Better late than never for Newburgh plum market
The first of this season's Newburgh plum markets takes place in the town on Saturday.
Orchard group members at the 2004 fayre.
- By Gordon Berry
- Published in the Courier : 25.08.10
- Published online : 25.08.10 @ 08.41pm
The sell-out events are run annually but this year they are late due to recent cooler, wetter weather.
Paul Dodman of Newburgh Orchard Group said there won't be enough fruit to satisfy the usual first-day demand and the market is likely to sell out by mid-morning.
He said people from outside the immediate neighbourhood should wait until the market of Saturday, September 4, when more ripe fruit will be for sale.
The group looks to encourage people who have fruit trees in their gardens to look after them so that the 900-year-old heritage of fruit-growing in Newburgh will continue and develop. Its activities help preserve the fruit-growing heritage which was begun by the monks of Lindores Abbey in the 12th century.
It also organises demonstrations of tree pruning and fruit recipes, and has worked with primary schools to introduce children to fruit and fruit-growing.
Work was also done with Fife Council to establish a community orchard of 80 fruit trees next to Newburgh Primary School.
The involvement with schools aims to develop an interest in fruit growing in the young, and through their influence get their parents on board, as well as encouraging healthy eating and reducing food miles.
Newburgh Orchard Group was set up as an offshoot of the town's local history society.
Saturday's market will run from 9.30am till noon at St Katharine's Court in the centre of the town.
For more information, visit www.newburghorchards.org.uk
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