THERE were apples of all shapes and sizes at the successful Bere Apple Fest last Saturday. The event celebrated English apples ? in particular those found in the Tamar Valley ? and their healthy by-products and people came from far and wide to attend this fourth apple fest. Peter Gorton opened the event at the church hall and also judged the apple pie classes and presented the prizes, and there was a host of other attractions, displays and advice organised by Brian Lamb and his team. Children enjoyed making apple sculptures and drawing and producing the longest apple peel by hand. There was a also a queue to use the apple peeling machine. Surplus apples were turned into juice courtesy of an apple cheese provided by Devon Orchard Link, and William and Carole Spearing juiced yet more apples with their machine. Richard Vulliamy was kept busy identifying varieties of apple and members of Bere Ferrers WI, dressed in costume, did a roaring trade with their cakes, pies, chutneys, jams and toffee apples. Charles Staniland provided practical advice on pruning in a nearby orchard and Mick Godfrey from Devon Orchard Link and Endsleigh Gardens Nursery also offered advice on fruit trees, with a range of trees on display and for sale. Winners of the competitions were: Apple pie Under 10s ? 1 Niamh and Kate Mugridge; 2 Owen Kelly and Ellie; certificate winners Millie Kelly and Aidan and Erick Lindsay. Adult favourite apple pie ? 1 Sam Gadd; 2 Jane Harrison; 3 Michael Endean. Classic apple pie ? 1 Christine Grills; 2 Michael Endean. Apple limerick competition ? Ann Parsons. Organisers thanked sponsors and supporters. The proceeds will be divided between the new children?s playground area in the village and the refurbishment of the Church Hall kitchen.
