APPLES were the theme of an autumnal event in West Oxfordshire to mark the agreement that gives schools, season ticket holders and visitors continued access to a historic manor farm.

The tradition of the event dates back to the original agreement between Oxfordshire County Council and Cogges Heritage Trust, which runs Cogges Manor Farm, in 2011.

A basket of apples is used as the Cogges version of a traditional ‘peppercorn’ rent – which is always received by the county council chairman, this year councillor Zoe Patrick.

Trustees have presented the rent every year on or around Michaelmas Day, which marks the start of the farming calendar. This year the event took place last Thursday.

Children from Year 4 at the neighbouring school, The Blake C of E School, presented the rent on behalf of the trustees as they have in previous years.

The children also sang songs and wrote poetry for the occasion.

Ms Patrick said: “I was delighted to listen to the poetry which had been written by the children from the local primary school and to hear their harvest songs which was part of this traditional annual ceremony.

“Receiving the basket of apples which had been home grown in the orchard at Cogges Manor Farm made it a day to remember.”