Despite the inclement weather and shortage of apples this year, the event went off as planned.  The demonstration table processed 180lb of washed apples, producing 7 gallons of juice, over 3 hours.  We were well fortified with a constant supply of sausages from the BBQ run by Andy Freeman.

When the sun came out, there were plenty of visitors happy to help extract juice, sample the wares, and enjoy the BBQ.  There was a lively interest in the process, so it is planned to repeat the event next year.  There may even be some samples of the cider produced from the juice extracted yesterday.

Thanks to Andy, Sarah Edmondson, Sally and Kieran Kerin, for ignoring the rain and making the event such a success.

We are also grateful to Faversham Homebrew for the loan of the second press, made available for other allotment holders to press their own juice.

This concentrated on completing the clear up of the orchard area ready for the October bonfire, plus planting of wild flower areas in the main drive.  Thanks to Sally and Kieran Kerin, Adrian Ferrell, Andy Freeman, Marion Ripley, Noel Perkins, Louise Lees, Margaret Law, Bob Gomes and Isabel, and John Gould.  The work party was great fun and made an enormous contribution to improving the site.

GRAND AUTUMN CLEARUP 16TH OCTOBER 10-12.30
The next work party is to take advantage of the bonfire.  Please join us for a final clear up of the site.

The next work party will be on Sunday September 18th from 10am to 12.30pm

This will concentrate on completing the clear up of the orchard area ready for the October bonfire.

Work parties are great fun and improve the site for a few hours work.  Please join us if you can.  If you are interested let Paul Edmondson know so he can email more details near the time, but feel free to turn up on the day with shears, saws, rakes and barrows.

Rent notices have been prepared and distributed by hand to ensure they are received.

As noted in the last update, rents will be due on 9th October, based on £3.50 per rod, as agreed with FTC.   A copy of the current Tenancy Agreement will included with the notice this year.

You will be asked to complete the tear off form and enclose this with your payment, plus an SAE if a receipt is required.

The Apple Day and picnic will be held on Sunday 9th October.  At present, it is planned that two table presses will be available plus a scratter to mince the sliced apples ready for pressing.  As this is a new venture, we have no idea how many people will participate, so if you are thinking of juicing this year, please let Paul Edmondson know, so we have an idea of numbers.

There will be a fully detailed poster nearer the time, but you will be expected to collect and wash the apples, then bring them together with containers for the juice. The fruit will be cut up on tables, passed through the scratter, then pressed.

Meanwhile, a picnic and social for the spectators.

On hearing of plans for a trial system, Cllr Ben Martin offered a water pump and hoses to compliment the storage tank previously donated.  This was handed over to Peter Hill and Trevor Foster, who are setting up the trial.

Ben has since arranged for Parker Building Supplis to donate constuction masterials.

The members of the group, Claire Belsom (Chair), Ted Wilcox, Ben Martin, and Peter Flower, spent over two hours touring the site on Saturday 20th August.  They showed great interest in the site, the improvements that have been made, those that are in process and proposed for the future. They now have some familiarity with the site, and an in depth understanding of the challenges associated with maintaining our unique environment.

We have been promised support and assistance.   Help has been given with the planning permissions for the new fences and tree management, including providing the planning fees.