The annual Apple Day celebrations held in the orchard, next to the site of the old station at West Grinstead off the A272 was on October 3rd this year. Despite a terrible weather forecast, the remains of a hurricane was due, the event was well attended.

The woodlanders had to alter our display on the day so we could all work under cover, even though we are hardy sorts it is not much fun being soaked. However one or two of us did get an early shower from the rain which collected on roof of the shelter.

We well were all hard at work making either besom brooms, bird feeders, the normal ones for peanuts or a new sort made to spike an apple on. Despite the weather our sales team did a good job and we took almost as much as last year.

It was an very enjoyable day as we able to try various apples and apple products, including cider made in the Sussex village of Maplehurst and apple wine made by monks in nearby St Hugh's, the Carthusian monastery at nearby Parkminster. St Hughs Charter House in Cowfold.

- by Chris Burchell Colins