Mill's apple and game day exceeds expectations

Otterton Mill owners Simon and Caroline Spiller were surprised by the turnout for the Mill's annual Apple and Game Day this weekend.  "Despite forecasts, the weather held on Saturday and we had a glorious day celebrating autumn produce from the Otter Valley." said Simon.  "With an estimated 2,000 visitors, we exceeded our attendance expectations.  We're delighted so many people took the opportunity to get back in touch with traditional ways to celebrate seasonal fayre, like apple bobbing and pumpkin carving" he added.  

Hundreds of people from across East Devon arrived in cars laden with apples for pressing by Ann and Gordon Hill from Bowhayes Farm near Ottery St Mary.  Most left with big smiles and bottles of their own fresh apple juice, plus game meats like pheasant and partridge from Complete Meats of Honiton and pumpkins from Edgar Berry's Market Garden of Newton Poppleford.   

Highlights from the day included an Apple Spiral baking demonstration by the Mill's Head Baker, Roy Hamilton, a wild plant foraging workshop by Chris Holland from Otterton, and a high energy and entertaining game meat cookery demonstration from the Mill's celebrated Executive Chef, Ed Chester.  "Ed balances education and entertainment in a style which always keeps everyone engaged and motivated to have a go at home" said Simon.  "He is a fantastic ambassador for the virtues of wild food, which is inexpensive, tastes great and is surprisingly easy to cook.  It is also the ultimate in free-range sourcing" he added.  

Ed's game meat cookery demonstration will be repeated at Otterton Mill on Saturday 12th December, 3-5pm.  Entry is free but advanced booking is essential.  To book or for more details, call the Mill on 01395 568521.

Date added: Wednesday 28th October 2009
Latest updated: Wednesday 10th March 2010