A DOUBLE anniversary celebration was held at Carhampton Community Orchard on Saturday – it was the orchard’s 21st birthday and 30 years since the start of the village campaign that saved the site from building development.

Carhampton’s own village band entertained the crowd, then – as at the very first opening event 21 years ago – picnickers joined in with folk dances on the grass.

Keith Jones was one of the original campaigners to save the site – he even wrote a song for the campaign – and has remained actively involved ever since.

“Had it not been for the joint action of villagers back in 1989, this might be the site of Saint Carantoc Filling Station, or we might now be in Apple Tart Crescent, Cider View, Bramley Pip or … Dungrowin,” he reminded picnickers in his anniversary speech.

As it is, the orchard is a green haven of peace at the centre of the village, as well as a productive source of more than 35 traditional varieties of apples, a registered Wildlife Site and a registered Community Asset.

It is also a valuable source of learning for anyone interested in growing traditional apples themselves, with every tree labelled with details of its history, flavour, disease resistance and culinary uses.

The orchard, opposite Carhampton Stores, is open all year round – except when the sheep are in residence! – with picnic tables and a bench, all donated by villagers for visitors to enjoy.