The Oxhill News

This months News

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WOT2Grow - Community Orchard

Things are still looking good at the orchard and most of the trees have shed their leaves which means we can see the outlines and assess what pruning, if any, needs to be done this winter.  The other tasks are under way and we are well ahead of schedule at present due to the weather conditions – the mowing team are still looking at the grass which is continuing to grow rather rapidly!

Instead of regular sessions we are scheduling days when everyone can tackle as many tasks as possible and try to complete them in just a few sessions, but it will be weather dependant! One of the first tasks is to plant more willow “fedge” (a fence/hedge) to protect the nectarines and peaches. These living willow structures can be kept at an appropriate height to deflect the wind which blows strongly across the orchard.

In January we will be holding a Wassail on Saturday January 17^th starting at 4:30pm. This is a tradition in the orchards of England to bring health and a good harvest in the coming year. We will begin with Kineton Scouts cooking sausages and burgers, as part their fund raising activities, and then we will follow the Master of Ceremonies round the orchard, banging drums and pans and singing verses including special Tysoe verses written for the orchard. Following this there will be hot mulled drinks of cider and apple juice.

We are creating our own tradition which we hope will become part of the orchard's regular events. Do come along and join us – bring torches and something to bang to make a noise!

For information about the orchard or the Wassail contact one of the team.

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Last modified: December 05, 2014