor Cider since [date]", if you can provide a reliable independent source which confirms this. Likewise, we'd need independent sources for material about export deals, etc. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 11:42, 8 December 2014 (UTC)

Hi Andy

Thanks for responding so quickly and advising what might be possible. We can absolutely provide evidence for the points that I've mentioned and will come back to you with this. Would it be at all possible to create a new page for Aston Manor Cider if we can send you facts and information, backed up with reliable evidence, to include on the page? This would be factual information only and nothing promotional.

Thanks, Rhiannon

82.33.231.85 (talk) 12:06, 8 December 2014 (UTC)

No, but I'll make that title redirect here. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 12:52, 8 December 2014 (UTC)

Hi Andy

Following our recent conversation, we wanted to suggest some additions to the Aston Manor Brewery Wiki page. This includes the information you had on the page before but with a few updates. For example, the MD is now Gordon Johncox and the company now exclusively produces cider and perry.

I've included the notes below with reference to online links to verify each new point.

I would be really grateful if you could give us your feedback on this and update the current page where appropriate.

Thanks so much, Rhiannon

Company's proposed version, January 2015

Aston Manor Brewery

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aston Manor Brewery is the legal name for the cider makers based in Aston, Birmingham, England. The company used to produce beer, perry and cider but now exclusively produces cider and perry and trades under the name Aston Manor Cider. It is the UK's largest independent cider maker and is led by Gordon Johncox, who joined the company in November 2011. Its products include mainstream ciders like Frosty Jack's brand of white cider, premium brand ciders like Malvern Oak, Malvern Gold and Kingstone Press Cider and retail-owned brands like Waitrose Duchy Originals. [1,2,3]

The company was formed in 1981 by four ex-employees of Ansells, after Ansells closed its Aston Cross brewery. A new brewery was opened in the nearby Thimble Mill Lane (at 52.4989°N 1.8728°WCoordinates: 52.4989°N 1.8728°W). In 1984, Herefordshire hop farmer Michael Hancocks, one of the company's suppliers, bought into the business. By 1998, Aston Manor was reporting profits of over £1million, with 70% of its sales being cider. Because of a slump in the market and strong competition, by 2001 profits had fallen to £740,500,[4][6][9] but by 2009 had risen to over £3 million, due to a large rise in demand in the UK.[10] Cider Production Director is Rod Clifford [11] whose name is used by Tesco to market a number of its cider products. The company is a family owned business with Peter Ellis as Chairman.

Aston Manor Sites

In 2009 the company took over the Devon Cider Company, based in Tiverton, Devon and has expanded the manufacturing facilities on that site.[8] The company has expanded its operations across several sites including an apple-pressing facility in Stourport-on-Severn, an apple-growing site at Crumpton Oaks Farm in Malvern, a factory in Tiverton and a warehouse and logisitics hub in Witton in addition to the main production site in Aston.

Aston Manor and Investments

In 2011 £10m was invested to double both the volume of production and employment at the Tiverton site [12]. As a result of the investment, the company announced three years later how it had expanded operations and capacity [13]. In spring 2013 the business announced plans to plant 1,000 acres of additional new orchards committing to the planting of over 350,000 trees, and agreed twenty-five year contracts with farmer and grower partners. [14]. In November 2013, Aston Manor invested in a new apple-pressing facility in Stourport-on-Severn that handles 800 tonnes of apples a day [15]. It also invested in a new warehouse and logistics hub in Witton, three miles from the Aston production site in July 2014 [16] In total, Aston Manor Cider has invested £32 million since 2009 to improve capacity and capability across its sites.

Aston Manor and Government

In December 2013, managing director Gordon Johncox joined the Prime Minister on a trade mission to China to increase export deals and foster greater links with the UK. Aston Manor Cider was the only drinks company invited on the trip. [17]. Local Tiverton MP, Neil Parrish visited the Aston Manor Cider Devonshire site on 7th March 2014 to tour the facilities [18]. In October 2014, Chief Executive of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) visited the headquarters in Aston to find out more about the company’s latest export and investment plans. [19].

