A NEWLY commissioned sculpture of a traditional perry pear is to be unveiled as part of a series of events surrounding the fruit harvest in Much Marcle.

The sculpture was commissioned by award-winning local craft cider and perry producers James Marsden and Helen Woodman, and will sit at the entrance to one of the two orchards at their home, Gregg’s Pit.

The sculpture is a Gregg’s Pit perry pear, which is an indigenous variety found in the vicinity of Much Marcle and believed to have originated in James and Helen’s orchards.

The design was created by Dumfries and Galloway-based sculptor Max Nowell, who turned to sculpture after years spent farming and working with agricultural stone.

Max’s mother, Jean Nowell, is heralded as the founder and only member of the English Ladies Perry Making Association and was also James’ mentor when he started producing perry and cider in 1993.

Jean will be unveiling the sculpture to the public at a special event at 5pm on October 14 as part of the Big Apple Harvestime programme.

Gregg’s Pit’s takes its name from a neighbouring marl pit, from which marl clay was dug during the 18th century to make lime mortar used in the construction of local black-and-white timber-framed buildings, much associated with Herefordshire’s history.

The cottage and barn have stood since 1785, and it is believed cider and Perry were produced on site until the 1920s, which James and Helen resumed. 

The new sculpture will be on display to the public for the first time at Gregg’s Pit as part of the Big Apple Harvestime programme, held between October 14 to 15 at locations around Much Marcle.

To find out more go to www.bigapple.org.uk/harvest2017/