Wow, what a fantastic time we had at our Grayshott Community Orchard Quiz Night at the Village
Hall on 17th October. There was a great atmosphere as teams pitted their wits against each other
with team Mulberry
coming out as winners after a tie break, narrowly beating team Damson. The Orchard quiz team worked
incredibly hard in the weeks before and on the night to make the evening such a success, raising
almost
£1900 to help with maintenance costs and the development and educational and events area.
A massive shout-out must go to James, Sarah and Darren from Seymours Estate Agents Grayshott who,
not
only sponsor us financially, but they also turned out on a Friday night to run the bar! They were
absolute stars 🌟.
We would also like to thank all the local businesses and supporters who kindly donated raffle prizes:
Grayshott Pottery, The Bayleaf Grayshott, Champneys (Forest Mere), Hill & Co Home, Love Ruby Nails,
SM Food and Wine, Trish L Liz W, Jenny B, Lizzie H, Catherine S and Deborah P.
Thanks must also go to Stephen, Steve and Vali at the Village Hall who were extremely helpful
throughout. We are so lucky in Grayshott to have such a great facility.
Finally, a huge thank you goes to the teams for entering the quiz and generating such a
brilliant atmosphere. We received so many lovely comments on the night and afterwards which
has made all the effort worthwhile. Thank you all 🍏
Hidden Gardens of Grayshott
We took part for the first time in the Hidden Gardens of Grayshott event over the Bank Holiday
weekend,
and launched
our Tree Adoption Scheme - as well as selling some delicious home-made cakes donated by volunteers.
Many
of the visitors had
come to the Orchard for the first time and were amazed by the progress that has been made.
They were also
impressed with the new information board at the gate opening from the Applegarth path. Huge thanks
go to
Annie Childs for her wonderful design on the permanent panel. A second board at the other gate, next
to
the
Beech allotments, is on our to-do list.
If you would like to help us in the orchard or by Adopting a Tree, please see the Support page🍏
Grand Opening
The big highlights for us in May were the official opening of the orchard by our local MP Greg
Stafford and our first time participation in the Hidden Gardens of Grayshott event. The Chair, Bob
Greggs, paid tribute to the foresight of the man who strived to get the whole idea off (or rather
into) the ground, the late Colin Thompson. He was part of the Grayshott Green Spaces Group and got
us to the
point of finding our green space for an orchard, for the use of and free access
by the whole community of Grayshott. Whilst Colin passed away last summer, it was not before he saw
the orchard finally planted up.
The creation of the orchard was achieved with a great deal of help from the community at large, and
particularly Grayshott Parish Council, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County
Council's Hampshire Forest Partnership. Early funding came from a very generous donation from
the Hidden Gardens of Grayshott team who continue to give much-needed financial support.
Greg Stafford MP presented prizes to the winners of Grayshott Primary School's Poster
Competition. He then cut the ribbon and officially opened the orchard. Then Sebastian, Colin's
grandson, unveiled a plaque in memory of Colin beside a plum, his favourite fruit tree, with
Greg's
assistance🍏
