Sorry for the appalling pun in the title of this post, it's just my wierd sense of humour. In the UK, it's Apple Day on the 21st of October, but around the county we have a few dates that should't be missed. Particularly Apple Day at Acorn bank on the 14th of October. It was a wonderful event last year, hopefully to be repeated this year too.
Saturday 6 October 2007 - Orchard Barn, Briery Bank, Arnside - guided walks round the orchard, experts on hand to help identify* varieties and give advice on planting and pruning. Cookery demonstrations using local fruits, homemade jams, cakes and freshly squeezed apple juice for sale, children's games and Taffy Thomas telling stories. Several rural crafts will also be demonstrated such as bodging, beekeeping and spinning. And a volunteer will be on hand to collect your favourite local recipes to feature in an AONB book. Admission 50p for adults, children free. 10am-4pm. Contact: 
01524 761034
or see www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk
Monday 8 October 2007 - Halecat Nursery, Witherslack - apple identification*, pressing and local varieties. Contact: 015395 52536
Sunday 14 October 2007 - Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill (National Trust), Temple Sowerby, nr Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1SP - Acorn Bank's 14th Apple Day celebration. games and activities and entertainments for all including apple bobbing, Longest Peel Competition, storytelling, cookery demonstrations, children's music and craft workshops, treasure hunt, Punch & Judy, and Morris Dancers. Advice on growing and pruning apples, local varieties and identification* from the Northern Fruit Group, a display of varieties, apple tastings and juicing, plus stalls from the Penrith beekeepers, Eden Rivers Trust, Penrith Red Squirrel Group and others. There will be a market promoting local producers and crafts people and celebrating the distinctiveness of the Eden Valley, with traditional craft demonstrations (besom making, spinning and weaving, woodturning), and a marquee serving food from Cumbria Organics and Cumbria Organic gardeners and farmers (COGF). 11am-4.30pm. Adults £4, children £2, families/groups £11. Contact: 017683 61893, acornbank@nationaltrust.org.uk or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Sunday 14 - Thursday 25 October 2007 - Dalemain House & Garden, Dalemain, Penrith CA11 OHB - Apple & Conkers celebration in the Medieval Hall Tea Room. Contact: 017684 86450 or see www.dalemain.com
Monday 15 - Thursday 18 October 2007 - Sizergh (National Trust) - a week of displays, information, walks and produce for sale. Seasonal menu available at the Ashbank Cafe. Contact: 015395 60951 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 October 2007 - Beetham Nursery, Pool Darkin Lane, Milnthorpe - apple tasting, identification* and games. Apple tree cultivation, care and advice. Contact: 015395 63630
Sunday 21 October 2007 - The Prince of Wales, Foxfield - Broughton in Furness Community Apple Press will be available for a communal pressing day. Bring your own apples and containers for juice. From 11.00 onwards. Contact: Dick Palmer 01229 716724
Monday 22 - Sunday 28 October 2007 - Brantwood, Coniston - apple events throughout the week. Brantwood was once the home of John Ruskin, his love of apple blossom is celebrated with a new orchard in the grounds. Contact: 015394 41396 or see www.brantwood.org.uk
Sunday 28 October 2007 - Hawkshead village centre - communal Apple pressing and demonstration. Bring your apples and containers for juice. Organised by Esthwaite Vale Green Alliance in conjunction with Broughton in Furness Community Apple Press Association. Starts 11am. Contact: Lynda Jonson 015394 36742