Aston Manor and sponsorship

In October 2013, Aston Manor Cider’s flagship brand, Kingstone Press, became the official cider of Rugby League World Cup 2013 [20]. The Partnership with the Rugby Football League was extended in October 2014 to the 2015-2017 seasons, which includes the Super League competition for the first time. [21].

Aston Manor Cider also sponsors The Aston Manor Cricket Club in Birmingham and in September 2014, Aston Manor announced its sponsorship of Tiverton Town FC in a five-figure deal to refurbish the infrastructure of the club. [22].

Export deals

Aston Manor Cider currently export its range of ciders to 20 countries including America, Russia and a number of countries in Africa. [23]

Aston Manor Award Success

  • Winner in the Own-label Alcohol category at The Grocer Gold Awards 2013 [24]
  • Three Bronze accolades at the International Cider Challenge 2012 [25]
  • Ranked number 46 in the Investec Hot 100 list of the UK’s fastest growing private companies [26]
  • Secured an A+ rating from BRC Global Standard [27]
  • Shortlisted for West Midlands Business Masters Awards 2014 [28]

Industrial sabotage plot[edit]

In 2001, Michael Hancocks, a major shareholder (12% of the shares) whose family then owned 44% of Aston Manor, organized a conspiracy to contaminate the cider products of the company's rival, H. P. Bulmer. He recruited a former Aston Manor employee, chemist Richard Gay, to produce a yeast that he planned to introduce into Bulmer's production line, recruited his daughter's partner, Paul Harris, to transport the contaminant, and paid a Bulmer's employee, Russell Jordan, £16,000 to introduce the contaminant. Jordan did not introduce the contaminant, but reported the plot to Bulmers and to the police, and the plot was foiled. If the plot had succeeded, anyone drinking the contaminated cider would have suffered diarrhoea and nausea.[9][12][13][14] Hancocks and all others linked to the plot have not been involved in Aston Manor Brewery for many years.

References

[1,2,3] http://www.cideruk.com/members_and_links/aston_manor/ Wiki already has references for [4-11] [12]. http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Cider-plant-revitalised-pound-10m-investment/story-17512470-detail/story.html 13].http://www.middevonstar.co.uk/news/11550611.Aston_Manor_Cider_raises_a_glass_to_success_in_Tiverton/?ref=rss [14].http://www.foodbev.com/news/aston-manor-invest-in-1000-acres-of-new#.VJlaTl4gKA [15]http://www.offlicencenews.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/13731/Aston_Manor_invests_millions_to_meet_demand.html [16] http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/commercial-property/aston-manor-cider-build-new-7362064 [17]. http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Chinese-taste-West-Country-apples/story-20256203-detail/story.html [18] http://www.neilparish.co.uk/news/neil-parish-mp-visits-tiverton-cider-manufacturer [19] http://www.rlwc2013.com/rugby-league-world-news/article/1229/kingstone-press-cider-toasts-fantastic [20] http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/31327/kingstone-press-partnership-now-includes [21] http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/New-sponsor-Tivvy/story-12973214-detail/story.html [22] http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/South-West-firms-prepare-world-boom-cider-exports/story-20938844-detail/story.html [23] http://www.middevongazette.co.uk/Cider-rosy-town-firm/story-18846266-detail/story.html [24] http://www.offlicencenews.co.uk/files/ad_assets/International-Cider-Challenge-2012-results.pdf [25] http://realbusiness.co.uk/article/20078-the-hot-100-2013 [26]http://www.brcdirectory.com/Siteresults.aspx?SiteName=Aston%20Manor%20Brewery&CountryId=0&StandardId=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000& [27] http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/616923-business-masters-focusing-on-the-manufacturer-categories.html

— Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.33.231.85 (talk) 13:04, 26 January 2015 (UTC)

Your statement "Hancocks and all others linked to the plot have not been involved in Aston Manor Brewery for many years" appears to be uncited. Generally it would be helpful, please, if you could suggest changes individually rather then posting a rewrite of the entire piece. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 14:10, 26 January 2015 (UTC)
Even if that statement can be referenced, the section should still remain in the article. It is made clear that it happened in 2001. And it was "notable": it attracted a lot of press attention. Maproom (talk) 14:50, 26 January 2015 (UTC)

Hi Andy

Absolutely I understand it should still remain in the article. Is this reference to Mr Hancocks' departure from Aston Manor helpful? - http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/General-News/Michael-Hancocks-was-suspended-as-managing-director-of-Aston

Sorry to ask, but could you clarify what you mean when you say suggest changes individually? I've added some additional content too rather than just editing. Are you able to use any of this on the page?

