AppleFest success– famous at last!

We were delighted to welcome journalist Peter Stewart to Re-Betchworth’s Applefest on 5 October.

BBC journalist Peter is the mastermind behind the Planet Reigate Podcast, which covers all sorts of local happenings and events, with a variety of guests and features.

Do check out Planet Reigate's podcast episode 57, which has a section devoted to, yes – you’ve guessed it - Re-Betchworth’s AppleFest! If short on time, you can fast forward to minute 35 to find us.

You’ll hear Milla Peterken doing a great job talking Peter through what Re-Betchworth is all about and what we do, Rich Cobbold enthusiastically encouraging some of the children into action at the apple presses, praise for Betchworth village and The Pillars of St Michael's from Pam Armitage, plus Norman Jackson introducing the 4Bs Biodiversity project.  
 
You can catch Peter's short video here, showcasing AppleFest presses in action on the day. And if you’re not a regular Planet Reigate listener yet, why not subscribe to his Planet Reigate podcast too!?  
 
Safe to say, Peter was sold on the whole event. "Thanks for making me so welcome on Saturday. I really enjoyed it all!" Judging by the noise in the villlage hall  and the buzz outside, those words could have come from any of the many families who came to our third annual AppleFest.

Originally conceived as a communal juicing service for Betchworth households with apple trees in their gardens, the event has grown into an altogether wider celebration, as well as a demonstration of our very special community spirit, with some 35 villagers coming together to staff the various activities.

The juicing service is still the central piece of ‘theatre’ in the car park; those bringing their local crops for processing were vastly outnumbered by visitors coming to buy juice, pressed in front of their eyes, from apples donated by locals and pre-picked by the Re-Betchworth organising team.

Also outside we had the garden tool sharpening service, a new attraction this year, which was an instant hit. Adam, of Surrey Sharpeners was in full swing, offering an on-site service from 9.30am until late into the afternoon.

We also ran our first apple-themed baking competition, with a delicious array of cakes on display in the Hall, judged by WI President Mary Clark. The winners, Karen VdB Knoefel, and the Jones' grandchildren's entries, soon disappeared along with the many other marvellous apple-themed delights, all donated for others to enjoy along with their tea or coffee. And ​our brilliant refreshment team worked flat out from the opening at 1pm, as did our Forest School leader Clair, who kept an endless stream of children safely occupied in creative art activities on the stage. Our popular face-painter didn't stop all afternoon either.

This year's greatly expanded chutneys and jam stall was equally popular. All but four of the jars of chutneys and jams made by Hollie and others sold out (and there were a lot!), as did the Woodstock Farm honey, apple juice and cakes. 

So I think we can safely say the day was a resounding success and we're already thinking about what we can improve and add to next year's AppleFest!  If this sounds like something you'd like to get involved in, we'd love to hear from you. Do get in touch.

Next year's AppleFest will be on 4 October 2025. And before then - another date for your diary -  we’ll be repeating the popular Wassail in the village orchard on 18 January2025. We're always looking for more volunteers - and we're a friendly bunch!

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