John Disney tribute highlights Blossom Day

Despite doleful warnings of wet weather, the sun shone brightly on Blossom Day activities in the Community Orchard at Lynsted on Sunday 26^th April. Upwards of 170 local people enjoyed picnicking under the magnificent, blossom-clad trees in the traditional orchard, while new-born lambs gambolled closeby.  The sylvan tones of the Sittingbourne Wind Ensemble once again echoed through the boughs, and the children of Lynsted and Norton School skilfully wove their magical patterns around the maypole.  Gavin Maclennan led groups of interested visitors through the orchard for his popular, fact-packed ‘tours’.  The provision of Lynsted with Kingsdown Society’s own ‘Lynsted Blend’ of tea reinforced the local flavour of the event.

A more serious note was struck when a memorial to the late, and greatly missed, John Disney was unveiled.  Cllr. Frank Champion, chairman of Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council, explained how it was thought appropriate to site the carved oak bench in the Community Orchard, since John had so enjoyed helping to create the facility. He then introduced the Mayor of Swale, Cllr. Alan Willicombe, who paid tribute to the tremendous amount of work that John had put into the Borough, and referred to the high regard and affection in which John had been held.  Cllr. Willicombe then formally dedicated the bench, in the presence of Mrs Marlene Disney and her sons,  the Mayoress, Cllr Jean Willicombe, ward councillor Trevor Fentiman, Jason Harris who, created the bench, Alison Thompson, representing English Rural Housing, who had donated the bench, and many individuals from Swale Borough Council and the Parish.  

The organisers were very pleased that this, the first event arranged by the Park Farm Community Cherry Orchard Group in its new guise of a community organisation now independent of the Parish Council, went off so well. Readers may wish to note that Cherry Day, also in the Orchard, will be held on Sunday 12^th July, where a main feature will be ‘pick your own’ ripe cherries. On the evening before Cherry Day, the Detling Singers will be presenting a programme of readings and song on an orchard theme. See the separate notice.

As ever, grateful thanks are due to Orchard owners, Pip and Sue Neaves for their continued support.  As chairman of the Group’s Steering Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped to make this event such a success.  For more information about the Orchard, phone 521 515, or visit www.lynsted-orchard.org.uk.

Bob Baxter.