Photograph by Callum Macleod
Our orchard once again thronged with people enjoying the annual Apple Day and for the first time there were still plenty of apples on the trees to be picked, pressed for juice or Cider.
There were lots of craft activities for adults and children to choose from with the Leach pottery running a workshop decorating clay tiles with the leaves and flowers found in the orchard which will be fired at the Leach.
Potter Lawrence Eastwood also did a cuttlefish casting workshop, casting tin into cuttlefish cut out designs. Later he was raku-firing pots using ash. There were also workshops in pompom making, mandalas, bunting and how to use green wood for woodworking.
Wild St Ives, Joshua Quick took people on a foraging walk around the orchard and the Orchard’s own beekeeper, Duwayne Langley gave a talk about the bees living in the unusual beehives in the apiary.
David Berwick from St Ives Cider brought along his cider to drink and apple press so people could have a go juicing and drinking the apple juice.
There was a wandering Medieval Brewster, dressed like a witch, telling everyone interesting stories about the history of apples, brewing and apple cider making and music was provided by a trio of Rick Chappell, Alistair Brown & Tony Carver and the Bamaluz singers sang some shanty songs. Christian Guerrini also created an unusual choir experience for everyone to join in with.
Pizzas were cooked in the cob oven, cocktails made with wild foraged ingredients were sold at the bar and lots of cakes were given out with tea. All the donations of lovely cakes were much appreciated and thank you to Stennack Co-op for donations towards this too.
Plans for tree planting in November were on display, with requests to help clear the ground (Sundays, starting Nov 3rd, from 11am) and plant 500 trees (Sat 30th Nov / Sun 1st Dec).
The volunteer group was well prepared for the rain (with the help of Jabula Stretch Tents providing much needed cover) which held off until late in the afternoon. The bonfire created some great evening warmth for all to gather round.
All in all, another successful, fun-filled Apple Day at St Ives Community Orchard.
Photograph by Callum Macleod
Posted by Elise Langley, 12th Sept, 2019