| Hello! We’re in the midst of apple season here in Porlock, being a traditional Somerset village with numerous orchards, we’re hard pressed (oh dear the puns begin) to find a garden or hedgerow without an apple tree in it. Although it’s a little too early for official verdicts, the crop appears to be a good one and the gang at our pretty community orchard have been out this morning to gather more windfalls. The first press of the season produced some fantastic, sweet apple juice to be savored like nectar. Subsequent pressings will help to build a stock of apple juice for sale at the forthcoming Apple and Cider Day. On Saturday 24 October there will be something for everyone at the Visitor’s Centre, where we’ll all be entertained and refreshed with unusual varieties of apple juice, cider, apple cake and a hundred more apple-themed products and we’ll get to witness the village press in action. This venerable piece of machinery (which is now located in the orchard behind the Visitors Centre) was built around 1862 and was saved from destruction, restored and returned to its former glory. Carried out by a small but dedicated team of local people, this enables the Somerset cider-making tradition to stay alive with every pint that is pressed. Did you know? Apples are a member of the rose family and are thought to have originated in nutrient-rich mountain ranges of Kazakhstan. Hmm. It is tempting to mention our annual wassail and give a rendition of ‘Dead Dog Scrumpy’ at this juncture, but I’ll save that for later. The camp site continues to welcome campers and although the season is damp it is unseasonably warm, which helps to dry things quickly. If you’re visiting this weekend, it would be worth popping into the Royal Oak on Saturday evening (from 7.30pm) to enjoy a great local band called Rough Justice – they’re a popular band and will help enliven what is always a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Come and relax with a local cider! |  With thanks to Porlock Community Orchard  With thanks to Porlock Apple Press  |
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