So Saturday was Apple Day. A day to celebrate our national apple heritage and to highlight our disappearing orchards. We have a 180 year-old orchard right here in this village that we are trying to save, so a few weeks ago I mentioned that it might be appropriate to do something.... and from this small casual mention of perhaps-we-could, suddenly an event grew.
I didn't sleep the night before worrying about the weather or no one showing up, but they came. Sixty or seventy people of all ages, some friendly faces, some we had never met before. Some spent hours manning presses, whilst others just chatted or watched. There was no expectation of what people should do, only a desire to bring the community together.
I tried to record it all on film, in words, in audio and pictures whilst talking to people, making dozens of cups of tea and trying to keep an eye on Theo. I failed in small ways in almost all sectors. Theo wandered around amongst his people with an empty cup and they answered his cries of "juice" with continual top-ups. By evening he was suffering the ill effects.
But we did it. Despite the rain and the loose ends in the planning. We started at 9:30am, we were packed up by 3pm and now we have "Tin Tin" a five gallon keg, living (yes he is very much alive) in our lobby (with his siblings scattered around the village) Now there is talk of wassailing in January. A dance, singing, a fire and of course, the village cider. I can't wait!
PS - There will be a short video to follow, in the meantime here's one of the team who organised the day talking about it...
It really does look like an idyllic area you live in. Perfect for bringing up children x
ReplyDeletethat looks like my garden, crammed with apples! Wish we could do something like that with our apples every year, I bake like crazy, give away box loads but still they come, I do love them though :)
ReplyDeleteAre you sure Theo wasn't on the cider?! ;-) We have an orchard in our village. We had to club together as a parish to buy it some years ago from the Church. There are few old tree's left in it but plenty of new ones and the orchard gets used for all kinds of village events.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous community event and with the promise of more celebrations to follow. I'm glad the weather was with you and everyone took part and had a brilliant day. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
ReplyDeleteWow sounds like a great celebration!
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