Sunday 29th September
From bees to beer, apples to agriculture, there will be something for everyone at Dalemain’s next event, a Harvest day in celebration of all things Autumnal!
Harvest time has always been an important part of the Agricultural life of Dalemain. Visitors will be able to celebrate this in the beautiful cobbled courtyard where they will be treated to various displays including sheep, produce stands, plants for sale, garden activities and horses used for working in the fields in days gone by. Bring your own apples for juicing and visit the Mediaeval Hall for displays of spinning and weaving– with the opportunity to have a go!
The corner barn will be serving lots of delicious harvest-inspired treats, including recipes using Dalemain’s own apples. The garden has long been famous for its collection of apple trees, dating back to the Roman times. Take a tour with apple expert Hilary Wilson into the Kitchen Garden and learn all about this fascinating timeline.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Agricultural Barn Museum, with farm equipment dating back through generations of the estate, and to join gardeners in a tour of the historic gardens, with all the fabulous Autumn colour. Talks in the Mediaeval Hall will also include Archivist Frances Wilkins, who will be speaking about the herbal remedies of Hasell ancestor Elizabeth Rainbow, as well as conversations with local experts on the lives of bees, and the history of small beer – with tasters included!
These celebrations will take place following the Harvest Festival service at 9.30am at St Andrews, Dacre, to which all are welcome. There will be traditional harvest hymns in the beautifully decorated church, followed by homemade refreshments. Visit http://dacrechurch.com/ for more information.
Jane Hasell-McCosh, owner of Dalemain says: “There are so many fascinating ways of interpreting harvest, from the old-fashioned storing of apples to modern day uses of harvesting bracken. This day will be a wonderful insight into so many aspects of ‘Autumn in Cumbria,’ and a celebration of the crafts and skills that are alive and well in our community.”
The Harvest Day will take place from 10am – 4pm. Day tickets are available. Please visit www.dalemain.com to find out more.
