News / Sea Mills
Sea Mills is crushing it
There’s a tradition of fruit growing in Sea Mills.
Back in the 1920s, when the first council houses were built, each house was provided with a fruit tree in the garden.
It’s part of what makes the area special.
is needed now More than ever
Building began during a time of change and hope. The First World War was over and the government feared unrest if returning troops didn’t come back to better conditions.
Prime minister David Lloyd George promised “homes fit for heroes to live in”.
Sea Mills and other new estates were designed to promote healthy living.
Volunteers chopping apples in preparation for crushing
The new 20th century houses were spaced well apart and each had a garden large enough to grow fruit and vegetables as well as flowers.
There were communal spaces for sport and recreation.
But, with so many trees in gardens, there’s always a risk that fruit will go to waste.
Ten years ago the local cafe on the Square came up with a solution: Apple Day.
The human fruit machine provided some fun
Every September, residents bring their surplus apples to be crushed into juice.
Apple Day this Saturday was no different.
Volunteers chopped and crushed the apples in a hand press with local children encouraged to join in too.
Sticking with a fruity theme, one of the highlights this year was the human fruit machine, providing some light relief from all the hard work.
David and Sue are local beekeepers.
There of course would be no apples without pollinating insects.
Local beekeepers David Thorne and Sue Hatton were on hand to raise awareness about bees and the current threat to them from yellow legged hornets, a highly invasive species.
The sea shanty band were enjoyed by young and old alike
The crowd also enjoyed musical entertainment from local sea shanty band the Severn Whalers.
Cafe volunteer Yvonne oversees the serious business of juice tasting
By the end of the day a massive amount of apples had been pressed, producing over 100 litres of juice.
Mary Milton is reporting on Sea Mills as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from the Nisbets Trust.
All photos: Mary Milton
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