The following articles appeared in the May and August editions of the Weaverham News.

May 2016

If you have visited Thorn Wood recently you will be aware that there are now 43 saplings growing in our new orchard. Our volunteers are keeping the orchard clean and tidy, but picking up other people’s rubbish is an unpleasant job. We would like to thank the many walkers who do not throw litter and the majority of dog owners who clean up after their pets. We eventually hope to plant about 140 trees and provide seating and picnic benches as well as an interpretation board and a notice board. We would like to thank the Parish Council, our three CWAC councillors and Co-op Funeralcare for their recent generous donations as well as the many individual sponsors who are helping to make this project possible. On Monday, 12th September at 2.00p.m. there will be a short service of dedication of the orchard in memory of all those who fought in two World Wars and in more recent conflicts, particularly those who were killed or injured, and we hope that many of you will attend. If you wish to support our project in any way please contact me – e-mail: orchard@weaverham.org.uk Tel: 851578. Web address: orchard.weaverham.org.uk

Tina Johnson

August 2016

Assuming that you receive the Weaverham News in time, I would like to remind you that on Monday, 12th September at 2.00p.m. there will be a short Service of Dedication and Remembrance at the Memorial Orchard which is in Thorn Wood, Northwich Rd, between Weaverham and Hartford  We hope to see you there, but please be aware that parking is limited. This seems an ideal time to remind you of our aims which are:

• To establish an orchard in memory of all those who fought in two World Wars and in more recent conflicts.
• To commemorate the centenary of the First World War.
• To save the Wareham Russet apple tree from extinction and to grow it alongside other Cheshire heritage fruit trees.
• To plant additional pocket orchards of Wareham Russet apple trees in the locality.
• To provide an amenity for Weaverham, Hartford and neighbouring communiities.
• To facilitate educational visits and social events.

This summer we have been pulling ragwort from the orchard area. We have also planted more Cheshire Heritage apple tree saplings (including Wareham Russets – our own village tree) and provided two Wareham Russet saplings to the Weaverham Trust for the Bottom Pitch. We hope that, next year, we will be able to supply Wareham Russet saplings to many of those who have indicated that they wish to buy them for their own gardens. We are grateful to all our sponsors and hardworking volunteers. If you wish to support our project in any way please contact me – e-mail: orchard@weaverham.org.uk Tel: 851578. Web address: orchard.weaverham.org.uk

Tina Johnson