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Pam’s story
From a primary school teacher to the Chief Officer of Age Concern Montgomeryshire, my career has not followed a traditional path….but not even I thought that becoming a Master Brewer was part of my life plan.
In June 2008 I decided to take a break from my job and go away to Sunderland’s Brewlab to train as a Brewster, and I found that it was something that I really enjoyed and could do well.
When I returned home, I handed in my notice and two months later was out of paid work and trying to set up a micro brewery at the beginning of a recession. My family was very supportive even though I am convinced that they thought I was a little mad.
I found a building, which was being used as a welder’s workshop. It took a while to clean the building, fill holes in the walls and windows, repair gaps in the door and paint the walls and floor with food grade paint.
After researching whether to buy new or used tanks, whether to go with a 5 barrel plant or a 10 barrel plant etc., we decided to buy second hand fermenting tanks and have everything else made for us by Vincent Johnson at Johnson Brewing and Engineering in Rochdale. We are very pleased indeed with the results. |
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We decided to save some costs by collecting the tanks in our own Transit Van. Great idea until we began to get the tank out.
These tanks are not exactly light and easy to move, but with a little help from a block and tackle we managed to get them in to place.
The installation then began and I was left wondering why I had worked so hard to remove traces of a welders workshop.
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Finally on January 28th 2009 I made my first brew….Monty’s Sunshine, 4.2% golden, hoppy and citrus. |
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