More than 250 people enjoyed Chipping Campden Apple Day on Saturday 17 October, making it the busiest yet and raising over £1,300 for local hospice at home charity Campden Home Nursing.
Hosted jointly by Wolds End Community Orchard and neighbouring Campden Home Nursing, the free family event celebrated the resilience of nature and the strength of the local community following one of the hottest and driest summers on record.
The orchard was buzzing with activity throughout the day. Visitors enjoyed freshly pressed apple juice, described by many as utterly delicious, apple identification, the popular Longest Peel Competition .
Neighbouring Campden Home Nursing hosted a host of family activities and fantastic refreshments. The children’s art room was busy all day, with 36 children getting creative with apple themed crafts, supported by Campden Home Nursing’s therapeutic play manager Anita Dee, and volunteer Jane Lowe a retired teacher.
The giant garden games proved a hit, particularly Spin a Duck, where prizes ranged from sweets to a free slice of homemade cake of the winner’s choice!
And what cakes they were! Volunteer bakers were the stars of the refreshments, producing an irresistible selection of homemade treats. The carrot and walnut cake was exceptional, while the slightly unusual combination of savoury scones with chilli jam, butter and clotted cream proved so popular it sold out.
Laura Cameron, Fundraising Manager at Campden Home Nursing, said:
“Apple Day was busier than ever, and it was wonderful to see so many families enjoying themselves. Raising over £1,300 is a fantastic result, exceeding last year’s total. Every penny raised helps us continue providing compassionate hospice care in the comfort of people’s own homes, free of charge, alongside our bereavement and wellbeing services.
“A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers, particularly our superstar bakers, and everyone who helped make the day such a success. Events like this show just how much can be achieved when a community comes together.”
Susie Tombs, of Wolds End Community Orchard, was equally delighted:
“What a wonderful turnout! It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the orchard, especially the families. We even heard parents saying their children insist on coming to Apple Day every year, which is just fantastic!
“After such a challenging summer for our trees and wildlife, it was especially rewarding to share the harvest with so many visitors. The collaboration between the orchard and Campden Home Nursing works beautifully, with the two sites complementing each other. A huge thank you to everyone involved, and here’s to next year!”
Visitors also had the opportunity to explore Jecca’s House, including its counselling cabin and therapeutic playroom, and learn more about the charity’s support for local families.
The success of the day was made possible by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who baked, served refreshments, organised crafts, ran the tombola and garden games, welcomed visitors and helped behind the scenes.
With record attendance, a bumper fundraising total and families already looking forward to next year, Chipping Campden Apple Day continues to demonstrate the resilience, generosity and community spirit at the heart of this much-loved annual event.
