Hello Sarah and welcome aboard. I have just posted a lovely long response to you, and it disappeared into the ether ¦¦. grrrr..

So, starting again,

I think your shrub is Chaenomeles japonica " Japanese quince

This is from Wiki:

The fruits are very hard and stringent and very unpleasant to eat raw, though they do soften and become less astringent after frost (when they are said to be "bletted"). They are, however, suitable for making liqueurs, as well as marmalade and preserves, as they contain more pectin than apples and trust quinces. The fruit also contain more vitamin C than lemons (up to 150mg/100g).

We have the larger variety " Cydonia - with each fruit weighing approx half a kilo !!

In spring this tree is covered in beautifully pale pink flowers, and is currently full of big green fruit " they turn yellowy and a little furry, usually in October-time.

I don't have the flowering quince, but according to Wiki (above) they're better after the first frost - maybe then to harvest them.

Perhaps Jan (Terrier) can let you know on that one!

Good luck with your endeavours.