October 21 is Apple Day. An annual celebration of all things apple, this year the nationwide frivolities have a pressing message to convey, with the recent news that two traditional apple-growing areas are in serious decline.
Apple orchards have declined in Britain by 63% since 1950 (with some areas particularly badly hit, such as Devon which lost 89% of its orchards between 1946-2003 and Kent which lost 92% during the same period).
Initiated by Common Ground in 1990, Apple Day 2010 includes hundreds of local events across Britain, including a longest peel competition (www.commonground.org.uk/appleday/a-peel.html) and performances from the Apple Day poet laureate (www.commonground.org.uk/appleday/a-crowden.html) For more information, or for information on how to get involved in local happenings in your area, go to www.commonground.org.uk/appleday
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
