THERE were high spirits and much good humour despite the rain as revellers celebrated this year’s Apple Day on Headless Cross Green.
This, the eighth edition of the gathering, saw a fruitful array of local food and crafts displayed, community stalls, music and entertainment.
Focusing on all things apple-related, the day included cider, juicing, toffee apples, pies and the Amazing Human Fruit Machine.
French Horn ensemble ‘Hornymental’ got proceedings underway ably assisted by Bromsgrove Town Crier Kevin Ward.
Local 80s covers band ‘Uke Men League’ also provided colourful entertainment and got the crowd singing.
Artist in Residence for the orchard, Sharon Sheward was joined by Deputy Mayor Councillor Roger Bennett to unveil her painting ‘The Green Man of Headless Cross’ while her son Morrison read a poem to marrk the event.
“The Green Man is a friendly nature spirit, made up of leaves, foliage berries and fruit,” said Sharon.
“He is a symbol of man’s reliance on and union with nature and of the renewed cycle of growth.
This Green man has been inspired by the Headless Cross Orchard, the apple trees that grow here and how the community are working alongside nature, to protect, preserve and celebrate our green spaces in Redditch.”
Residents brought in their surplus apples for juicing, which dozens of local families helped press into gallons of apple juice for sharing.
The cider bar offered a selection of seven local ciders, including two made in Headless Cross itself.
Orchard volunteer Gabby Hemming said: “Besides a soggy start, everyone looked to be having a tree-mendous Apple Day. It goes to show what local support we have here. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great day.”
The orchard will now rest until January when the annual Wassail will see local people gather to waken the trees with noisy shouts and banging.
