THE FOOD PROGRAMME: BBC RADIO 4

Do try to catch the Food Programme broadcast first at 12.35 am on Sunday 9 October on BBC Radio 4. A wonderful evocation of the joys of growing and eating apples….some of their history and even a little on the delights of the Wassail.  It puts into perspective all that we are trying to do at the Community Orchard.

Click here to listen now.

WORKING PARTY 19 OCTOBER

We need a Working Party to give the site a tidy up before the winter (Wednesday 19  October from 10.00am)

·        Cut down and dig out the 2 George Cave apple trees which have canker. We are going to replace them with a variety of dessert apple which will store into the winter.
·        Cut back the hedging on the A25 where it obscures the sight line when crossing over
·        Weed the tree sites
·        Cut back the hedging along the Eastern boundary + bramble and nettle
·        General bramble removal along grass margins and outside the Orchard onto the A25
·        Weed the wood chipped area in front of the laurel hedge.
·        Review and possibly strengthen the tree guard stakes which in some cases are beginning to rot
 
There should still be plenty of Herefordshire Russets to pick. These will store well up to Christmas
 
ps: coffee/bix provided for everyone

TASTING TWO

Tea and apple cake

We had a most successful afternoon for our second tasting session at the Orchard (last Saturday 24th September) with several children and some new visitors who had seen the invitation on the blackboard outside the Limpsfield Memorial Stores. Indeed if you would like to collect some of our Orchard apples they are available in the Stores for a small donation.

There are plenty of Sunsets left on the trees, and any Herefordshire Russets that are picked should keep well until December.

Remember that ripe fruit will lift off gently so be careful when picking. But do go up and taste different apples….it might make you decide to plant some in your own garden.

We have decided to remove the 2 George Cave trees which are sadly infected with canker. So we are now researching a late harvesting apple (a keeper) and one that might be more resistant to canker. We will be planting in the winter when the trees are dormant.

We will be having a working party on wed 19th at 10-00 to tidy the site and weed before the winter. If you are interested do contact me (Helen on 01883 713160).

Our new Niwaki ladder

Herefordshire Russet in full fruit

Tasting the fruit

Perfect Lord Lambourn