The good news is that once more we had a really enjoyable time at Big Apple Day on 23 September. The first focus of activity was around the apple juicer and press and at the picnic table where people could sample the juice and take away a jar for home consumption. We also had some very active picking teams, the main apples being the Bramley cookers and the curiously named Bloody Ploughman eaters. The home-made cakes at the tea stall were even more excellent this year. - thank you to all those who gave us donations, in return for the refreshments, which help with our running expenses. A thankyou also to Dunkeld Coop who presented us with useful loppers and pruning saws. The activities tent for small folk was also especially well equipped this year. Those children who went on the bug hunt were rewarded with Red Admiral butterflies enjoying the rotting fruit. On a more serious note the team from Dunkeld Station were canvassing for ideas. And the icing on the cake was gentle music on the small pipes from an itinerant Stuart Letford. There is such a lovely atmosphere at this event.
The bad news is that someone has taken to stealing whole crates of apples from our display at the fence. The first time this happened two full crates of Bramleys were lifted, obviously by someone with a vehicle. Then a further two crates were taken, and a smaller basket. This is unimaginably disheartening for the small team of pickers who keep the bench supplied with fruit for passers-by to help themselves. An appeal to that person if you are reading this - at least can we get our crates back?
Our funds are limited and we can’t afford to lose our equipment at this rate.
And to everyone else - there are still likely to be late apples at the Orchard.
Late apples keep well and can be wrapped and stored in a cool, dry place. Enjoy the bounty!
Katharine Melville