Some days just come together, and our Apple Day was one of them. The sun shone all day, the air was warm and the garden was full of people: families, neighbours, old friends and new faces. There were plenty of children, and quite a few dogs.
From branch to bottle
The work started in the trees. Volunteers went up ladders and reached deep into the old trees along the walled garden. Basket after basket came down, then wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow.
Under the shelter, the apples were sorted, washed and tipped into the scratter. Then they went into the press, and everyone took turns. Soon the barrels were full of fresh juice, cloudy and golden and very sweet. People filled bottles to take home, and a few demijohns were set aside to become this year’s Monimail cider. We’ll let you know how it turns out. The best eating apples were kept for eating, and many of them went home in pockets and bags.
Apple Day has become our signature day. It is the day the Tower feels most like the heart of a community. Everyone pitches in, nobody is in a hurry, and the whole garden smells of apples. We would love to hold more days like this, so keep an eye on our events page. If you have ideas or want to help, please get in touch.
A weekend with a digger
Apple Day wasn’t our only busy weekend this month. We also had a digger on site to lay new cables, which is unglamorous but essential work for the Tower’s future. All lead by Bruce The Warrior. While the ground was open, we started restoring the old paths through the grounds. We’re using gravel from a neighbouring quarry at Angle Park Sand & Gravel, so it travels only a short way and suits the local stone. Little by little, the paths are becoming firm, tidy walkways that lead visitors up to the Tower again.
Thank you to everyone who picked, pressed, dug, raked, wheeled, poured and joined in this October. The Tower has stood here for centuries, and it is people like you who keep it alive.
