Award-winning cider company hosts new 'old-fashioned' fayre

The first ever Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair finally took place at Gwatkin Cider Farm on Saturday (June 11).

The show coincided with Gwatkin Cider’s 30th Anniversary and the opening of the Red Cow Tavern which is now welcoming people in for hearty breakfasts, home cooked lunches, and delicious cakes.

There was a nice range of country entertainment in the main arena and an array of vintage vehicles, as well as Raptorcare’s falconry display, The Friendly Miniature Railway, cart rides, clay pigeon shooting, terrier show and Arcklebear gun dogs.

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Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair 2022

But the highlight was David Willams’ John Fowler general purpose engine which steamed its way over from Hay-on-Wye on the Friday afternoon (June 10) and was waved through local villages. 

The vintage vehicles on display included tractors, motorbikes, classic cars, and a John Fowler steam engine.

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A spokesperson from the show said: “We were delighted with the support we received, and the positive feedback has been extremely heart-warming.

“The show did have a nice feel like the old days.”

Denis Gwatkin, owner of Gwatkin cider, said: “It was an old-fashioned show bringing the Herefordshire community together.”

David Willams’ John Fowler general purpose engine (Image: Gwatkin Cider farm)

The fun on Saturday continued into the early hours with a dance in the barn and there has been an increased interest in hiring out the venue for other events such as weddings and parties, said the spokesperson.