PIG?S Snouts and Lady?s Fingers could be found as apples and related produce formed the core of the highly successful Bere Apple Fest last Saturday. Celebrity chef Peter Gorton performed the opening ceremony and judged the apple pie competitions, which were hotly contested in three classes: classic, favourite and children?s. The pies were on display in the Bere Ferrers Social Club, while across the road in the church hall and marquee there were competitions and demonstrations of crushing, pressing and grafting, together with displays of apples, trees and old tools. Pruning was also demonstrated in a nearby orchard by expert Charles Staniland. Tempting apple produce was on sale, including chocolate apples, pies, turnovers, jams and chutney made by members of the Bere Ferrers WI and cider. Competitions included the longest apple peel, apple bobbing, the best limerick and making a creature out of apples. Some of the more unusual apple varieties on display included Pig?s Snout and Lady?s Fingers ? all gathered from local orchards ? and Richard Vulliamy was kept busy identifying unknown varieties brought by visitors. Anyone with surplus apples was able to convert them into juice courtesy of a press provided by Orchard Link. A grand raffle added to the proceeds for the day, which went to the Bere Ferrers Recreation Field children?s play area and the Bere Ferrers Villagers Group. Results of the competitions were: Apple pie, under 10s ? 1st Mairi Milne, 2nd Erick Lindsey, 3rd Ella Milne; under 16s ? 1st Bethany Gay, 2nd Robbie Milne; favourite ? 1st Anne Turner, 2nd Madeleine Smith, 3rd Lucy Hann; classic ? 1st Christine Grills, 2nd Marion Friend, 3rd Elizabeth Spiers. Christine Grills won a trip in the cab of a Virgin Train and a Peter Gordon Christmas pudding. Model apple animals, under 6 years ? Katie Mugridge and Mairi Milne; under 9 years ? Tim Peden and Charlotte Wilkie; over 10 years ? Bethany Gay and Christopher Wilkie. Longest apple peel, child ? Bethany Gay; adult ? Isaac Kelly.
