The very best of the Autumn harvest was celebrated in Suffolk this weekend – amid glorious sunshine and unseasonably warm weather.
Temperatures in the region reached around 70F (21C) with winter jackets and thick jumpers still firmly at the back of the wardrobe.
Forecasters at Weatherquest said conditions have been around five degrees hotter than average for the time of year. Overnight lows are normally around 42F (6C) but the region has been getting around 57C (14C).
But the good weather is set to change as the region braces itself for Hurricane Gonzalo – bringing with it the chance of gales up to 60mph.
Over the weekend though the sun made for excellent conditions for the Parham Pear Fayre and the Grundisburgh Pumpkin Festival.
Terry Foster, from Parham’s Village Hall Committee, said the event was held to celebrate the village name which is derived from the Anglo-Saxon for Pear, ‘par’, and the word ‘hamm’, which indicates that a settlement is based on a river’s curve.
“I think crops have been fairly good; we have had a lot of pears produce from flans to chutneys which have always sold incredibly well,” he said.
“There is a fruit press in the village which we have used for people to bring their own fruit for; that’s something which is a bit different and has drawn people in.”
Meanwhile in Grundisburgh pumpkins were the order of the day.
Joanna Lawrence, one of the organisers from Grundisburgh, Burgh and Culpho Horticultural Society, said: “It went really, really well, we had a record-breaking event and raised more money. The pumpkin rolling contest was also record-breaking in 16 seconds.
“This year it was brilliant as it was done by the children who did a really good job.
“It was the best weather we have ever had for years. I think it helped – footfall was about the same – but people stayed longer.”
Visitors had a go at pumpkin carving and games at the event on the village green.
It raised £540 for the village’s Scouts and Guides’ headquarters.
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