TWO new trees have been planted at Crosstown Community Orchard to commemorate the centenary of the Cheshire Federation of the Women’s Institute.

The Cheshire Federation of the WI was formed in 1920 and celebrated its 100-year birthday in 2020 encouraging the Cheshire WI groups to plant trees in their local community, but due to the pandemic celebrations were curtailed.

June Sherliker, president of Crosstown WI, said said “Crosstown WI was pleased to celebrate the centenary of the Cheshire Federation of WIs by donating two trees to the new Crosstown Community Orchard.”

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The ladies planted a sweet chestnut and common walnut.

June Sherliker, presidents of Crosstown WI plants a sweet chestnut

June Sherliker, president of Crosstown WI plants a sweet chestnut

The orchard was planted in February 2021 and features 38 fruit trees alongside wild harvest crops such as crab apple and hazelnut.

Adam Keppel-Green, chairman of Crosstown Community Orchard, said “One of our aims in creating the orchard was for it to be a hub for the local community so we were delighted when the Cross Town WI wanted to forge a link and plant two trees to celebrate their centenary."

The orchard on Mobberley Road is cared for and shared by the community and is open to the public every day.

The orchard will be hosting its first Wassail event on January 15 with music, morris dancing and cider.