Tutts Clump Cider celebrates one of Reading's oldest bus routes with new flavour

Tim Wale has owned and managed the award-winning family business Tutts Clump Cider since 2006.

But fewer people may know that Mr Wale has been the driving force behind Reading buses for the last 40 years.

And he has now released a special flavour dedicated to Route 17, Reading Transport's flagship service dating back to 1901.

The purple double decker runs between Tilehurst and the Three Tuns, stopping at Cemetery Junction and the town centre.

Mr Wale shared the story behind the company's busiest, and his most cherished, six-mile route with Newburytoday.

He said: "I'm an agricultural stroke motor engineer by trade. When I left school, I worked for a company in Reading for 10 years. But I always had an interest in buses.

"I passed my test with Big Wheelers in Reading and decided to go and join Reading Transport, and I was there nearly four years full-time. That was in 1983."

"Over the years, I've done part-time driving for them. It's now got to 2023, so I thought I should do something to celebrate this 40 year connection.

Mr Wale first started making cider as a hobby in his kitchen 16 years ago. He now produces well over 71,000 tons litres per year from his family farm and orchard.

"The 17 route has always been favourite," he added.

"It's a busy and straightforward piece of road, one I meet lots of people on."

The new cider is already on draught in local pubs and the bottled version will become available later this month.

Until then, Mr Wale invites everyone to try his new limited edition King Charles III Coronation Cider.

Please visit https://www.tuttsclumpcider.co.uk/online-shop to buy now.

Other ciders can be found on his online store.