All of us have eaten apples and products made from apples. Most of us can talk about apple trees in different seasons. Many can tell you funny stories about the effect of drinking cider, and we all have a favourite recipe. Most of us have ‘scrumped’ apples, and some have great tales to tell.

Orchards are full of interesting animals that we can get excited about. Apple trees can be found all around us throughout the UK. Many gardens are mini orchards. Interesting varieties of apples can be found in churchyards, farms, on lanes, in the countryside, and increasingly in community orchards in towns and cities. Everyone lives near to an apple tree. Every meeting centre is near an orchard.

There are many ways to enjoy apples – tasting, cooking, songs and even in our language. Sessions about apples are easy for people to join in with because experience of apples is universal. Apples are an important part of our culture. Activities involving apples are also easy for staff, volunteers and participants to adapt and develop in their own way. 

These Encounters describe some of the benefits experienced by people who took part in sessions at the Leominster Meeting Centre (LMC). Staff and carers are encouraged to look at these different encounters for ideas and activities and to be inspired by positive experiences.