New orchard at the core of Thatcham community

A Greengage, was planted during the annual Apple Day celebrations on Sunday, by former town mayor Jenny Quince, whose idea it was to have fruit trees in the town for free public consumption.
The planting was followed by Kennet Morris Men performing a wassail ceremony, an ancient celebration to awaken the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit.
Apple Day is one of the main events of the annual Thatcham Festival of Arts and Leisure, and activities included a climbing tower, a bouncy castle, pond dipping, a bird of prey display and traditional crafts and hands-on demonstrations.
For more on this years festival, see this week's Newbury Weekly New.