More than 70 visitors from near and far were treated to a cornucopia of traditional apple varieties at Carhampton Community Orchard’s open-air Apple Day on Saturday (October 10).

Fifteen of the orchard’s 35 traditional varieties of apples were on sale on the day – one of welcome sunshine – along with the orchard’s own freshly-pressed apple juice and Herby4’s award-winning bottled juices, for which Carhampton Orchard is one of several local suppliers.

Jams, chutneys and safely-prepared and packaged home-made produce were also on sale, with the proceeds from these going to the Village Hall, which was sadly unable to host its usual Apple Day stalls and refreshments due to covid safety precautions.

Visitors were greeted at the gate and reminded of social distancing, and were offered the use of hand sanitiser at the entrance as well as on the widely spaced sales tables. There were also opportunities for those waiting to view the stalls to wander among the trees, watching apples being picked and learning about the different varieties from the descriptive labels sponsored by villagers in 2017.

While most visitors were local, others had come from as far as London, Gloucestershire and Kent, and were delighted to find a village event alive and thriving in spite of the current challenges.

Representatives from other local community orchards also came along, and were pleased to see how Carhampton was able to go ahead with this important annual event in village life.

Among the varieties on sale were old favourites such as Morgan Sweet (remembered fondly by many residents from their scrumping days!); the deep red dual-purpose Newton Wonders, which are already so sweet this year that they are ready as eaters as well as excellent cookers; the Charles Ross, another dual-purpose apple and a relative of the Cox’s Orange Pippin; Cat’s Head cookers, named for their odd shape; and Ashmead’s Kernel dessert apple, a cousin of the Russet, which will keep until well after Christmas.

These and other Carhampton Orchard apples will continue to be on sale throughout the season from local outlets, with regular supplies going to Toucan Wholefoods in Minehead.

The community orchard is opposite Carhampton Stores and is open to everyone all year round.