The Big Apple: 3rd & 4th May 2015 Putley & Aylton.
Spring sunshine over the past week has brought on the blossom, the first haze of pink. This year promises to be a great year for blossom, and there will be plenty to enjoy around the orchards of Putley and Aylton this weekend. The start of spring coincides with the new season’s cider and perry, and 170 entries have been made to this year’s Big Apple Cider and Perry Trials. Judging will take place on Saturday, and by the time the public are admitted on Sunday to the Grand Cider Tasting at Putley Village Hall, this year’s winners will be known. Writer and broadcaster Pete Brown, specialist in ‘making people thirsty’ and author of World’s Best Cider, will present the prizes.
Artisan ciders and perries will be available to taste and buy on Sunday 2–6pm and Monday 12–5pm. A special collection of portraits of local cider and perry makers will be on view. The exhibition, ‘Our Common Bond’, brings together paintings by Jean Nowell, friend and mentor to many aspiring cider makers. Jean built up her enviable reputation as a cider and perry maker under the label ‘Lyne Down Cider and Perry’ which she started in the 1980s with her late husband Terry. She has encouraged many on their cider making journey, including some of the best known craft producers in the Ledbury area.
The first orchard walk will leave Putley Village Hall at 9.30am on Sunday. Ploughman’s lunches and home-made teas will be provided by Aylton Church, Tarrington Brownies, Putley Parish Hall and Putley WI.
For a full programme of events please go to www.bigapple.org.uk
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