FUN will be at the core of a popular Apple Day being held at a Stoke Heath museum next Sunday, October 14.

But Avoncroft Museum, in Redditch Road, is appealing for an essential ingredient for a successful day - more apples.

This year the museum’s orchards produced only a small crop.

The event relies on having a number of apples as they are used for all the different activities. More apples are needed, particularly for the demonstrations of cider and perry making that take place on the day.

The museum’s head gardner, James Quinn, explained that wet and windy conditions had knocked flowers off apple trees, and the weather caused trees to shed remaining fruits to survive rather than reproduce.

“The situation has been made worse because bees are less likely to come out in the rain to pollinate the blossom on the apple trees,” he said.

As well as cider making on the day there are craft activities, a harvest service in the tin church, peel the world’s longest apple peel, apple tasting and corn dolly making.

The Stourbridge Archers will also let visitors follow in the footsteps of William Tell by shooting arrows at apples.

The North East Worcestershire Beekeepers Association will be providing free sessions on an introduction to beekeeping, and the small amount of honey produced from the bees of three hives at the museum will be on sale.

Event organiser Tracey Ayre said anyone with an apple tree in their garden who wants rid of their apples, can donate them to the museum by calling her on 01527 831363.

Museum admissions costs £7.70 for adults, £6.60 for seniors, £4 for children. A family ticket, two adults and three children, cost £19.80.

Members go free.

For more details see avoncroft.org.uk.