Jesmond Community Orchard celebrates its third annual Apple Day today (Saturday 8th October) from midday until 3pm. Last year’s event attracted around 200 people, and organisers say they have made this year’s celebration even better, with stalls, refreshments, story-telling, games and information. 

“If you have a mystery apple growing in your garden or allotment, an apple expert from the Northern Fruit Growers Association will be on hand to identify the variety for you,” says Fiona Clarke of Jesmond Community Orchard, which is being helped by Transition Initiative at this year’s event. “Bring along three samples with stalks/leaves if possible. There will be apple recipes to taste, and the chance to make apple juice using an apple press. Please bring your own clean containers to carry home the juice.”

As in previous years, there will be family activities too, including the “Smoothie Bike” which makes-up fruit concoctions while you ride.

Apple Day takes place on the West Jesmond allotment site, at the southern end of Highbury (near Fairfield Road), with some activities also take place in the adjoining community orchard in St. Andrew’s Cemetery.