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Following on from "The story so far," work was recommenced in Autumn 2005. The mechanical digger moved in and cleared soil so that the pathways could be laid. These were finished just in time for Christmas. The two bridges (see photos) and the boardwalk were also finished.
A load of topsoil was bought with a view to spreading and levelling it over the front access area - sixteen tons of soil had to be dealt with while it was still dry! We just finished as the rain set in. Unknown to us, the soil was full of poppy seeds, which made a bright splash of colour later in the year.
Some schoolchildren from the local primary school helped to plant 1000 snowdrops which we bought as a job lot. They have been pestering us ever since to know when they are going to see them come up.
Other Winter work included a lot more clearance, tidying up the hedge on the road frontage, and the renovation of the dip well by a local builder, who donated his time for free. Two more picnic benches, three young trees, and a memorial bench have been installed.
Our outstanding success has been the Opening Ceremony, with fantastic weather, a turnout of well over 150 people, and the official opening being carried out by our local M.P. Andrew Lansley. Free Bucks Fizz and strawberries and cream were served to all, and there were barbequed sausages for those with an appetite. A Teddy Bear Hunt was arranged for the youngsters. It was wonderful to see a complete cross section of the community there, from people in wheelchairs right down to tiny children. The Orchard is now well on the map and seems to be much appreciated by all the village. A lot of people have tasted the well water and claim it is far better than tap water.
The local primary school are very enthusiastic over the Orchard as a teaching facility within walking distance of the school and have already used it on three occasions. A leaving party for one of the teachers is going to be held there.
All our project outputs have been met now, apart from the information board on the frontage, and the schools information paperwork. Both these are being held up until we have seen through a full season at the Orchard, so that we know what plants and animals will be there.
There will always be a lot of maintenance work to be done, but all the pioneering is now complete. It is a good feeling! Our opening ceremony was so successful that it might have to be repeated as an Open Day each year. A large number of village people took the opportunity to socialise with others who were also interested in the project and in similar topics, and it could be a good opportunity to recruit more help as and when the need arises.
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