The ancient art of apple growing was the subject of the talk given by Thomas Froggatt, secretary of the Marcher Apple Network, to the members of the Narberth Probus Club at their meeting on May 31. Tom, the son of a Shropshire farming family, retired from the world of banking in 1989, and being aware of the danger of losing many specimen of apple, joined with like-minded folk in forming the Marcher Apple Network to prevent many varieties from becoming extinct. Today, Tom said, that with the power of the supermarket demanding standardisation, it was inevitable that unless someone stepped in to save them, many varieties would be lost. The Marcher Network concentrates upon the preservation of the individuality and flavours of the old varieties, such as the Hereford Costard, from which comes the name 'Costermonger' and Sam's Crab, Saint Cecilia and Crimson Qoining, helping to establish the character of the locality. Tom emphasised the importance of rescuing the fascinating variety of apple and pears, many with a long history and most greatly prized by our forebears, before the dead hand of bureaucracy stifled the initiative. Explaining his obvious enthusiasm for the work, he said that it stemmed from his early days on the family farm and his father's knowledge of apple husbandry. Tom's knowledge is as wide as the story of the apple which came from the Caucasians via the Silk Road to the West. Virgil grafted and budded apples using much the same tools in use today. Almost a lost art in the dark ages, they were saved by the Monastic Orders and became an integral part of a monastry garden. In thanking Tom Froggatt for coming all the way from Ludlow Probus, with which Narberth is twinned, the president said how delighted the club was not only to welcome him but also Peter Pryke who had come along to keep Tom company. John Gibbin, Narberth's president, reminded the members that the next talk was to be given by Nikki Bosworth, the county archivist from Haverfordwest Record Office. Miss Bosworth's talk is to be, sex and scandal in the archives.
