We’re all set for Apple Day tomorrow.  It’s been a huge effort today, but we’re in good shape.  The new fruit mill is here, the press has been reconstructed and most important of all, we’ve scrumped a tonne of apples.

Massive thanks to everyone who has donated apples – we hope you enjoy the cider.

For those of you coming tomorrow, the weather is looking dry and fine.  Couldn’t ask for better.

We’ll be starting around 10 a.m., aiming for the first pressing at around 11 a.m.  There’s a lot of sterilising to be done in the early morning, so if want to help out with that, you’d be very welcome.

Lunch will be served at around 1 p.m.

We’ll carry on until the apples run out, which is usually about 5 p.m.  Remember we especially need volunteers at the end of the day to help clean up and we’ll keep some special treats back for those who do!

A couple of last minute tips:

1. Apples – there’s no such thing as too many apples so don’t give up on any last-minute scrumping!  We are short on crab apples this year – we have literally none.  So if you pass a crab apple tree please fill a couple of bags and bring them along.

2. Containers for juice – make sure you bring along a couple of clean bottles to take home some juice, e.g. old milk containers. Give them a good clean in hot soapy water and a rinse. The juice will last a couple of days in the fridge or can be frozen and enjoyed later.

3. If you want to make some cider, you can – it’s easier than you think. We’ve got some spare kit here we can lend you if you want to give it a go.

4. If you can, bring some food – Jane is preparing a whole shoulder of pork that will be slow cooking overnight – it promises to be a real treat. The brilliant Balzano’s Delicatessen has donated the bread rolls again.  If you can bring some kid-friendly snacks or cake it would help a lot.  Extra points awarded for dishes involving apples.

We’ve got a couple of barrels of cider and a whole load of bottles from last year so that you can take some home with you.  All we ask in return is that you get involved and help make the day amazing for everyone.

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.