Memorial trees planted at Steyning orchard

Valerie Cable plants a tree in memory of Mabel and Frank Cable SR1522314

All three are Sussex heritage apple varieties and a tree planting ceremony took place at Memorial Playing Field on Saturday.

Bob Platt, from the orchard team, said: “The three trees have been donated in memory of loved ones. This brings the total number of new trees to seven. They have all been sponsored by Steyning residents, who have made generous donations to the cost of trees, posts, fencing and future maintenance.”

Valerie Cable planted a variety called Dr Hogg in memory of her parents, Mable and Frank Cable.

Jan Whittle with a tree planted in memory of her husband Leonard SR1522319

This apple was first grown by the head gardener of Leonardslee and named after Robert Hogg, a celebrated Victorian apple expert. He described it as ‘a first-rate baking apple’.

Joyce Sleight planted a Duck’s Bill tree in memory of her husband, Geoff,

Bob said: “This variety was introduced by Fred Streeter, who was head gardener at Petworth House in 1937. The name comes from the distinctively ribbed and flat-sided shape.”

The third tree was a Forge, planted by Jan Whittle in memory of her husband, Leonard.

Joyce Sleight, centre,watches as the tree in her husband's memory is put in place SR1522310

“It originated either at Forge Farm or near the old iron forges around East Grinstead,” explained Bob.

“It was well known when Robert Hogg first described it in 1851. He described it as ‘a great and constant bearer’.”

The orchard team thanked the trio for donating the trees, as well as the ‘post bashers’ who put in 16 chestnut posts to support them.

The annual Apple Day will be held at the Steyning orchard on Saturday, October 3, from 1pm to 4pm.

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