Twice a year the seven parishes parishes of the Marcle Ridge in Herefordshire celebrate their heritage of apples and pears, cider and perry. You can “read all about it” on the Big Apple website.
Big Apple Oct 2010
Harvestime 2010
In Autumn the harvest is celebrated whilst pressing the fruit for the next year’s vintage is under way. In 2010 The Big Apple will be celebrating this over the weekend of October 9th and 10th. Go to the 2010 Harvestime page at the Big Apple website for full details
There will be a core programme of events taking place on both days – including viewing the cider mills at Westons, Gregg’s Pit and Lyne Down, guided walks at Awnells Farm and apple teas in the Memorial Hall. Several local pubs will be providing apple themed dishes alongside their regular menus. Leominster Morris men will entertain in a variety of venues. You can see apples on display in the Great Barn at Hellens.. The bold can climb the spiral staircase in the church belltower to the ringing chamber.
There will also be a programme of specific events on each day:
Special events
Saturday 9th October
Enthusiasts Day – hands on opportunity to learn to make cider with the Little Cider Press Company. Lunch provided; take home apple juice and cider for fermenting. Details and booking (essential) 01531 670713. 10am to 4pm. £65.00.
The Naked Guide to Cider. James Russell will be signing his new book at Gregg’s Pit from 10.30am to 6pm
Leominster Morris at Westons (11.30am), Gregg’s Pit (12.30pm), Hellens (3pm).
On the trail of our iconic woodpeckers. A talk by Nicky Davies, Woodpeckers of Herefordshire Coordinator. Haywain, Hellens*, 12.30pm
Single variety tasting. An expert introduction to a selection of apples, their juice and their qualities as single variety ciders. With Gabe Cook/Jean Nowell. Haywain, Hellens*, 2pm. £1.50
A Changing Climate for Orchards? A talk by Richard Heathcote, Sustainable Development Manager, Heineken UK. Haywain, Hellens*, 3.30pm
Sunday 10th October
Marcle Ridge Walk. 7 mile walk, led by David Walker. Steep in places. No dogs please. Donations welcome. Meet Crown Inn, Woolhope (GR612357), 9.30am.
Big Apple Bike Ride. Market House, Ledbury at 10am, leave 10.30. Follow quiet country lanes, visiting cider producers and orchards. BYO picnic and explore Big Apple, returning pm to Ledbury. Information 01531 635432.
Press your own apples with The Little Cider Press Company. Booking essential (01531 670713). At Crown Inn, Woolhope, from 11am
Single variety tasting. As Saturday, but at 1.30pm
The Mystery and History of the Perry Pear– a talk by Jim Chapman, Hartpury National Collection of Perry Pears. Donations to Hartpury Trust. Haywain, Hellens*, 3.pm
*Please note that unless otherwise stated an entry charge of £2 will cover all events on the Hellens site
In short – there will be something for everything
Previous Big Apple Photos
Leominster Morris at Hellens
Leominster Morris had some splendid hats
Big Apple wouldn’t be complete without apple teas in the Memorial Hall.
Apple teas in the Memorial Hall
