Apple And Pumpkin Day 2007

Granges Pearman, Winstone, Heathcote Russet, Striped Beefing, these are just some of the many varieties of apples that were there for the picking or in our case, peeling, bobbing and pressing.

What a great event today in the Community Gardens. Crowds gathered as Peter got to work with the apple press and the juice really did flow sweetly, with the noises of appreciation that came from everyone's lips, I am sure it was all enjoyed down to the last pip.

Rachel and Andy were kept extremely busy serving the wonderful soup, yum! Apple cake, samosas, chutney, old English cider cake and biscuits, hic. As well as serving Andy was also

Head Chef making apple fritters and root artichoke chips, honest wonderful, made more wonderful by the fact that Bill had just dug them up, now you can't get any fresher than that can you? Thanks to Bill, a lot of the people said to me that they had never tasted artichokes before, so there you go. Of course there was the serious aspect of today, yes the longest peel competition! When I left Linda was winning with an incredible 163 and a half centimetres, wow. I am in training already to take that title next

year. As always in competitions you get a few who think they can get away with using a bigger apple than anyone else, Misha and Thomas, I do mean you!. What goes bubble, bubble, drip? Everyone taking part in the apple bobbing, don't worry health and safety,

nobody's noses were running, well not before they dipped anyway. Lily, Misha's sister was very good at this along with Poppy, Chiara and Lucia. Oh and not forgetting the lads, sorry didn't get your names but are glad you came over and had a good dunking, dare I say feeble (no best not), your attempt at using the our wonderful apple press, not as easy as it looks is it? Helen and Andrew organised this years event which was enjoyed by all who attended. The weather was also very kind to us till near the

end. All in all another fantastic day. As usual Phil was there taking photos (have you spotted

yourselves?) I did want to take a picture of Phil but he wouldn't let me, one day we will catch him on film. So to all that were involved, can I on behalf of all that turned up say thank-you. We look forward to seeing everyone and more at next years 'Apple and Pumpkin Day'.