Apple day highlights core of orchard life (From Gazette Series)

Apple day highlights core of orchard life

MYSTERY, magic and music will be the core of this year's celebrations of National Apple Day in Cam.

The event, which officially took place yesterday, will be celebrated locally tomorrow at Holywell Orchard between 10am and 4pm.

There will be lots of apple-themed events to remember the orchard's past, as well as the third attempt to crack the mystery of the fabled lost spring which is hidden somewhere in the grounds.

Visitors will be entertained by magic and illusion from the Ace of Diamonds magician, while apple expert Sarah Juniper, from Dursley, will be on hand to identify unknown varieties that people have growing in their gardens.

An apple press will also be available to turn any spare apples into juice as people wait. All visitors have to do is bring their spare apples and a bottle to take the juice home in.

Aim of the day, which is sponsored by Doorstep Greens lottery fund and Stroud District Council, is to highlight the massive heritage and tradition of orchards and apple-growing that has been lost over the years.

There will be no charge to attend the event but parents are asked to accompany children. Stout shoes and old clothes are also recommended.