Free trees for schools and churches
Schools and churches in and around a Shropshire village have been given a free Christmas tree as a nearby business gears up for the festive season.
Apley, on the A442 between Telford & Bridgnorth, has spread Christmas cheer by donating trees to local primary schools such as Worfield Endowed CE Primary School and St Mary’s Bluecoat C of E Primary School, St. Leonards Primary School and St John’s Catholic Primary School, all in Bridgnorth.
They’ve also handed trees to St Leonards Church and the two St Mary’s churches nearby.
And for every tree they donate or cut down to sell at Apley Farm Shop or the shop Apley on the High Street, in Bridgnorth, they plant another.
It comes as the popular estate prepares to host the biggest Christmas Market it’s ever put on this weekend, with 18 stalls around the courtyard as well as the resident independent shops, Food Hall, Kitchen Café and Playbarn open for visitors.
Graeme Manton, Estate Director at Apley, said: “We are delighted to be able to officially launch our Christmas offering – both by continuing with our annual donation of Christmas trees to nearby schools and churches, and hosting our annual Christmas market this weekend, which promises to be the biggest and best yet.
“At the market you can find all you need to prepare for Christmas, from holly to hampers, cakes to candles, mince pies to mistletoe.
“It is the perfect way to start your Christmas shopping with local crafts, handmade gifts, festive tastings and more – including a special visit from Santa, who will take time out of his busy schedule to meet the younger visitors around lunch time on both days.”
The market will run from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday (Nov 23 and 24). It is free entry with no need to buy a ticket in advance.
The butchery at Apley will be open for hamper and meat orders in time for Christmas and there will be mulled wine, hot chocolate and turkey baps on offer to complete the festive fun.
The Kitchen Cafe will then begin it’s Christmas dinner menu from the following weekend (Nov 30).
Apley is also the custodian of 1,500 acres of woodland, a further 3,500 acres of in hand farmland farmed to high environmental standards and 3,500 acres of let farmland, as well as award winning wedding venue Stockton House.
Each venture is run and managed with a vision for heritage, environment and community, with each decision carefully considering restoration, sustainability and developing relationships.
For more information about Apley visit www.apleyestate.co.uk.
