Move over Granny Smith – Granny Shan has arrived

The Newbury apple tree, called Granny Shan after Shannon Carr of Queens Road, has been propagated as part of the orchard-planting project by the Grow Newbury Green group.
The group’s community orchard steering group planted seven varieties of English apple trees recently in Barn Crescent Community Orchard, including the Granny Shan.
Local residents were invited to join in the planting and several families did so, some of them planting trees in memory of loved ones.
The trees were jointly sponsored by local community members and by Newbury Town Council.
A member of the group, Tony Hammond, said: “We’re really pleased with how the local residents have become involved with this project.” Refering to another earlier planting of trees, Mr Hammond said: “The existing trees are doing well, and one elderly resident commented how much she enjoyed the apple blossom in the spring.”
Mrs Carr discovered the apple tree growing in her garden and, when she tried to find its variety, she was unable to indentify it from guidebooks.
Eventually she sought the help of horticultural experts who advised her that it appeared to be a new variety, and encouraged her to give it a name.
Mrs Carr took grafts from it and seedlings were planted in the community orchard.
She said: “The tree is really ancient and won’t go on for ever. It was coming to the end of its life and I was curious to find out what it was, but never expected to have it named after me.
“The only way to ensure its survival was to take grafts.”
A spokeswoman for the group, Ceinwen Lally, said: “We’re hoping to continue planting community orchards elsewhere in Newbury. One of the really nice things about the planting was that local people came forward and sponsored trees. It really helps keep the momentum going.”
If you wish to sponsor a tree or make a donation email Martha Vickers at