The community orchard might include a fascinating historical 'apple trail' if plans come to fruition.

Apple expert Barrie Juniper (whose book The story of the apple is mentioned elsewhere on this site) has proposed varieties including 'Decio' (possibly Roman), the medieval 'Lemon Pippin' and Shakespeare's favourite apple 'Leathercoat' be included along with 19th century Oxfordshire varieties 'Hanwell Souring' and Blenheim Orange.

These and other varieties against a backdrop of cherry trees matching those once grown at Bryants Farm in Eye & Dunsden would make a fascinating and beautiful orchard. 

Help get the orchard scheme into the ground on Sunday November 25 at 11.30am.

The first fruit tree will be planted on the village green to launch the Friends Of Dunsden Orchard. There will be a short meeting afterwards in the village hall when progress will be reviewed and future plans made. Warming refreshments (possibly mulled cider!) will also be available.

Please pass the news on to anyone you know (not necessarily from the parish of Eye & Dunsden) who might be interested.

The wonderful new Museum of English Rural Life in Reading held a very successful apple day on Sunday 21 Octoober.

Participants were able to admire illustrations of apples as well as to taste many fine traditional varieties, including the Blenheim Orange and Egremont Russet. Children took part in apple printing. There was also a talk by Dr Barrie Juniper on the origins of the European apple. Bears, horses and trade routes from China all had their part to play in a fascinating story, which is also documented in his book 'The story of the apple' which is thoroughly recommended.

There was very limited response to the suggested meeting this summer so it was postponed.
A meeting will now be held in the Spring after a leaflet drop.

If you are interested in apples you might like to consider a visit to the best local orchard which will be celebrating apple day this Sunday.

Apple Day 2007 at Crosslanes, Mapledurham

• Orchard Open Day with many events will be held at Cross Lanes Fruit Fram, Mapledurham
• From 10am to 5pm this Sunday 7 October
• Guided walks at 11.0, 12.30, 2.0 and 3.30pm.
• Apple tasting, juice making, apple cakes, jams and jellies.
• Childrens' games, displays, stalls and many other attractions all day.

Apologies for the silence since May. Transfer of land to the parish council has now finally been completed, thanks to the generosity of the Phillimore Estate. The last arable crop has been harvested and plans are in hand to fence off the site of what could well be our new community orchard.

A short daytime meeting one weekend in late August seems likely. This would provide a chance to view the site and to find two or three people willing to begin the work of planning the orchard, with the support of the parish council. Would you be able to come to a meeting at 3pm on Sunday 26 August? Can you think of anyone else who might like to come along to to find out more? Please reply to me by email.

 David Woodward