Dunsden Community Orchard

Tickets are now on sale for our Grand Quiz Night to be held in Dunsden Village Hall on Saturday 11 October. They cost just £7, which includes a ploughman's supper and apple pudding. Questions will be test your general knowledge rather than being all about apples. Why not ask friends to join you and make up a team? Full details and tickets from Beth Timms on 0118 946 1987.

A recent working party was a great success and the orchard is now looking very spruce after its tidy up. Future working parties will include autumn tree planting and boundary clearance.

Almost 20 people have now sponsored trees and it is hoped to order and attach special commerative tree labels soon. It's not too late if you want to become a member of the orchard or sponsor a tree - just look at the up-to-date plan on this site, and print off and post the application form.

Don't forget we will also be at the Henley Show Ploughing Match and Country Fayre on Sunday 5 October. The event, which is held at Bishopsland RG4 9NR on the Sonning Common road beyond Dunsden, begins at 9.15am with the blessing of the plough. There will be lots to do for all the family, including ploughing demonstrations by shire horses. There will also be ferret racing, a poultry auction, trailer rides, outside trade stands and craft stands in the marquee. Bar and refreshments available all day. For more see the show website.

 

The current dry weather has been taking its toll at the orchard. We are hoping for heavy rain as a small number of trees seem to have perished in spite of attempts to save them. Watering is difficult as the site does not have its own supply, but it has been possible to get a hose across the road from the village hall. A bowser has been promised, but if anyone has a very large (500l+) tank it would also be very useful. If you think you might be able to help, please email now.

Our tree sponsorship scheme is proving very successful. Some 15 trees have been sponsored and commemorative labels will be attached in the next few weeks. The special certificates provided with each tree adoption are also proving very popular. If you want to sponsor a tree the time is now, before the variety you want is taken!

A working party may well be arranged for later this month - more details in a future story.

We're hoping for a good turn-out this weekend at the Dunsden Community Orchard. 50 trees have been delivered and volunteers for the big planting are very welcome, starting from 10am on Saturday 15 March (tomorrow), continuing on Sunday.

Holes were dug last weekend, but 'soil improvers' need to be barrowed, planting done and deer protection put in place. Please come along for an hour or so (or longer if you can manage it) and join the Dunsden Community Orchard planting party! 

We will have access to the village hall for tea and coffee making. Make sure you wear outdoor clothes, including wellingtons. If possible bring a fork, hammer, wire-cutters and (if you can manage it) a wheel-barrow.

All our meetings so far have been most enjoyable. Come along and be part of this exciting local project. Who knows, you may be drinking Dunsden cider sooner than you think!

For more information call David Woodward on 07802 433058.

Big progress is expected at our next meeting on Monday February 4th at 8pm in the village hall. Topics so far suggested include:

• schedule for development of the orchard
• funding and grant applications
• responsibilities
• planting plan
• access
• equipment storage
  

But please come along with your own suggestions. Make a note of the date: 4/2/08!

 

You may also be interested in a half-day practical fruit tree pruning course aimed at those with trees at home.

It is at Cross Lanes Farm in Mapledurham on Saturday January 26, Tuesday Feb 5 and Saturday Feb 9. Bookings on 0118 972 3167.