Apple Day fun for schoolchildren

For the first time, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society celebrated National Apple Day (October 21) with a special apple extravaganza for schoolchildren.

Pupils from Pickhill CE Primary School near Bedale were some of the first to join in the Society’s celebrations.

Josh Snowdon, aged 9, a pupil at Pickhill CE Primary School said: “It’s been really interesting, we’ve learnt loads like there are more than 7,000 varieties of apples and each time we plant a pip a new variety evolves. And the apples taste good too.”

Liz Hudson, charities manager of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said this was a great opportunity to recognize the wealth and variety of apples grown in the UK.

“This is part of the Society’s ongoing work to raise awareness amongst children about where their food comes from.

“We want to inspire and enthuse them about the wonderful range of apple varieties and their versatility and that there are so many more varieties than Granny Smiths.” she said.

Schools involved included Harrogate’s Willow Tree Primary and Hackforth and Hornby C of E Primary School, near Bedale.

The 150 children used the Society’s own small orchard at the showground as a focus for their workshops.

The orchard has 16 different varieties which make up the Yorkshire Heritage Collection, including Flower of the Town, Ribston Pippin and Dog’s Snout.

As well as learning all about apple growing and the different UK varieties, they were given the chance to juice apples, taste them, and put their crafting skills to the test with activities using recycled materials.

The educational event is being run in conjunction with Clifford Cain, whose Doncaster-based business Fruitscape, educates and promotes fruit growing across the UK.

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