Age Of Steam At Hooky

A film crew arrived at Hook Norton Brewery on 13^th May to continue filming for the new series “Age of Steam”. The programme is commissioned by BBC2 and will be on our screens in September/October.

 The presenter of the series is Fred Dibnah, the famous steeplejack from Boulton. Fred is a real character with loads of stories from his life both hilarious and fascinating and you could listen to him for hours and still want more.

 Fred has been to the brewery before about 15 years ago because of his enthusiasum for steam machinery. He also enjoys a pint of real ale.

The programme as the title suggests is to do with steam powered machinery, hence the reason for coming to hooky after all the brewery is powered by a 25hp steam engine which provides nearly all the motive power to produce the beer. It is probably the only brewery in the country that still uses one in this manner and is most definitely worth a visit on one of the tours.

Most of the day was spent filming with James Clarke as their host and guide. They filmed throughout the brewery but especially the engine, which is wonderful to see in all its glory when it is running at full power. The building becomes alive with the vibration and noise which creates the wonder at the workmanship of days gone.

The film crew have toured the whole country in search of steam-powered equipment from all ages. They have filmed ships, beam engines, traction engines, steam trains like the ones used on the Bluebell line and even, would you believe, nuclear power stations.

During the day they stopped for lunch, which naturally had to be washed down with some beer. The Best went down but the seasonal First Light seemed to be the favourite (I hasten to add not too much), which does seem to be particularly good this year.

 Near the end of filming the director is discussing how to finish, but Fred says “can’t I have a drink first” obviously having enjoyed the lunchtime pint. The filming finishes with Fred saying “Brewed by the power of steam” with a pint of Best.

Cheers Fred, we look forward to the programme.

Paul Worth

Brewery Liaison Officer