ORCHARD TIDY UP

It's that time of year again when we need to tidy up in the Orchard, spread some mulch and feed the trees.....WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH at 0930

• Weeding each tree site
• Adding feed (fish blood and bone)
• Manure to Ashmead's Kernal and Pixie
• Topping up the mulch to each site
• Checking the stakes and the new supports

Before we get to the 18th we are paying for some work being done in the Orchard replacing some of the badly rotted deer guard stakes, and then we are going to be redoing the supports for the trees as this was recommended by Gerry Edwards when he did his inspection.....we are delighted to have some money to spend. Partly through a most generous gift received last year, and partly using the most generous donations at the Wassail.

So on the 18th, do bring kneelers, small hand forks, grab bags for the weeds.....we have 2 wheelbarrows at the site already.....but to move the mulch we'll need shovels and possibly rakes.

Looking forward to seeing lots of you there.....I'll be bringing coffee and bix as usual

With good wishes to you all for a happy and FRUITFUL YEAR

Helen and the Orchard TEAM

Another magic Wassail 2 February 2020

This year’s Limpsfield Community Orchard Wassail party was yet another sparkling success with over 150 people coming along to join in our fruity festivities and one couple even using the special occasion to get engaged!

The evening kicked off at the Royal British Legion, Grub Street for a pre-procession drink, distribution of torches and an explanation of the event, delivered brilliantly as ever by our Wassail Master Andrew Claringbull and his team.

Accompanied by the North Downs Drummers, with lots of very pretty lights hung along the Orchard trail throughout the woodland and with torches aloft, the procession was relaxed and made its way to the orchards at a safe and stately pace, so that the very many children could see and understand the ceremony.

Thanks to an unseasonably balmy evening, and despite the recent rain, we managed to light the fire having built the fire with previously collected dry wood and hundreds of dried fir cones.  As in previous years, the bonfire was masterminded by Ian Green who kept it burning throughout the evening, along with his very able assistant, Jasper Claringbull.

Our King Tree was lit up and dressed with toast, salt and apple to ensure a good harvest and with much singing and noise - bells rattles saucepans and of course the drummers, we performed the passing of the Wassail bowl with hot spicy cider and the traditional WAES HAEL toast.

Then it was back to the bonfire for more cider, sausages (hot dogs) and apple cake, plus of course lots more drumming around the fire.

What a fantastic night it was, with the skies staying clear and very little wind which helped keep our torches alight. It all conspired to provide a warm, colourful, fun and also romantic setting - for one couple at least (part of the North Downs Drummers) - who got engaged by the King Tree! Congratulations from us all!

We are extremely grateful for all donations received on the night, which will help us improve the much-needed deer guards and support systems for the trees.