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Thatchamites enjoy apple day at Nature Discovery Centre




Thatcham residents enjoyed the sunshine while celebrating the autumnal apple harvest at the Nature Discovery Centre at the weekend.

Thatcham’s apple day, which took place on Sunday, centred on the town’s community orchard which is located in a hedged-off area of field next to the centre’s overflow car park.

As well as learning about the orchard, the day also showcased local entertainers, food stalls, craftspeople and charities.

Tim Wale from Tutts Clump
Tim Wale from Tutts Clump

The Nature Discovery Centre’s assistant centre manager and apple day organiser Hazel Fell said: “Overall we were really pleased with how it went and the turnout we received.

“We were so lucky with the weather, and our stallholders did a fantastic job.”

Deputy mayor Mark Lillicrop with Lily (8) and her mum Rachel Rendell
Deputy mayor Mark Lillicrop with Lily (8) and her mum Rachel Rendell

Centre volunteers told people on the day about the work they do tending to the orchard, and there were also chutney making demonstrations as well.

There was a children’s activity tent with apple worksheets to fill out, and the café was selling apple-themed bakes such as flapjacks, biscuits and turnovers, as well as chutney.

Lucy Boulter, Lucy's Candles
Lucy Boulter, Lucy's Candles

Entertainment on the day included a troupe of Morris dancers, storytellers who told apple-related tales to the children, and a harmony choir.

Miss Fell said: “Our aims are to support the environment, support our local community, and support our local businesses.”

The Armaleggan Border Morris group from Oxfordshire performed on the day
The Armaleggan Border Morris group from Oxfordshire performed on the day
The Armaleggan Border Morris group from Oxfordshire performed on the day
The Armaleggan Border Morris group from Oxfordshire performed on the day
The Armaleggan Border Morris group from Oxfordshire performed on the day
The Armaleggan Border Morris group from Oxfordshire performed on the day

She said she hopes to make next year’s apple day bigger and better, with the centre taking on feedback from those who were at the event to improve it for 2023.

She also thanked seasonal site assistant Justine Whitehead for her help in organising the event, and encouraged Thatcham residents to visit the community orchard, which is open to all.



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