A celebration evening has marked the completion of renovation works at the Warminster Maltings.
The Grade II listed malthouses were built in 1855 and are Britain’s oldest working maltings.
The Maltings staff were joined by MP Andrew Murrison, deputy mayor Jack Jones and key figures from across England’s brewing industry to celebrate the completion of renovation works at the event on Wednesday 11th June.
Miles Jenner, managing director of Harveys Brewery and president of the Brewery History Society, unveiled a plaque to mark the restoration project. He said, “We are privileged to be spectators in a working maltings which has embraced the past and also preserved methods and skills which will stand the test of time. This commemorative plaque marks the germination of a new era.”
Music included a performance from Warminster School students Lorretta Iles, who sang Fields of Gold, and Leon Marshall, who sang The Song of the Weather. Both members of the Athenaeum Masqueraders, they were joined on stage by Warminster School’s director of music Jonnie Bridges.
Warminster band The Covertronics, fronted by Steve ‘Chalky’ White, also took the stage alongside local actors to bring to life the history of the Warminster Maltings.
In a speech Robin Appel, managing director of Warminster Maltings, thanked everyone who had helped in the 24-year restoration journey, in particular the Maltings own team led by Jerry Curtis, and assisted by Mark Young; Trevor Nash and his team of engineers, and Shaun Jackson and his team of roofers.
Robin explained that there were three key reasons for the refurbishment.
“Firstly, to protect the future of the business,” he said.
“Secondly, malt produced using traditional methods commands a premium, and we want the buildings to reflect the quality of what we produce.
“And thirdly, historic buildings are a record of the past. We want to conserve that history, continue contributing to it, and celebrate it.”
The celebration evening also marked the unveiling of the new Maltings Museum which displays furniture, equipment and tools accumulated over the last 170 years.
Tours of the Maltings and the museum are by appointment only, email info@warminster-malt.co.uk or call 01985 212014 for more information.
Pictured: Steve ‘Chalky’ White with The Covertronics.
