Current page: http://www.madeleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/print/env-prchard.html

Community Orchard

Historical Background

The Reverend John Bartlett MA - after whom the orchard is named - was vicar of Buildwas from 1822 to 1861. He lived at Upper House in the 1820s before moving to a house he had built in Ironbridge.

He owned 122 acres in Madeley parish by 1849 and was a huge local benefactor. He founded the parochial infant school in Madeley in 1829.

His constant desire to alleviate the temporal wants of others was only exceeded by his concern for their spiritual welfare.

He was married to the daughter of William Reynolds of the Ironmasters family.

It seems reasonable to suppose that his widow, Susannah, set up the charity over the next two years. The charity was founded 1863 with a donation of land and some income.

'Your pleasure is our intent - touch the leaves, enjoy the scent.'

Progress Report - Achievements

Visits to schools and families groups by project worker
Networking links established with users, other projects, etc
Visitors include Mark Ecclestone (Lawley Community Group), Gillian SBPC, Sara Bellis SWT, Mary Rickards HT. Other visitors were Julie Lloyd (Woodside), Judy Lewis (Sutton Hill)
Probationers continue regular monthly work sessions
Green Gym continue to be involved
Regular weekly volunteer work days
Health and Safety booklet produced for volunteers
Volunteers training/outing to Hall Farm Nursery
Seed sowing workshops held for young mums and children on Woodside and Sutton Hill
More planting - trees, fruit bushes, vegetables
Groups take on small demonstration plots - contact/info' booklet produced
Local residents leafleted
Orchard used by Rainbows and Brownies
Spring into Summer event held
Composting toilet installed
Mains water piping laid
Mini-Marquee and trestle tables purchased
Completion of disabled access and pathway improvements
Re-installation of Victorian fencing
Commissioning of information boards