Poundbury’s Apple Days: A Weather Hiccup, But the Community Shines

from Michelle Markham, Transition Town Dorchester Community Farm Coordinator

Just recently, the Community Farm in Poundbury was buzzing with excitement over a bountiful orchard harvest, setting the stage for two much-anticipated Apple Day events. Mother Nature, however, had other plans.

The first event drew a spirited crowd of adults and children who weren’t deterred by the drizzle and windy conditions. Sadly, weather warnings forced the cancellation of the second event, leaving the farm to pivot. 

Undaunted, they squeezed in a separate apple-pressing session a few days later, with the farm crew rolling up their sleeves to produce several more litres of delicious apple juice. There’s even talk of one final press to fill another demi-john (or two!) for some cider.

A heartfelt shout-out goes to the dedicated volunteers who poured their energy into prepping for the events, firing up the apple presses, and whipping up an array of delectable apple treats for the farm’s refreshment and produce stalls. Despite the weather, the community’s spirit shone through and £169.40 in generous donations was raised to support the farm’s ongoing efforts.

Credit: TTD Community Farm

The harvest isn’t over yet—there are still plenty of apples ripe for the picking!  You may see a pop up apple stall by PiP Café on weekends, weather dependent.  You can also help yourself to windfalls from the community orchard’s Crates-At-The-Gate or reach out to the farm at info@transitiontowndorchester.org to learn more about picking your own. Here’s to next year’s Apple Day, hopefully under sunnier skies!

Credit: TTD Community Farm

For more information about the Community Farm, go to:

To volunteer at the Community Farm, contact info@transitiontowndorchester.org

If you’re interested in volunteering opportunities in Poundbury, please check out our LovePoundbury volunteering web page.