With this year’s Big Apple Harvestime festival just around the corner,Laura shares memories of her family visit last year.
On a lovely October Saturday, we set out on the mid morning Daffodil Line service from the Ross on Wye direction towards Much Marcle, to join in with the Big Apple Harvestime celebrations. We arrived at Much Marcle from the Dymock direction on the bus and alighted (on request) near to the track leading up to Gregg’s Pit Orchard. As we approached the orchard we could hear the distinctive tingling of bells and were delighted to find that we had arrived in time for a colourful and energetic performance from Leominster Morris.
Gregg’s Pit Cider and Perry orchards are traditional standard orchards. The company, established in 1994, makes real Herefordshire cider and perry using 100% juice from vintage varieties of apples and pears from these trees.
The orchard was a delightful autumn scene. The autumnal hues of the fruit trees and countryside, straw bales, sun glinting through the leaves and the wonderful colours of Leominster Morris attire reflecting autumn with browns, ochre, oranges and greens. There was also the welcome sight of cider for tasting, an essential part of the occasion. We sampled a cider from these very orchards and enjoyed the rest of the Leominster Morris performance, which culminated in an audience participation dance. Organised and joyful chaos to the tingling of bells as the audience joined in for the dance between the fruit trees. At the end of the performance the friendly Leominster Morris danced away, playing and dancing as they went.
It was time for lunch and were very glad to find that ‘Country Made Catering’ of Ross-on-Wyehttps://countrymade.co.uk/
were pitched up at the orchard and serving ploughman’s lunches and cakes. Caroline and Katie were serving 3 plated options:
A ploughman’s with butter,
bread and chutney (and possibly an eating apple from the orchard!),
A sausage roll with coleslaw and pickles
A slice of vegetarian quiche with salad.
Traybakes made with Gregg’s Pit cider and apple juice (Cider and apple cake and Apple and almond cake) were also on offer.
After a delightful lunch (we had vegetarian quiche and salad) in the orchard and exploring amongst the trees, we headed on a short walk across the fields to Awnells Farm. At the farm there were animals to see and a real highlight for a 4 year old, the Air Ambulance! The Air Ambulance were fundraising and offering visitors a chance to experience being inside the cab of the model Air Ambulance.
Throughout the day there were a whole range of activities and events taking place across different locations. The Big Apple Association aims to promote interest in, and celebration of all aspects of English apples, pears, cider, perry and orchards. As well as to encourage understanding and enjoyment of the rural heritage of the Marcle Ridge parishes in all their diversity.
Later in the day we walked up to Lyne Down Organics at Lyne Down. Here we were treated to an entrancing performance by Blackthorn Ritualistic Folk, who take dance, folklore, music, song and performance to a whole new level. This was the first time we had seen them perform and it was incredible. Darkness had begun to fall and lanterns were lit, the smoke of specially selected incense filled the air, all part of the atmosphere for the folklore and performance. What a breath-taking experience and an amazing end to the day.
We just had time to walk back down to the bus stop at The Walwyn (kitted out with hi -vis and torches of course) in time to catch the last bus of the night home.
This year’s Big Apple Harvestime event will take place over the second weekend in October, 11th 12th October 2025, and promises to be another special event with something for everyone. Why not join in, help celebrate orchards, apples, cider and Perry, and learn more about the rural heritage of the parishes of the Marcle Ridge.
