Orchard opens for apples and a community future?

As regular blog readers will know I am hoping we might establish some Community-run orchard locally in addition to the Parish orchard.

Photo: view down to orchard (second field in middle of photo)

One way forward that we are exploring is with a local landowner - the good news is that she will be opening the gates to her orchard at the bottom of Ruscombe road (Bread Street) on the afternoons of 25th October and 8th November, for pick your own apples. 2-5pm.

She and I will shake the apples down into waiting sheets and folk can then pick them up. Large sacks will be provided and when filled that will be £5 or bring your own carrier bags - supermarket size filled will be £2.

I think I have managed to organise an apple press - but only a small one does anyone else have access to one? The apples are Bramleys and others unidentified - The Bramleys are very rosy and can be cooked or eaten . Good keepers until the New Year.

Julia would like to talk about the orchard as a commumity resource, so bring your ideas. It has about 20 mature old trees and 25 planted saplings of Gloucestershire varieties. All unsprayed.
Please call Julia 01453 764376 if you need any information especially re parking and juicing.