Paddlers' Apple
Limpsfield Community Orchard
November 2021
Planted by Christine Norris and Dave Exall
Those of us at Tandridge Canoe & Kayak Club (TCKC) who shared good times with Paul wanted to be involved with the Plant4Paul project. A fruit tree that will keep on giving, year after year seemed the perfect choice for Paul, who had such an impact on many people during his life.
Paul had enjoyed playing canoe polo during his teenage years in Oxted. One of TCKC's members, Ian, is a volunteer with Limpsfield Community Orchard and suggested that we contact Helen Ellson. Helen's son is a fruit tree expert and he created Paul's tree. He chose a Red Falstaff dessert apple. A sport from Falstaff AGM (1986) was bred from James Grieve x Golden Delicious was grafted onto MM106 rootstock in early Spring 2021. Helen explained that this root stock is tolerant of many soil conditions and will ensure that the mature tree remains a manageable size. The fruit of the Red Falstaff has a sweet refreshing flavour, crisp texture and bright ruby red skin. It is picked from September to October and the apples store well until January.
Paul's tiny tree was planted in the LCCO in November 2021 by Christine Norris and Dave Exall under the guidance of Helen and husband Philip Ellson, who had expertly prepared the ground. Ann Osborn and Sophie Martin from Limpsfield Parish Council were also present as they are taking the lead in bringing this delightful but neglected orchard back to life. The tree should bear its first apples in 2025 or 2026. We look forward to watching it flourish.