THE annual Apple and Cider Fair at Eggesford Gardens takes place on Sunday, October 9, and is a real customer favourite.
“It’s the event that customers ask about the most,” said Derrick Dyer, owner of Eggesford Garden Centre, who added: “lots of people come back every year with apples to press for juice or cider and it’s always a really fun day.”
Since it was introduced back in 1990, National Apple Day (October 21) has gone from strength-to-strength.
Hundreds of events celebrating the great English apple are now held all around the country and, Mr Dyer says that judging by the increase in availability of English grown apples in the shops, it seems that the campaign to raise awareness of the decline in the number of orchards has had a real impact.
All manner of goodies will be available to taste and buy at the event at Eggesford Garden Centre.
As well as ciders, juices and ales, there will be a wide selection of cheeses, pies, pickles, chutneys, jams and confectionery, all from local producers.
North Devon based “Glampig” will be selling their delicious pork products and will be cooking up some sausages for visitors to enjoy on the day.
There will also be a great choice of fruit trees on sale along with help and advice on choosing the right variety for your garden.
Mr Dyer said: “Autumn is not only when apples are at their best but it’s also the perfect month for planting new trees as the soil is still warm and the trees can get established before winter arrives.
“Expert advice and assistance on planting new and rejuvenating existing trees along with practical tips on pruning etc. will be available from the garden centre staff and well-known local organisation, Orchards Live.
“Customers who buy fruit trees on the day can enter a prize draw to win a carbon steel digging spade and will also receive a free planting pack of bone meal to help their new tree get off to a good start.
“The apple crop looks to be very good this year so if you have some apples why not bring them along for pressing and pick up some tips and tricks for making your own cider and juice. This service is always very popular so it’s best to call ahead and book a slot for your pressing.
“As always there will be a fantastic display of old and unusual varieties of apple, along with help in choosing the best apple varieties for your garden, apple tasting and apples for sale.
“Family entertainment includes the longest apple peel competition, free prize draw and an apple themed quiz.”
This is a great day out with something for all the family so why not bob along to Eggesford Gardens on Sunday, October 9 (11am and 4pm) and join in the Apple Day celebrations. Entry is free and there is plenty of car parking.
Full details can be found on the Eggesford Gardens website: www.eggesfordgardens.com .
Alan Quick