MORE than 500 visitors turned out at Geilston Garden’s apple day at the weekend.

The Cardross garden held the event on Saturday, October 5, organised by The Friends of Geilston (FoG), and it proved very popular, attracting people from the local area and as far afield as Glasgow, Largs and North Berwick.

The day was to promote Geilston’s collection of apple trees with all their varieties and also featured a ‘show us your bakes’ competition, while the winners of this year’s Geilston calendar competition were also announced.some heritage apples of considerable age reflecting the history of the property, others more modern and suitable for the smaller garden.

Also in attendance were John Hancox with his apple press, The Beekeepers association and Alan Kerr from Butterfly Conservation.

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Many who came were first time visitors with families who found plenty to keep them busy.

The William Tell Dell, knock the can and Geilston treasure trail with lucky dip proved popular with the children as did the apple press.

Adults tested their baking skills in the “Show us Your Bakes” competition which was judged by Margaret Dick, an experienced SWRI judge. All baking was apple themed and the winners were: pastry section - Lindsey Stanley - 1st, Morven Hinson 2nd; cake section - Christine Orr - 1st, Jackie Evans - 2nd.

The apple quiz tested knowledge about the different varieties of apple and those who were successful were deemed apple experts.

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Winners of the Geilston Calendar competition winners were: gathered to receive their prizes which were presented by Kathryn Polley, a professional photographer who had judged the competition.1st - Kirsty Wilson - front cover - No rain no flowers; 2nd - Lorna Brown - February - Lamp to my feet, light to my path; 3rd - Caitlin Hegney - December - Zero Air Miles - Delicious.

Calendars are available for sale in many Cardross shops, Ardardan, Shooftie and the Community Advertiser in Helensburgh. Also online at fogphotos2020@gmail.com.

Showing what potential there is for a tea room at Geilston, the bungalow section of the house was opened serving soup and bread provided by The Ginger Breadman and tea, coffee and tray bakes supplied by FoG.

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Allison Hillis, FoG chair, said: “The day has been a great success thanks to the committee’s careful planning.

“Over 500 people attended and several people took out annual membership for both the NTS and FoG. FoG volunteers and NTS staff worked together to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves and I would like to thank them for their hard work and also the wider community who gave so generously.”

Special thanks also went to The Ginger Breadman, The Toy Shop, Ardardan, Linda Macdonald Jewellery, Lomond Soaps, Cardross Tennis Club, The Paint Shed, Scandinavian Shop, Deli in the Square and Hotter Shoes.