Information on Loughborough

An apple a day makes for family fun, food and play

Posted on 06/10/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

6 October 2009

An apple a day makes for family fun, food and play

Did you know apples are a member of the rose family and are fat, sodium and cholesterol free?

Learn more fantastic facts about the humble apple and enjoy apple-themed food and fun at Apple Day on Thursday, 22nd October at Donington le Heath Manor House museum. The event starts at 11am and ends at 4pm.

This special event has been organised to celebrate the ancient fruit. Visitors can taste some rare and historic varieties, including Isaac Newton, Cats Head and Annie Elizabeth, and sample apples from Donington le Heath’s very own orchard which has varieties dating back to the 17th century.

Along with apple tasting, visitors will be able to try delicious apple crumbles and pies handmade by the chef from the Classics Tea Room based at the museum. There will also be demonstrations of juicing and pressing.

The aim of the day is to raise awareness about conserving English varieties of apples and there will be an exhibition about the issues surrounding the plight of apple varieties and orchards.

Children will be able to take part in games, competitions, face painting and craft activities. Take the challenge of the apple and spoon race, or try your hand at the longest peel competition, and you’ll be in with a chance to win an apple tree.

Donington’s resident gardener will be demonstrating good practice in fruit tree management and leading tours of the period gardens throughout the day. There will also be rural crafts including a pole lathe demonstration and woodland jewellery stalls.

Tickets for the event are £2 per adult and £1 per child/concession. You can also buy family tickets at £5 each (two adults and two children).

Apple Day is organised nationally by Common Ground, the charity that promotes 'local distinctiveness’. More information about Common Ground and its work is on its website at www.commonground.org.uk

For more information about the event please contact David Luther on 0116 305 3455 or Donington le Heath Manor House on 01530 831259

More information about Donington le Heath Manor House is on the web at www.leics.gov.uk/donington.