Looking Back....The Prince and the Orchard
On Tuesday 19th March,1996 the village of Old Cleeve was honoured by a visit from HRH The Prince of Wales - this is the story of how it came about.
In the centre of the village of Old Cleeve there lies an orchard which meanders for a surprising distance behind many of the cottages. On the south east corner there is the ancient medieval wall known as the Pillory Wall. It is partly this blend of buildings and open spaces that make Old Cleeve the attractive village it is. In 1990 amid great controversy planning permission was granted to the Crown Estate Commissioners to develop this land as the site for a number of modern dwellings and to breach the ancient wall to gain access. This planning permission came up for renewal in 1995 and final arrangements were in place for the development to begin.
Jeanne Webb wife of one of St. Andrew's churchwardens Tim, and champion of all to do with the life and well-being of the village, hit on one last idea that might save the orchard from the bulldozers. On 23rd October, 1995 she wrote to H.R.H The Prince of Wales asking for his help. She stated "it appears to us that it matters to him when ancient stones are threatened". She received the reply by return of post saying that the matter had been passed to the Crown Estate Commissioners. On 6th November news came that the application to demolish the wall had been withdrawn and the whole plan was being reconsidered. Jeanne swiftly wrote a letter of thanks for the reprieve of the wall and a second letter was received from the Prince stating that "he was delighted to help in some small way" and ending that he sent his best wishes. Jeanne then sent a further letter to the Crown Estate setting out ideas as to how the orchard might be preserved as a green space for the village with proper public access and a management committee working with the Parish and District Councils. On 13th November a letter arrived which answered the hopes and prayers of all who had opposed the sacrifice of the orchard. The letter stated that following due consideration the Crown Estate would not now proceed with housing development on the land, but would instead enter into discussions in order to determine how best the land could be used to benefit the community.
A period of discussion followed and a management committee was formed. Eventually an agreement was drafted setting out the terms for the use of the orchard as a village amenity. The Prince of Wales asked if he could come and witness the signing of the agreement .
The morning of Tuesday 19th of March dawned misty and grey. The Prince had to travel up by car as the weather was unsuitable for the helicopter. Children from local schools, villagers, residents from Old Cleeve House and other well wishers lined the road and there was a palpable air of excitement.
The Prince duly arrived and visited the church room and spent some time in St.Andrew's Church before walking along the village street to the Lysaght Hall for the signing - chatting with the crowd as he went. Following the signing he planted a cider apple tree in the orchard, to mark the visit; while the crowds of local school children cheered him on. As the weather had brightened he was then able to depart by helicopter from Binham Farm, circling and waving before departing to his next appointment.
It was a truly exciting occasion and many have their own anecdotes of the day (some of which have already entered into local folklore, but could not possibly be repeated here) - maybe the thirty year rule should apply!