Today was all about preparing for next weeks Wassail. This is the traditional event held to see off any malevolent spirits and ensure a good harvest. Its become a great focal point for the local community and has got ever bigger over the last few years with volunteers and local residents and their families meeting up to sing, drink apple juice and generally make a lot of noise!

We spent our time clearing the orchard space of brambles and any roots that could become a trip hazard. Phil used his Northern Slopes scything skills while the rest of us raked and chopped away with shears.

At the end there was time for a coffee and another installment of the Orchard Book Club. Author of the day was Murakami, with particular mention of his short stories and book about running. To be continued....