Jolly Miller, Ingall's Pipin, Sleeping Beauty, Prince Edward and a Lord and Lady are now centre stage in Oakington after the community gathered and raised their shovels to double the size of their community orchard this afternoon.

A £1,000 community chest grant from South Cambridgeshire District Council has helped Oakington Parish Council buy 36 more tress to add to their collection of apple, pear, plum, gages and cherries.

The new tress are a selection of local varieties and some from further afield, including festive season inspired Sleeping Beauty and royalist Prince Edward.

Adults were treated to a glass of homemade cider, which in future years could be made from the orchard’s fruit, with children from the village also digging deep to help the extension take root.

The orchard is located at Oakington recreation ground, Queens Way, behind the cemetery.

Cllr Mike Oakley, chairman of Oakington Parish Council, said: “I look forward to people from the parish being able to pick their own fresh fruit rather than having to buy varieties shipped in from the Antipodes to the detriment of the earth's resources.

"My thanks to South Cambridgeshire District Council for providing this possibility as it was fantastic to see lots of villagers coming together to help plant these trees. In a few years they will have a chance to reap the fruits of their labour.”

Cllr Tim Wotherspoon, local member for Oakington on SCDC, said: “Planting the trees is a really exciting step for us and I cannot wait for us to be able to really enjoy all this fruit.

"A community orchard is a great way to bring people together and leave a lasting legacy for our children to enjoy as well.  I would encourage other community groups and parish councils to also apply for a community chest grant to help them make a purchase or carry out a project.

"The funding has already helped a huge number of people – you could be the next to benefit.”

So far this year South Cambridgeshire District Council has awarded £60,000 through its community chest grant scheme.  Due to the success of the scheme, an extra £10,000 was recently added to the pot to help voluntary and community sector groups, charities and parish councils wishing to improve the quality of life for residents in the district.

Applications for remaining funding must be submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council by Wednesday 14 January.  For full details about the fund and guidance on eligibility, visit the grants page on the SCDC webiste.

Contact South Cambridgeshire District Council

          T  03450 450 500
          F  01954 713 149
          E  scdc@scambs.gov.uk
          T  @SouthCambs
          W www.scambs.gov.uk

Your local District and County Councillors

          District Council  List of all councillors
          County Council  List of all councillors

▲