Only 2 days to go until apple day!

The apple pile is growing despite the poor harvest this year. We took the kids scrumping to Kate’s mum’s orchard last weekend and we got a good haul (thanks to Carla and Michael). We also woke up a surprising number of hibernating ladybirds there.

Collecting apples in Carla and Michael’s orchard.

Hibernating ladybirds that we woke up

Some details for Sunday.

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!

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 can, bring some food. As usual I am preparing overnight pork with apple sauce, ideal when you’ve worked up an appetite pressing apples. 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. We’ve had an unoffical bake-off for the last couple of years – extra points for anything 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 on Sunday!

Jane, Phil and the Cambridge Apple Day crew.