September is one of the busiest months of the year for East Markham Gardeners, with three key events taking place. The first is the final trading session of the year on Sunday 6th September, held at the East Markham allotments from 9.30am to 11.00am, marking the arrival of the autumn harvest season.
The new programme of gardening talks begins on Tuesday 8th September at 7.30pm in East Markham Village Hall. Mike Everett will present Wassailing: Reawakening an Old Folk Custom, exploring the history and traditions of this ancient orchard celebration. The evening will also include advance information about the Hempsall Heritage Orchard Wassailing event, which takes place on Saturday 23rd January 2027. These talks are free to attend and open to everyone, with no membership required.
The highlight of the month is the East Markham Annual Show on Sunday 13th September at East Markham Village Hall. Exhibits include flowers, vegetables, fruit, crafts, cookery, preserves and photography. Members of East Markham and Askham Gardener’ Association (EMAGA) may stage entries from 8.30am, while the exhibition is open to the public from 3.00pm. Part of a long-standing national tradition of autumn village shows, the event offers free admission and refreshments. The village hall postcode is NG22 0SS.
Looking ahead, preparations are already under way for Apple Day 2026, East Markham’s largest annual community event, taking place on Sunday 4th October from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Centred on the Hempsall Heritage Orchard and East Markham Village Hall, the event will feature free apple tasting tables, a new recipe book, pick-your-own apples, an Apple Advice Centre, and a wide range of stalls offering gardening products, local produce, apples, arts and crafts. Children’s activities will include an art competition.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day, including a café, pork and apple cob lunches, and a cider bar. Entertainment includes live music, Morris dancers, steam engines and a raffle.
The village hall postcode is NG22 0SS, with free street parking available. All are welcome.