Apple Day 2011

On 1 October our second-ever Apple Day brought 250+ visitors to the Old Orchard for an afternoon of apple-related activities. More than £1100 was raised for the two Cromarty churches: Cromarty Parish Church of Scotland and St Regulus' Scottish Episcopal Church.

Thanks to Gordon Haynes who roamed the garden in the rain taking photos throughout the afternoon. Click on photo to see a larger, pop-up picture or click on the side arrows to view as a continuous gallery.

Welcome to a wet Apple Day!	Visitors sheltered under a patio umbrella.
Umbrellas were a 'must have' accessory on the only wet day of an unusually balmy week of autumn weather.	Father Mel made his contribution to the afternoon's musical entertainment.
Twenty varieties of apples from the Old Orchard were available for tasting and purchase.	Ken set up his apple press so visitors could taste his home-produced apple juice. Transition Black Isle brought their press, too.
The apple-peeling competition was popular with both children and adults.	And what to do with all the apple peels? Hang them on a nearby branch!
Sinclair Williamson brought a display of 50 varieties to help visitors identify the apples in their own gardens.	The garden house was a welcome stopping place to sample the tasty home baking (all made with apples) and enjoy a warming cup of tea.
Evelyn Wilson demonstrated flower arranging with apples and flowers from the garden. The two beautiful arrangements were donated to the West Church and St Regulus for their services on Sunday.	This lovely Apple Day plate made by Barbel Dister of the Cromarty Pottery was awarded to the winner of the longest-peel competition, Eva Coutts.
Face-painting - with an apple theme - attracted visitors of all ages.	The stars of the show: apples!