With this ongoing sunny weather, all plant life is moving rapidly and our fruit trees changing daily as apples move from budburst rapidly to green cluster and now pink bud.
This week the English Apple Man joined members of the apple and pear community at the Annual General Meetings of je Marden Fruit Show and British Apples and Pears at The Mumford Building at East Malling as NIAB provided the location for these two leading organisations as we enter another year of British Apples.
In this week's Journal we will report primarily on the Marden Fruit Show Society who organise The National Fruit Show
The organisers of the National Fruit Show, the Marden Fruit Show Society, held its AGM on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, jointly with British Apples and Pears (BAPL), at the Mumford Building, NIAB, East Malling.
Speaking via video from New Zealand, President Catherine Paice extended a warm welcome to attendees at the AGM, highlighting the resilience and determination of the UK fruit growing industry that was showcased at last year's successful National Fruit Show.
Catherine shared insights from her recent agribusiness tour in Oceania, emphasising how collaboration and innovation helped growers there recover from severe cyclone damage, demonstrating some valuable lessons that UK growers can take for navigating industry challenges globally.
She reinforced the importance of continuous government engagement and effective lobbying, praising the role of BAPL (British Apples & Pears Limited) in this endeavour.
As the National Fruit Show moves confidently through its ninth decade, Catherine expressed enthusiasm about the show reaching its centenary, supported by technological advancements and strong consumer goodwill.
Closing her address, Catherine strongly advocated ongoing support for the Society's educational initiatives, emphasising the vital role these play in inspiring the industry's next generation.
In his report, Chairman Nigel Bardsley reflected positively on the success of the first-ever one-day National Fruit Show format, which was implemented in 2024 following valuable feedback from exhibitors.
Nigel looked back on many key moments from the 2024 show, starting with the new President's Breakfast, which was attended by distinguished guests and included the presentation of the Jonathan Jones Trophy to John Breach.
The show was opened by NFU President Tom Bradshaw, whom Nigel praised for taking such a keen interest in the show alongside the key visitors Helen Whately MP, and Ali Capper from British Apples & Pears (BAPL).
With a smaller fruit display at the 2024 show, Nigel encouraged growers to participate actively in the fruit competitions, emphasising that simplified judging criteria have now been introduced in an attempt to boost entries and showcase the industry's exceptional produce.
Reviewing other 2024 show highlights, Nigel also remarked on celebrations taking place at the show, such as major sponsor NP Seymour's 50th anniversary and 40 years as a Fendt dealership, with Claire Seymour also commended for her leadership as Chair of Trustees for the Marden Fruit Show Society.
Following the prize-giving ceremony led by President Catherine Paice, Nigel praised the lively evening reception, stating that it was vital for industry networking and camaraderie and that it would be even bigger and better next year.
Special highlights also included delivering winning fruits to Buckingham Palace, which were warmly received by His Majesty King Charles III, who reportedly took great interest in learning who the winning growers were, as well as requesting that his top chef prepare the Conference pears that evening.
Drawing to a close, Nigel shared the positive feedback received about the shift to a one-day show format, which provided greater footfall, a better atmosphere and improved staff efficiencies for exhibitors. With this, the next National Fruit Show has been confirmed again as a one-day event taking place on Wednesday 5 November 2025, in the Maidstone Exhibition Hall at the Kent Showground, Detling, Kent.
Below: left. Education Officer Mandy Hounsell 'educating' NFU President Tom Bradshaw and group at the 2024 National Fruit Show
As part of Nigel's report, a fantastic update on the Society's Education Programme was given by Mandy Hounsell via video.
Mandy highlighted its remarkable growth, from engaging 500 children in its first year to an impressive 11,000 face-to-face engagements last year.
She reported that feedback from schools remains exceptional, reflecting the programme's success in inspiring young people about careers in fruit-growing and agriculture.
Looking ahead, Mandy emphasised plans to strengthen the programme's online presence, creating resources to help teachers and students aged 11-16 connect classroom learning to practical careers within the fruit industry.
