Busy, Busy, Busy….

Our cider workers have been successful, carpenters fulfilled and sponsors delighted. All this and a new community orchard just on the horizon!

Coneygree Work Parties

Another 3 working parties and we have a very presentable public orchard. As previewed in the last ECN, we now have a bench for people to appreciate the tranquillity of our orchard. The bench had it’s official opening on 14th May by Gill Rodgers, past Chair of Stonehouse Rotary. We had to test it after installation, of course – it’s very heavy stuff, oak.

We have also made walking areas to allow visitors to stand by the display boards (in stylish ECO diamond format). The first of these is in place at the top of the orchard, thanks to carpentry by Bart and Tom.

Inn Cider makes a hit at the Badger

In our second season of making cider, we tried out our (very dry) brew at the Badger’s Cider and Beer Festival. After the festival it was on sale on the main pumps – what an accolade! (See the Badger feature page!)

You can buy your own supply by contacting Tom on 823425, either in bottles or 10 or 20 litre Party Packs (that’s 17 or 34 pints in old money).  We will also be selling draught cider at the Duck Races again, worked well last year.

By the way, if you like Strongbow, you won’t like Inn Cider – it’s a classic Gloucester dry, strong, still brew.

Brownings Community Orchard – very soon

Watch out in the next ECN for coverage of the new community orchard behind the Kings Head. This used to be the orchard that supplied the Kings Head with cider and perry, in the days when you couldn’t drink the local water. We are leasing it from Cottsway Housing, whose seven houses stand behind the Kings Head.

There is a very considerable amount of bramble clearance and hedge pruning to be done but we will be advertising work parties very soon. Sitting just 100 yards from Alkerton Cross, there is plenty of opportunity for folks in the middle of the village to get stuck right in!

Find us on Facebook or www.ecogroup.me  

Tom Low | ECO Group | 823425

You may hardly notice that the grass is under control, the fruit cage roof is in place for the summer and the spring flowerbeds are just waiting to pop. That’s what ECO volunteers do, having healthy exercise in the fresh air, for free.  

Think about it next time you pay your gym fees?

Ring Kevin on 827401 or Tom on 823425