The 21st October 2007 was National Apple Day and that's the date on which BOG hosted its 8th Apple Day at Harestanes Visitor Centre, nr Jedburgh. As with 2006, the weather was bright and sunny and wonderful for milling around the courtyard browsing amongst the stalls reflecting all things Applely. [Some might argue about the apple link for Hoardwheel Farm, but pork is one of the traditional accompaniments for apple sauce - one of the others being custard!]
While we usually run Apple Day on pretty much the same format we do try and find something new each year. This time it was information on cider making and drying apples, with bottles of James White organic apple juice (and other apple related juices) for sale - these proved very popular! Selling bottled juice was a response to requests in previous years where tasting freshly pressed juice has stimulated palettes. Unfortunately, Food & Hygiene regulations makes selling freshly pressed juice rather difficult - but we still had samples produced by Bill Smith with his small apple press.
In the Apple Identification Room we had a an amazing display of apples put together by Alec West, who was also on hand to help folks to identify their "mysterious" apples.
Other regular attractions included the apple produce stall - several people were eagerly hunting down the recipe for the apple muffins on sale! - music and dancing by Rag Bag Morris Dancers, and the painting of many a young face with a wonderful Apple by Harestanes staff And, as usual, William Tell did good business!! Thanks to all who brought along produce surplus apples or helped with staffing a stall.
This year Apple Day is on Sunday 19th October - there will be some new faces on the organising team, there's always plenty to do, so if you would like to help with the organising or if you have any suggestions for the day please get in touch - Laura Aitken on 01896 668966.
Jayne Brettell
PS If you are wondering about the origins of "Apple Day" this is what it says on the Common Ground website [www.commonground.org.uk]:"On October the 21st every year, an annual celebration of apple, orchards and local distinctiveness. Initiated by Common Ground in 1990 it has since been celebrated each year by people organising hundreds of local events". The website is very interesting at has a Virtual Apple Gallery which is worth a look.
And finally, many of you will recall that John Butterworth from Ayrshire has previously assisted Alec with apple identification. Unfortunately for us, but happily for John, he has decided that business keeps him from travelling east in October. BOG owe him a huge thank you for all the effort and time he has put in to making Apple Day such a success over many years. To see what keeps him busy visit www.butterworthsorganicnursery.co.uk