News

Twelve new apple trees have appeared in the community orchard! On the last day of November, around 20 locals helped plant the new trees under the helpful and expert guidance of Tim Walker, Secretary of Orchard Link, a south Devon group of apple and cider enthusiasts concerned about the rapid decline of traditional orchards locally.

Tim showed us how to dig the hole (one metre square), drive in a post with a “thumper”(pictured here), drop the little tree into the ground with the soil and microrhyzome powder, tie it to the post, surround with weed suppressant fabric and, lastly, put wire mesh around it to stop the deer eating it.

Many of the trees were bought by local people in memory of loved ones. They’re all English apples and bear beautiful names such as Beauty of Bath and Lucombe’s Pine, and are an excellent mix of cookers, cider and dessert apples. The morning’s work finished with delicious cake, of course, and some then headed over to the Crafternoon Tea for lunch and more cake.

This brings the restocking of the orchard up to 22 new trees, which is about maximum capacity. This is a big commitment for the village, as apart from planting, all the new trees have to be inspected regularly for disease and general progress, and of course watered from time to time. No problem at the moment, but if the summer is dry, it will be all hands to the pump, or rather hosepipe.

Lots more pictures in our Gallery.

 

After a lot of hard work on the part of the Lot 7 trustees, the registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) has been confirmed by the Charities Commission. This means that gift aid can be claimed on the donations made towards the purchase of the land, which will be used to support annual maintenance costs and conservation projects on the land.

And something cheerful to look forward to in the New Year. The second Littlehempston Wassail will take place on Saturday 25th January and, like last year, will involve singing, crowning of the King and Queen by The Green Man (identity heavily under wraps) and finishing with the procession to the orchard, with lots of banging and noise to wake up the apple trees, give them protection and to ensure a bountiful harvest later in the year! A wassail set menu will be available in the Tally Ho afterwards. One not to miss!

And later in the year, we look forward to more cider. Tim Walker of Orchard Link harvested our apple crop again this year in exchange for his advice and expertise on looking after our trees in the orchard. Some of you may have already tasted the delicious Littlehempston cider either at the Tally Ho or while Beating the Bounds – the Tally donated a whole keg, which went down very well with the walkers (pictured here – read the small print).

And finally, do you know of anyone who is taking the Duke of Edinburgh award? Please bear in mind that work on our land could count towards this – we currently have Otto working in the meadow and orchard as part of the community service element of his DoE award. Thanks, Otto, and all those who have helped care for our land.

All agreed that the Crafternoon Tea at the end of November was a huge success. The church looked lovely, the centre was crowded with people chatting over tea and delicious cake, and the side aisles were packed with stalls displaying beautiful handmade craft. And there was a splendid raffle – many thanks to all who contributed. Well done to Lisa Fisher and the Craft Club Team for all their hard work and for the donation of £621 towards running the Community Space.

The Craft Club restarts on Saturday 4th January, 10.30am – 12.30pm, so why not come and join this friendly group and maybe learn a new skill (as well as eat cake and chat)? The club will run in the Tally Ho during the cold months.

A while back, a collection was made to put up a plaque in the church to commemorate the work done by Colin Platt in the reordering of the church to become the Community Space as we know it today: our “village hall”.

The plaque requires a faculty (official permission from the Diocesan authorities) and the application has now been submitted. Hopefully there’ll be news of its progress soon. In the meanwhile, the money raised is being held safely, and the stone carver is ready to go when permission is granted.

Pictured here in November 2011, Colin (left) and Rev Nicholas Pearkes check the ground below the pews for any archaeological evidence before work to install underground heating and a new floor begins. Happy memories!