​On Tuesday 11th October the BBC put Orchards in the News, with a lovely piece on Community Orchards in general, using National Trust’s Swan Barn as a case study (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63160292).

​The following day we planted an Orchard at Farncombe Community Garden, the first of our Jubilee Community Autumn Orchards, in memory of Queen Elizabeth. A team of 10 eager gardeners put spades in the ground to commence the Garden creation, planting six Heritage pear and apple trees, The Garden is being developed by a team which includes Binscombe Medical Centre (Farncombe Community Garden | binscombe), for well-being. It should be 'just what the doctor ordered' with the benefits it will bring, open to both patients and the wider local community!

​COPSE was involved with two apple-pressing events in September, with the BBC visiting and filming the Community pressing event at Swan Barn on 28th September, spending several hours filming the 19th Century apple scratter-press in action and taking aerial shots of the orchard. This year the event was opened-up to Community Groups in Haslemere. Special thanks to South Downs National Trust staff and volunteers Sarah, Allan and Wally who set things in motion. 

​Earlier on 18th September we helped at Rosamond Garden (www.guildfordcommunitygarden.org.uk) Apple-pressing and family fun day, gaining valuable knowledge before we purchase our own portable press and scratter. 

​COPSE was pleased to have a stand at Surrey Hills Wood Fair, following the passing of our Queen Elizabeth. We were able to show the visitors the orchards we had and were planting in memory of Queen Elizabeth on her Platinum Jubilee Year. With the bumper harvest we could give away lots of ‘Jester’ apples and provide a display of Heritage varieties from Swan Barn Orchard. We made many new contacts at the Fair, including Viking axe-throwers, who shared their fire and Apple-Jack with us on the Saturday night. Special thanks to Wendy Varcoe for organising such a great event (Events | Surrey Hills).