Last Saturday, 11th October was the first of our “for The Hands” events. It was a great success with over 25 people in attendance eager to learn how to start their own orchard. Monica Fleming gave an excellent overview on species, choosing a site, planting and pruning and we all got to sample some of her wonderful preserves, jams and pickles.

In the garden of Mullins Mill we planted a heritage apple tree, “Honey Ball”, an original Kilkenny variety, supplied by the wonderful Irish Seed Savers organisation. Many thanks to Xavier who manned the traditional apple press, provided by Camphill kyle, and, after a couple of false starts, pressed some juice for us all to drink afterwards.

Friends were made, skills were shared and people are going to start their own orchards. This is the essence of the transition process – building a sense of community and putting in place local resilience. Who knows, in five years time, when the first apples are ripening, we might look back on this day as the day when our “Great Re-skilling” began.

It was a wonderful day. Thanks to all who attended.