Today is Apple Day, a celebration – and clarion call – for one of the British Isles’ most humble fruits. Originated in 1990, Apple Day was set up with the aim of raising awareness for the fact that many of our native apple varieties were in danger of disappearing completely from our shops and collective memories. The fact that the supermarkets now market home grown varieties alongside those flown halfway across the world is a sign of a tiny victory. This year, we’ll celebrate by revisiting the Dorset Apple Cake and downing a few bottles of this in the Social. Have fun!

An aside – it’s worth noting the Common Ground website has recently been relaunched – since founders Sue and Angela retired, the charity has been taken on by the good people behind the Little Toller publishing house. Worth your time and your support.