Saturday 14th October 2023
It is said the sun always shines on Apple Day but it appears the weatherman did not get the memo this year as intermittent heavy showers soaked the many revellers, who, despite the forecast, still turned out to support the much loved annual event.
Held in the Bridge House Hotel’s riverside gardens, there was still plenty of fun to be had as attendees sheltered from the showers, browsing the craft stalls, and enjoying the delicious pork and apple burgers on offer from the bustling BBQ. The Scouts, Brownies, Guides and local school also put on lots of fun things to keep the little ones entertained along with offerings of storytelling and apple bobbing.
The apple crusher and press were kept busy all day long as attendees’ harvests were processed and bottled up for them to enjoy at home.
Alongside the crushing, apple experts were not only on hand to give advice on growing the fruit, but also assisted in identifying the many mystery apples people had brought along.
Creativity was also in plentiful supply with an array of mouthwatering bakes entered into the apple themed bake off, including a platter of vibrant green cupcakes and a rather substantial pie topped with a traditional black bird. The star baker of the day was Rachel Green for not only her delicious but also beautifully decorated cupcakes, each adorned with a dried apple slice.
The competition didn't stop there as many participants eagerly joined the fiercely contested Apple Wanging contest, hosted for the first time by Rob Plant. Both the men’s and woman’s trophies, however, will be spending the next year beyond the village with Alex Grinstead of Kingsley taking the title for the men and April, a holiday maker from Swindon for the women. April has already vowed to return and defend her newly won title, so the ladies of the village had better up their training if they want to bring the trophy home next year.
Apart from the ducks, the real winners of the day were the kids who thoroughly enjoyed frolicking in the mud and rising puddles. Even by mid-afternoon, when the gardens had become reminiscent of a flooded Glastonbury, the party carried with attendees rocking their mud clad wellies to local rock band Hard Drive.
ACE would like to thank everyone that supported, contributed, and helped make these events possible.
