PUPILS CELEBRATE NATIONAL APPLE DAY AT TASTY NEW EVENT

Youngsters from primary schools across Yorkshire were given a taste of the array of apples grown across the county at an exciting new event at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

NB: Images available to download at the bottom of release.

For the first time, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society celebrated National Apple Day (21 October) with a special apple extravaganza for schoolchildren. Pupils from Pickhill CE Primary School near Bedale were some of the first to join in the Society's celebrations.

Josh Snowdon, aged 9, a pupil at Pickhill CE Primary School said: “It’s been really interesting, we’ve learnt loads… like there are more than 7,000 varieties of apples and each time we plant a pip a new variety evolves. And the apples taste good too!”

Liz Hudson, Charities Manager of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said this was a great opportunity to recognize the wealth and variety of apples grown in the UK.

“This is part of the Society’s ongoing work to raise awareness amongst children about where their food comes from. We want to inspire and enthuse them about the wonderful range of apple varieties and their versatility and that there are so many more varieties than Granny Smiths.” she said.

Schools involved were: Hackforth & Hornby C of E Primary School, near Bedale; Holy Trinity Primary School of Halifax; Overthorpe Academy, Dewsbury; Willow Tree Primary School, Harrogate and Lilycroft Primary School, Bradford.

The 150 children used the Society's own small orchard at the showground as a focus for their workshops. The orchard has 16 different varieties which make up the Yorkshire Heritage Collection, including Flower of the Town, Ribston Pippin and Dog’s Snout.

As well as learning all about apple growing and the different UK varieties, they were given the chance to juice apples, taste them, and put their crafting skills to the test with activities using recycled materials.

The educational event is being run in conjunction with Clifford Cain, whose Doncaster-based business Fruitscape, educates and promotes fruit growing across the UK.

21 October 2015

ENDS

Judy Thompson, PR Manager – 01423 546215 or judyt@yas.co.uk

EDITORS’ NOTES

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was established in 1837 with the primary purpose of holding an agricultural show and for the furtherance and support of farming in the region. This ethos continues today, through its flagship events, the Great Yorkshire Show (Tues 12 – Thurs 14 July 2016) and Countryside Live, (Sat 22 and Sun 23 October 2016).  Year round it has an active programme of events and activities supporting the farming and rural communities, particularly in the North of England. It also runs Fodder, the award winning regional food shop and café. The Society is based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, N. Yorkshire. For more information see www.yas.co.uk

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