Thanks, Rhiannon — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.33.231.85 (talk) 15:04, 26 January 2015 (UTC)

Thank you for providing a reference. I have added a statement about Hancock's dismissal.
I can't speak for Andy. But when someone posts a whole new article, I ignore it. If instead they say "this fact is wrong, please replace it by ...", and provide reasonable evidence, I try to help. Maproom (talk) 17:26, 26 January 2015 (UTC)


Hello

Thanks for your advice and for updating the page.

Following your feedback I wondered if you could replace some of the facts that are now out-of-date with...

- First paragraph, second-third line: Please replace 'It is managed by Peter Ellis' with 'Gordon Johncox took over as managing director from Peter Ellis, who is now executive chairman.' Reference is here - http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/84223-aston-manor-raises-glass-new-managing-director/

- Under subheading Industrial Sabotage Plot, please replace the opening line 'Michael Hancocks, a major shareholder...' with 'Michael Hancocks, a major shareholder at the time.' To use as a reference, here is a list of current shareholders which Michael Hancocks is no longer on -http://companycheck.co.uk/company/01699439/ASTON-MANOR-BREWERY-COMPANY-LIMITED/group-structure#shareholders

Michael Hancocks was not only dismissed from the board but also dismissed from the company. I can't find evidence of this online but will find a relevant reference and will send this to you soon.

I noticed that the current page is a Stub page. Is there a possibility to create a new page that lists Aston Manor Cider's current activities rather than just its history? The company has invested and expanded across more sites and secured more export opportunities - relevant, factual information that would be great to include on a page about Aston Manor Cider. If it is possible, would it be best to send you the information or would it be more appropriate to create the page ourselves?

Thanks so much for your guidance on this, Rhiannon — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.33.231.85 (talk) 11:18, 27 January 2015 (UTC)


Hello

Is someone able to come back to me on the email above? If it's easier we can happily edit the page adding in relevant, cited content to update the page with.

Thanks, Rhiannon — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.33.231.85 (talk) 16:43, 19 February 2015 (UTC)

Hello Rhiannon,
I have updated the information about Aston Manor's MD, and added that Hancocks is no longer a significant shareholder. I also removed the company history from the lead section, and gave it a section of its own. There is room for further improvement there.
To try to answer your other requests:
I never get involved in the "status" (stub, etc.) of articles. There's too much boring bureaucracy involved. I hope some other editor will consider it.
I don't think it would be acceptable to have one article on the company and another on its products, editors would want the two to be merged. But it should be reasonable to add some recent information about the ciders. Please don't do this yourself, I am sure you are now awar of how "conflict of interest" is regarded. But If you post here a few referenced items about recent changes, I or another editor may act on them. Maproom (talk) 21:46, 19 February 2015 (UTC)


Hello,

Thanks for your response and for making those changes to the page - it's really appreciated.

There are a couple more changes that I would be really grateful were made to correct any inaccuracies. The first is to the first sentence on the opening paragraph to remove the word 'current' so the sentence reads 'former brewery and bottling plant.' Under the 'Industrial Sabotage' heading on the very last line, could you please remove 'significant' to it reads 'Hancocks is no longer a shareholder' - this is correct according to reference 17.

We weren't seeking an additional article about the products as such, more of a factfile about the business in its current form. The additions we'd like to make to the page are as follows:

Company's proposed version, March 2015

Aston Manor and Investments In 2011 £10m was invested to double both the volume of production and employment at the Tiverton site [12]. As a result of the investment, the company announced three years later how it had expanded operations and capacity [13]. In spring 2013 the business announced plans to plant 1,000 acres of additional new orchards committing to the planting of over 350,000 trees, and agreed twenty-five year contracts with farmer and grower partners. [14]. In November 2013, Aston Manor invested in a new apple-pressing facility in Stourport-on-Severn that handles 800 tonnes of apples a day [15]. It also invested in a new warehouse and logistics hub in Witton, three miles from the Aston production site in July 2014 [16] In total, Aston Manor Cider has invested £32 million since 2009 to improve capacity and capability across its sites.

