£200 Raised For School Orchard Project, So Far....
Bleasby Parish Council
Over the last few months £200 has been raised by local volunteers to support Bleasby Primary School with projects that have some synergy with The Bleasby Apple Fest, first held on Glebe Field in October 2019. The money was raised from donations made for a delicious still cider, aptly named Bleasby Wanger after the apple wanging competition that took place at the event. The cider was made by the volunteers from apples (mainly Bramley) that were collected from the community, pressed into juice and then allowed to ferment and mature over the following year.....feedback so far has been very positive.
Volunteers at Bleasby School have used the funds to buy fruit trees and planted a mini-orchard at the entrance; to tie in with the KS1 class names – Apple Blossom and Pear Blossom. A further mix of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees along with an edible hedgerow have been planted to provide a new and exciting outdoor orchard learning space. Plans are underway to install water collection for irrigation and to build a couple grass-seats for the children to enjoy.
The collaboration between school and the Apple Fest will help develop and grow the concept of engaging the children with nature and learning how to grow and use edible crops. Although there will not be an Apple Fest this year (the next event is planned for 2022), event volunteers hope to help with some apple pressing sessions in the school this autumn.
To help raise further funds for the project, there is still around 60 pints of now "vintage" Bleasby Wanger available for those who fancy trying some over Easter (you can sample before committing, (but this has not stopped anybody yet!).
Simply make contact with Mike on [email protected] to collect as much as you like in your own containers (screw top plastic bottles are fine) or you can arrange pick-up from Neil at The Waggon. We are asking for a minimum donation of £3 per pint (payment can be in cash or via PayPal).
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Find Bleasby Parish Council
Bleasby, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire