Over 400 visitors enjoyed the lovely autumn sunshine at this year's Apple Day at the Red Lion. The pub was packed for Sunday lunch, the garden was full with people tasting over 17 different heritage varieties of apples and pears, and the car park was where the apples were being pressed.
By far the best part of the day was former fruit farmer, Paul Chilton's, GIANT display of heritage varieties of apple presented in the traditional exhibition style. This year he excelled with 122 varieties; you will NEVER see these apples in a supermarket!
Some of varieties of apple for tasting included Ashmead's Kernel, Adam's Pearmain, Golden Pippin, Spartan, Wagner, Claygate Pearmain, Blenheim Orange, Red Delicious as well as Egremont Russet and St Cecilia; all of these are grown in the village gardens and orchards.
People could also taste the chutneys and decide which one to go with their cheese baguette or a pulled pork bap.
The Brightwell Supporting Refugees raised almost £300 on their stall selling an amazing choice of cakes, pastries and biscuits.
People could also taste the chutneys and decide which one to go with their cheese baguette or a pulled pork bap.
The Brightwell Supporting Refugees raised almost £300 on their stall selling an amazing choice of cakes, pastries and biscuits.
The apple press was running from 12.00 until 3.00 and we made over 120 litres of juice. Some brought their own apples and bottles which was very satisfying to see, after all, using the fruit that would otherwise have gone to waste was the very reason this village bought the press in 2009..
This was a great family day out with the kids really enjoying the apple activities. Many of them took the apple bobbing very seriously and ended up soaked from head to waist; lucky the sun was shining!
