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reflection and we’re all encouraged to come and pick the fruit. But Peter says few visit and some don’t even know that it’s there: “It’s such a unique place with a rich history and outstanding views, it’s like a listed building – only natural. You would think it would be busier. We try and encourage people onto the site with yearly events like the Autumn Apple Pressing. That usually attracts 70 to 80.” Peter says it’s quite hard work getting ready for the event. They have to collect apples in advance, then on the day wash and chop them and create the pulp, which is then pressed. The juice is put into bottles and handed out for donations; they also give some to the food bank. In an effort to drum up more support and attention the team has had a stall at the Food Festival these past two years. Children are invited to press apples and taste the results. Peter, who has a weakness for 1960s and 70s pop and country music, lives so close to the orchard he can almost keep an eye on it


from his bedroom window. “It helps that I can just pop across the road, but it does make it hard to switch off from it. My wife would say I’m too involved! There is quite a bit to do though, coordinating the efforts of the group. We hold meetings every two months, help organise community events and working parties and try very


on the role of chair of governors at the academy and Peter joined the Dartmouth and Kingswear Society and the Rotary Club before taking an interest in the orchard. The orchard took a bit of a


hard to get more people actively involved.” Peter’s past job may have helped with his personnel skills as he’s a retired management consultant and spent years helping organisations manage their people. He still worked part time when he and wife Mary moved to Dartmouth 12 years ago. Mary took


beating during the recent storms. The winds caused a few trees to topple. Unfortunately one or two were beyond help but the team is recycling wood from trees that were cut down last year to make props to keep the other casualties upright. Peter says some of these trees are 60 or 70 years old so they find it hard to give up on them. The Friends try and plant new saplings every year on a rolling programme. 12 went in over the winter. A lot of the work is paid for by the Town Council but donations and grants from organisations like the Lottery all help. Recent grants paid for the new shelter, which now has information boards about the orchard and its history. If you want to help ring 01803 833204


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