Marlborough communal orchard will be a lasting reminder of Queen’s Jubilee (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Marlborough communal orchard will be a lasting reminder of Queen’s Jubilee
10:00am Sunday 28th October 2012 in News
Members of Marlborough Rugby Club and its minis section helped with the planting
When the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year is just a distant memory, one fruitful scheme launched in Marlborough this weekend should be a lasting memorial to the many events seen in the area to mark the anniversary.
Sunday saw the planting of the Diamond Plantation of fruit trees on The Common close to the Hyde Lane junction and backing onto St John’s Close homes.
More than 100 people went along to watch the first dozen saplings of old Wiltshire apple varieties being planted in a diamond formation.
They were welcomed by Philippa Davenport, chairman of Marlborough Community Orchard group that has been planting communal fruit trees around the town, including the Priory Gardens, Waitrose car park and St Mary’s churchyard.
This was the start of a dedicated plantation of fruit trees with the first 12 forming a diamond shape.
The Mayor, Edwina Fogg, planted the first tree followed by others planted by representatives of local organisations including St Mary’s Under Fives, Marlborough College, St John’s School, Marlborough Churches Together; Marlborough Transition Town; the Brandt Group; Gardening Association; Football Club and the Rugby Club.
One tree was planted in memory of the late Helene Bailey by her family.
The trees were of old Wiltshire apple varieties including Mary Barnett; Corsley Pippin, Bedwyn Beauty, Wiltshire Monster, Dredge’s Fame; Chorister Boy, Roundway Magnum Bonum and Burn’s seedling.
On National Apple Day, November 25, more fruit trees including plum, damson, quince, medlar and pear, will be planted at the four points of the diamond.
On Sunday, piper Neil Moore from Marlborough College led a procession from St Mary’s Church to the Common for the planting ceremony.
Ms Davenport said it was the first time the community orchard group had planted a complete collection of the old Wiltshire varieties of apple tree.
“These are varieties we are saving for posterity,” said Ms Davenport, who thanked the town council for providing the site for the Diamond Plantation, the council staff for digging the holes for the trees and the organisations who sponsored the trees.
She added: “This a wonderful way to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year and the wonderful community spirit here.”