Aston Manor and Government In December 2013, managing director Gordon Johncox joined the Prime Minister on a trade mission to China to increase export deals and foster greater links with the UK. Aston Manor Cider was the only drinks company invited on the trip. [17]. Local Tiverton MP, Neil Parrish visited the Aston Manor Cider Devonshire site on 7th March 2014 to tour the facilities [18]. In October 2014, Chief Executive of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) visited the headquarters in Aston to find out more about the company’s latest export and investment plans. [19].

Aston Manor and sponsorship In October 2013, Aston Manor Cider’s flagship brand, Kingstone Press, became the official cider of Rugby League World Cup 2013 [20]. The Partnership with the Rugby Football League was extended in October 2014 to the 2015-2017 seasons, which includes the Super League competition for the first time. [21]. Aston Manor Cider also sponsors The Aston Manor Cricket Club in Birmingham and in September 2014, Aston Manor announced its sponsorship of Tiverton Town FC in a five-figure deal to refurbish the infrastructure of the club. [22].

Export deals Aston Manor Cider currently export its range of ciders to 20 countries including America, Russia and a number of countries in Africa. [23]

Aston Manor Award Success • Winner in the Own-label Alcohol category at The Grocer Gold Awards 2013 [24] • Three Bronze accolades at the International Cider Challenge 2012 [25] • Ranked number 46 in the Investec Hot 100 list of the UK’s fastest growing private companies [26] • Secured an A+ rating from BRC Global Standard [27] • Shortlisted for West Midlands Business Masters Awards 2014 [28]

References: [12]. http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Cider-plant-revitalised-pound-10m-investment/story-17512470-detail/story.html [13].http://www.middevonstar.co.uk/news/11550611.Aston_Manor_Cider_raises_a_glass_to_success_in_Tiverton/?ref=rss [14].http://www.foodbev.com/news/aston-manor-invest-in-1000-acres-of-new#.VJlaTl4gKA [15]http://www.offlicencenews.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/13731/Aston_Manor_invests_millions_to_meet_demand.html [16] http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/commercial-property/aston-manor-cider-build-new-7362064 [17]. http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Chinese-taste-West-Country-apples/story-20256203-detail/story.html [18] http://www.neilparish.co.uk/news/neil-parish-mp-visits-tiverton-cider-manufacturer [19] http://www.rlwc2013.com/rugby-league-world-news/article/1229/kingstone-press-cider-toasts-fantastic [20] http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/31327/kingstone-press-partnership-now-includes [21] http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/New-sponsor-Tivvy/story-12973214-detail/story.html [22] http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/South-West-firms-prepare-world-boom-cider-exports/story-20938844-detail/story.html [23] http://www.middevongazette.co.uk/Cider-rosy-town-firm/story-18846266-detail/story.html [24] http://www.offlicencenews.co.uk/files/ad_assets/International-Cider-Challenge-2012-results.pdf [25] http://realbusiness.co.uk/article/20078-the-hot-100-2013 [26]http://www.brcdirectory.com/Siteresults.aspx?SiteName=Aston%20Manor%20Brewery&CountryId=0&StandardId=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000& [27] http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/616923-business-masters-focusing-on-the-manufacturer-categories.html

Thanks for your help with this.

Best wishes, Rhiannon — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.33.231.85 (talk) 12:06, 2 March 2015 (UTC)

Hello Rhiannon,
You have requested two specific changes:
  1. You want the word "current" removed, so that it reads "former brewery and bottling plant." So how do you supply and export cider, if you don't bottle it?
  2. You want the word "significant" removed from "Hancocks ... is no longer a significant shareholder." I tried to confirm this in the source cited, but failed to find any copy of the share register. (When I last edited the article, I was able to use that site to find a list of the few largest shareholders, but I can't find even that there today.)
Maproom (talk) 13:51, 2 March 2015 (UTC)
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