MORE than 400 guests gathered at Hereford Cathedral in celebration of the role of orchards and the contribution that people with learning disabilities make to the richness of life in Herefordshire.
A service celebrating orchards was organised by the Bulmer Foundation and highlighted the work undertaken by the charity’s Orchard Art project.
Into its third year the project has enabled children and adults with learning disabilities to visit orchards and create artworks inspired by their surroundings.
The cathedral celebration featured a selection of paintings, sculptures, songs, poems and plays produced and performed by groups that participated in the Orchard Art project.
Stefan Orlowski, UK managing director for Heineken, said: “This remarkable orchard service showed that our contributions are being put to considerably good use.
"It also demonstrated the significance of orchards to Herefordshire and the people who live there.
"Not only do they support the rural economy through long term contracts, they are also places of artistic inspiration and provide a natural haven for wildlife.”
The cathedral was filled by a congregation of families, friends, orchard owners and enthusiasts, senior managers from Bulmers and its parent company Heineken, and members of both the Bulmer and Heineken families.
The Bulmer Foundation, core funded by Heineken, is a charity that supports sustainable development, primarily within Herefordshire.