Mandy extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors and supporters, whose generous funding, time, and advice are essential in keeping the programme thriving. To further expand and sustain this valuable initiative, additional sponsorship is warmly welcomed.
Below: left. Chris Morris updates MFSS members on the society's financial accounts.
Treasurer Chris Morris reported improved financial stability for the Society, thanks to effective cost management decisions, the new one-day format, and the continued support of sponsors and exhibitors.
Finally, Nigel extended sincere thanks to everyone who made the show possible, including major sponsors Hutchinsons, NP Seymour and One Pay, the other show and education programme sponsors.
Claire Seymour the Chair of Trustees, Vice-Chair Annette Bardsley and Irainne the Competition Secretary, Eileen Haffenden the Show Manager, the entire Marden Fruit Show Society committee, and the all-important National Fruit Show trade exhibitors for their indispensable contributions to the show's continued success.
Ending the AGM, Nigel warmly encouraged more people to consider supporting the show by becoming a member of the Marden Fruit Show Society, the not-for-profit organisation behind the National Fruit Show.
Long Term Storage Classes
A tradition at the AGM is the presentations of the long term storage classes.
Below: Caroline Ashdown reviews the season and the nuances that deliver differentials between Classes and individual exhibits
Below: left. Simon Bray's winning Cox entry and right.AC Goutham's winning Pears
Below: Simon Bray's winning Cameo in the Any Other Variety Class
Below: Moatlands winning Braeburn entry scored a perfect 100%
Below: Winning Gala exhibit
The EAM Comments: The change in varietal entries and winning scores has changed markedly over the last 25 years. Back then the LTS was dominated by traditional UK varieties and particularly Cox and Bramley. Now modern varieties like Braeburn, Gala and Cameo dominate. This is demonstrated by the marks in this year's LTS for the winning Cox entry at 79% and the winnig Braeburn entry with 100%.
Below: Claire Seymour presents winning trophies to Darren Wallis @ AC Goatham, Simon Bray and Caroline receives the trophy for Braeburn on behalf of Moatlands Farms
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Last year The English Apple Man reported on large areas of Cider orchards grubbed in the West Midlands
Bulmers Cider owner Heineken, which is the UK's cider maker, has grubbed up a 300 acre orchard at Penrhos near the Offa's Dyke path in Monmouthshire, citing reduced demand for the alcoholic drink
This week: News of new planting in Somerset is a positive step
13,000 apple trees will be planted in Somerset this week as Thatchers Cider plants a brand-new 50-acre orchard - roughly the size of 31 football pitches.
The orchard marks the beginning of a new generation at Thatchers, as the family business celebrates record demand, and they look ahead to their fifth generation of cider makers, as Eleanor Thatcher earns her place on the board.
The planting follows three years of regenerative farming to prepare the land for the new trees, ensuring top quality soil for the tastiest apples. Two apple varieties, Red Windsor and Katy, were carefully selected, offering a sweet and refreshing taste, as well as being well-suited to the Somerset climate. The apples will be used in a variety of ciders, including the single variety Thatchers Katy as well as Thatchers Juicy Apple and Thatchers Rose, producing thousands of pints a year when the orchard is fully grown.
Martin Thatcher said: "Great cider begins in the orchard, so making sure the soil is in peak condition is vitally important. It can be up to eight years from taking on the land, to harvesting our first full crop, and then we want it to be a fruitful orchard for decades to come, producing top quality apples that we can craft into delicious ciders."
"Our orchards are not only places of cider production, but havens for biodiversity; from the bees that pollinate the trees to the worms that enrich the soil."
Employees from across the business joined the farming team and the Thatcher family to plant the trees. The family were also joined by special friends from Bath Rugby and Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, as well as Great British Bake-Off contestant Briony May Williams, and actor Joe Sims.
That is all for this week - Next week The English Apple Man will report on the BAPL AGM
Take care
The English Apple Man