 In 2003, a small group of apple orchard owners and enthusiasts on the Bere Peninsula decided to emphasise the influence of apples in the area by showing people how apples are grown, grafting and pruning methods, what happens to apples when they are turned into juice and all the other uses for apples. They formed the nucleus of the first event and thus the Bere Apple Fest was conceived.
The whole sphere of the apple world is covered at the Apple Fest, with expert advice on buying suitable trees and grafting and pruning with advice from experts such as Richard Vulliamy and Charles Stanisland. The first Apple Fest started with a hand press, with demonstrations on how to crush apples. Soon an electric press was hired and locals were encouraged to bring their apples for pressing into juice (not forgetting to bring a container for the juice!).
In addition to these activities, there are many displays appertaining to apples, stalls selling apple products, including toffee apples made locally and competitions for children featuring apples.
The Apple Fest is fortunate in having The Horn of Plenty as one of the sponsors and Master Chef Peter Gorton is the enthusiastic judge of the Apple Pie Baking competition for adults and children. Peter also provides the superb prizes on offer. The Apple Fest is also well supported by Tamar Valley Services.
The event takes place in and around Bere Ferrers Church Hall, Bere Ferrers, on a Saturday in early October and is officially opened by a guest. The Apple Fest grows in popularity every year, so anyone intending to go is encouraged to get there early! The Apple Fest is timed to coincide with trains to and from Bere Ferrers station on the picturesque Tamar Valley Line.
Proceeds from the Apple Fest go to various local projects, which included the purchase of an electric apple press and crusher in 2009. |