ALL you need to know and more about apples could be found at the Bere Apple Fest held in and around St Andrew’s church hall in Bere Ferrers last Saturday (October 3).

Organised by the Tavy and Tamar Apple Group, which was formed in 2003, it has gone from strength to strength and is supported by locals and visitors alike.

It was a positive hive of activity, the children shrieking with laughter as they tried the apple bobbing competition and attempted the longest peel, the best animal and the apple shy. Along with adults, they particularly enjoyed watching the apples being piled into the crusher, then the resulting ‘mush’ being layered up to make the ‘cheese’ before pressing it to get the juice.

Elsewhere there was much to enjoy. Expert advice, plant sales and a grafting demo could be found on the Endsleigh Garden Nursery stand. Pruning demonstrations were held in North Orchard by expert Charles Staniland.

Visitors were encouraged to bring their apples to be juiced, or you could buy from a local producer’s stall. Bere Ferrers WI sold varied apple products and there was cider making information, a mixed apple display, advice to growers, scything and wood turning. The Devon Rural Skills Trust attended, a charity which helps revive declining traditional countryside crafts and skills.

New this year was the heaviest apple contest, organised by Graham Reed (glass blowing a speciality) hence the prizes of glass apples.

Expert Alison Howes provided a wealth of information on bee habitats and Ann Crozier gave a fascinating demo on cider and pasteurisation.

The colourful Dartmoor Border Morris entertained in their usual exuberant manner, then sampled the lovely selection of sweet and savoury homemade refreshments.

There was a most comprehensive range of local Tamar and Tavy apples on display which included Mary Martin II, Lady Henniker (dual purpose), ‘Pear Apple’, Queenie (Aka Devon Crimson Queen) and Coombe Luckett. A marquee contained information on the Apple Group, including its previous provision of funding, its objectives, its equipment which is available for hire and details of membership.

Apple identification was in the capable hands of Richard Peden and Frances Howard Pearce, they were in great demand, so when James Evans and Mary Martin arrived to promote their book ‘A Cornish Pomona’, they were speedily pressed into action!

For those inside the hall entertainment was provided by Ferris Reel, Rob Lesley, Tim and Rebecca in lively Celtic style to those who were selling, buying, eating or drinking apple products inside the hall.

The Apple Fest was judged to have been an outstanding success. Brian Lamb announced the prize winners, followed by thehe draw organised by Steve and Dee. Brian thanked his committee, the hardworking Tavy and Tamar Apple Group, volunteers, Mary Martin and James Evans for their expertise, Charles Staniland, Ian Swaann (continuity), and Barry and Jean who travel every year from Romsey – what dedication!

For more information visit the website www.tavyapples.org.uk Next year’s Apple Fest will be held on October 2.

Prize winners

Apple pie, judged by Seth and Sally Robertson, adults; 1, Kayleigh Smith who won a meal for two at Robertson’s Organic Restaurant; 2, Dotty King family, ticket to the Eden Centre; 3, Phil Gallagher, two bottles of wine; highly commended, Brian and Kay Lamb, family ticket to Dartington Crystal. Children, five to eight years; 1, Skyla Smith, family ticket to Wookey Hole Somerset; 2, Tristan Piper, two tickets to the Big Sheep. Children, nine to eleven years; 1, Rose Kushnirov, four tickets to Pennywell Farm; 2, Niamh Mugridge Guest, family ticket to Bodmin and Wenford railway; 3, Brian Burton; highly commended, Ruby Turner and Hollie Turner.

Best animal competition, adult; Rebecca, family ticket to Dartington Crystal; children ten years and over; 1, Emily Muttram, family ticket to Bickton Park Botanical Gardens; 2, Dominic Bragg, family ticket to New Mills Farm Park; children ten years and under; 1, Conrad, family ticket to Launceston Railway; 2, Bernadette, £15 voucher – Carnglaze Caverns.

Longest apple peel competition, adult; Wendy, length 46’’, two tickets to Powderham Castle; children under twelve years, 1, Rocco, family ticket to Pecorama Beer; 2, Lesley, two tickets to Kents Cavern.

Harvest apple, 1, Frances Gorange, hand blown glass apple; 2, Joe Corbett, hand blown glass apple; 3, Mick Godfrey, hand blown glass apple.

Grand draw, 1, Lesley Smith, two return tickets anywhere on Great Western Rail; 2, Norman Grylls, Bere Apple Fest hamper; 3, Slowman, Theatre Royal tickets.