Phoenix Family Network
Our players and staff…. past, present and future…. have many tales to tell of their lives away from our beloved game. Our Network takes time to learn more about the people behind the basketball, their loves, skills, passions and yes, even work, beyond the hardwood.
David Nash - Redvers Cider
Our first highlight comes from Dave Nash, just “Nash” to many of us at Phoenix, who was a regular on our men’s team until the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Hi I'm David Nash, a proud member of the Phoenix family and the Founder of my own small company - Redvers Cider & Perry in Yarkhill, Herefordshire.
I've been working in London for the last few years but when Covid hit I left the capital and returned home to Herefordshire, the place where 7 generations of my family have farmed the land, including my Great Grandfather W.Redvers.
I was suddenly surrounded by cider apples and had a lot more time on my hands - so I thought 'how hard can it be to make cider?' (turns out very).
After my first trial batch of 6 bottles in 2019 surprised family and friends by tasting alright and not making anyone ill, I increased production with a dream of one day seeing my bottles on a shop shelf or a country show. This dream came true in 2021 when my bottles were sold at The Museum of Cider in Hereford and The Nest in Ledbury.
My motivations for starting Redvers Cider & Perry have been, and always will be the same:
To play my part in preserving the beautiful traditional orchards of Herefordshire which have been in sharp decline in recent years. These orchards are not only important for biodiversity and helping tackle climate change, they are part of the cultural landscape that makes Herefordshire what it is.
To help preserve centuries of family and local history which could otherwise be lost. I make cider naturally and traditionally, using the same trees and methods of production that my Great Grandfather did a century ago. In a world of commercially produced sweet cider that can be as low as 35% apple juice, I am taking a stand by making only dry (no added sugar), 100% juice cider.
It's a privilege to help these traditions and orchards alive, and I hope to make some great tasting cider and perry along the way!
David Nash
Check out “Nash”’s company on his website and instagram, and be sure to follow.
