A note from the editor

Over the past year, we’ve made slow progress creating an orchard in an unused area of our garden. In late summer, we selected a variety of fruit trees that are being delivered in December. As we eagerly await their arrival, we are busy preparing the ground for planting. It’s been a fascinating journey of discovery. On the advice of The Good Life columnist Sally Coulthard, we researched local and heritage varieties and have learned much from specialist suppliers about growing, picking and storing fruit. Soon we’ll be putting the theory into practice and hopefully supping our own cider in the years to come!

Orchards were a familiar feature of the British countryside until the 1950s, when mass-produced fruit arrived in our supermarkets. I was reminded of this when I read Cider with Polly (page 60). This story reveals how Polly Hilton (below left) started fostering abandoned orchards in Devon when she discovered that only ten per cent remained in the county. After several challenging years, Polly eventually created a profitable high-end cider business. She is living proof that supporting the old rites and rhythms of the countryside can pay off on many levels.

Keeping forgotten crafts alive is something I take seriously, which is why Key Workers (page 114) is my other highlight in this issue. It tells the story of Cavendish Pianos, a specialist business in the Yorkshire Dales. Piano-making is a rare skill and Cavendish is one of the last of its kind. The team of artisans is highly skilled and incredibly proud of their craft.

Long may they – and others – continue to keep our Great British traditions alive.