This year saw well over 1000 visitors attend to enjoy the look back to the way things were done in yesteryear. Wonderfully, no whizzy modern, electrically powered gizmos were in sight. Instead young and old saw skilled craftspersons demonstrating old crafts. Amongst the attractions were Amanda Rayner from Lynton weaving baskets and other items being from withies, Master Thatcher Kieth Payne made rooftop features for thatched buildings - and mesmerised the junior visitors in particular, with his corn-dolly workshop. Wool spinning and weaving, demonstrated by ladies dressed in character, drew much attention. A collection of working vintage stationary engines, and farming implements represented the period of change when the mechanisation of agriculture started the rapid decline in the need for a large labour force in order to get jobs done on the land. A live bird of prey was a hit too. Bill, the owner - showed his captive born and raised Goshawk - allowing an incredible close-up view of one of our rarer resident birds of prey.
The old apple press demonstrated its purpose by squeezing several hundred gallons of juice from apples pulped in a 100 year old 'scratting' mill, powered by a 1936 Lister stationary engine. Prior to the mechanisation of agriculture, farmers needed to attract the labour it needed, especially at busy periods in the farming calender, and cider was used as a form of payment. Historical records suggest sometimes as much as two gallons a day! The farmer that made the best cider, and lots of it, generally got the labour needed - but how the work got done, goodness knows!
In addition to the historical attractions, home made 'appley' fare was showcased. Masses of home made apple cakes, apple based soups, jams, chutneys, confectionery - and lashings of home made apple sauce to pour over Toni Thornton's hog roast. They must have been a real hit with the visitors as there were none left by 3.30pm! We would like to thank Paul Barr (Piggy in The Middle restaurant), and Anne & Steve Burgess (Whortleberry Tearoom), for donating 1st and 2nd prizes to the raffle.
While all this was going on, the apple juice and cider making
process was described, and the audience had great fun enthusiastically (and loudly!), joining in with the chorus of the daft cider song, 'Dead Dog Scrumpy!' and its star 'Bendigo' the dog. Martyn and Lorraine Babb provided some additional improvised entertainment by wonderfully playing their instruments to the beat some of the old engines on display too.
Local historian, Derek Purvis, of Porlock Apple Press Group, is the reason the press is here at Porlock. Local farm presses were disposed of many years ago, so this one from elsewhere in Somerset was saved from a similar fate, brought to Porlock and renovated back to working condition. It is now housed in its own oak shelter in the visitor centre orchard garden (the old village school). Porlock Apple Press Group are a group of enthusiasts whose aim is to preserve the cider making history of the community in and around the Vale of Porlock, and the associated aspects of rural life when cider making was an important part of the economy, and community life. More information about the group, and next years event, can be found on their website porlockapplepress.co.uk
