Thursday 14 December 2017

Christmas Wreath Workshop Saturday 16th December


This Saturday we have a Christmas wreath workshop here at The Orchard Tea Room, Wisbech.

Your tutor is qualified florist Mel Tomlinson who will demonstrate how to make your own wreath and guide you through the process as you make your own. All materials are included in the price which includes coffee, or tea, and mince pies.

Price £18 ~ Proceeds go to The Sunshine Centre for Therapeutic Riding

Tickets are via Paypal mel@meltomlinsonequestrian.co.uk selecting friends & family option and put your name in the comments section.

Further details or to ask a question please visit The Sunshine Centre for Therapeutic Riding FB page


Sunday 1 October 2017

Art at The Orchard ~ Happy Apples A Print Exhibition by Julie Parker ~ October 2017


We're absolutely delighted to welcome illustrator Julie Parker back to The Orchard with a brand new print exhibition "Happy Apples".

Julie has been having annual exhibitions here at The Orchard since 2014. In fact Julie Parker was the very first artist to exhibit her art in our tea room and we love to see her quirky characters decorating our walls.

Open 10-4 daily throughout October

Happy Apples
A Print Exhibition
By Illustrator Julie Parker 

The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN


Monday 7 August 2017

Apple Strudel from Austria ~ Recipe


We're happy to share this genuine Austrian family recipe for apple strudel given to us by one of our lovely customers:

Dough:

7ozs sifted flour
1 egg lightly beaten
1 tablespoon oil
Pinch of salt
Roughly 3ozs (1/3 cup) of water

Knead until silky, let rest for 30 minutes, roll out SUPER THIN.

Filling:

Mix
6 apples chopped
Cinnamon & sugar
Raisins

Put cloth on work surface
Baste dough with melted butter
Cover 2/3 of dough with apple filling & roll into strudle
Fold sides of dough over filling put rolled apple strudel into a casserole dish, baste with melted butter again & bake on 200 deg C for 10 minutes

Mix 1/8L milk with vanilla sugar & pour over apple strudel ~ back into oven for 19 minutes.

EAT WARM !


Tuesday 27 June 2017

Art at The Orchard interview with photographers Gail & Ian Edrupt of Edrupt Photography



We're delighted that Gail and Ian of Edrupt Photography have agreed to do a little interview for the blog, they're exhibiting a range of their photographs here at The Orchard this June.

Please tell us a bit about yourselves Gail & Ian: 

Edrupt Photography are a husband and wife team who have a real passion for photography!



We are not professionals and have no photographic qualifications between us but what we do have is a good eye for composition, quick reflexes and  a love of being out in the wild, by the coast or anywhere
interesting and seeing what we can shoot (not literally!)

We are both very different when it comes to preferred subject matter and both bring something different and unique to the table….

Ian Edrupt

… loves wildlife especially on the Broads!  Ian has been going to the Broads for over 35 years and has eagle eyes when it comes to spotting the well camouflaged and fast reflexes to get those action shots.
He is also keen on night shooting using star light and iconic shapes such as windmills and sailing boats.

Gail Edrupt

… loves the `fun, funky & creative shots. With a love of people and occasions (I love a good wedding!) architecture and interesting close up shots showing attention to detail. Her camera is never far away…

Please tell us about your work? What are you currently working on?

Photography is not our profession it's our passion and great love, we both work full time in very different fields and have very demanding jobs.  From a photography perspective we are quite busy at the moment. A few weeks ago we took the photos at a local wedding, so currently Gail is editing and creatively putting together the portfolio for the Bride & Groom (she loves post editing) and we have another wedding in August so we will soon be visiting the venues in Spalding to start preparing and planning our day for that. Ian has been working on some 'smoothing' water techniques, a particular favourite of his and looking for some more interesting locations to take night shots. It's all go!

How did you decide to become photographers?

Gail –I have been taking photos since I was a teenager with my trusty SLR by my side in the days of film,  taking pictures for my Memory Box. My brother was a very keen photographer and had his own dark room so it was something we enjoyed together.

Ian – I am relatively new to it, I got interested in photography when I met Gail six years ago.  It is something we love to do together although we enjoy very different subject matters, we compliment each other well as a team.

What's the best advice you've been given as a photographer?

Gail – prepare, prepare, prepare! I am, by my very nature an organised person and I like my equipment organised, stored, cleaned etc. and for weddings and events I like to know the what, where, who and when in plenty of time!

Ian – I like to pick up my camera and just go!  I leave the organising to Gail!

What do you do when you are not creating?

Gail – I am naturally creative and for many years I have been a keen crafter and scrapper, making cards and scrapbook albums.  I do particularly like the post editing of photos and the really creative changes you can give to a shot.

Ian – I have been playing golf since I was 16, starting as a Golf Pro Apprentice back in Basildon. Currently a 6 handicap but working on getting it lower, I play County level for the `A` team at Tydd St Giles Golf Club.

What are your life and work goals for the future? 

We want to take great photos, the very best we can - simple as that! The aspiration for us is about working hard and enjoying life, being close to family and squeezing the most out of every moment of life and of course, making sure we creatively capture those moments!

You're exhibiting some of your photography here at The Orchard during June where else can we find your work? 

This is our first exhibition so we are very new to showing our work and we would love to do more of it.  We regularly post our photos on the Facebook sites; Love The Norfolk Broads, A Place For Photos and Norfolk Photographers.  We also regularly appear on the Richardson's Boating – Norfolk Broads Facebook site and have for the last 4 years had photos published in their main brochure for their boating holidays.

Website: Currently under construction
Facebook: Edruptphotography


Many thanks to Gail & Ian of Edrupt Photography for agreeing to be interviewed for The Orchard Tea Room and Farm Shop Blog. You can see their photographs throughout June, daily, 10am -4pm at

The Orchard Tea Room and Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN

Telephone: 07527 046184
Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room

Sunday 28 May 2017

Apple Cider Cake Recipe using a Bramley Apple



Our Grandmother's always used to bake on a Sunday, cakes, pies, jam tarts they'd all go in the oven while the roast was cooking, enough to last the whole week through. Of course here at the tea room we bake everyday but if you'd like to continue the tradition of Sunday baking we'd like to share a recipe with you, an apple one of course:

 Apple Cider Cake

Ingredients: 

130g butter
130g golden caster sugar
2 medium size eggs beaten
230g self raising flour sieved together with  
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
200ml cider
1 peeled, sliced Bramley apple

Greased / lined cake tin 20cm x 13cm

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 170C / Gas mark 3

1. Cream the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of the sieved flour & cinnamon and beat in the eggs. 

3. when the eggs have been beaten fold in 1/2 of the remaining flour.

4. Next add 200ml of cider whilst continuing to stir.

5. Now fold in the remaining flour.

6. Put the slices of Bramley apple in the greased / lined cake tin.

7. Pour the cake mixture evenly over the apples.

8. Bake in the centre of  the pre-heated oven for approx 40 minutes until fully cooked.

9. Leave to cool for about 30 minutes before turning out onto a wire tray, leave to cool completely.

Friday 26 May 2017

Bank Holiday Weekend at The Orchard Wisbech

We have a fab Bank Holiday Weekend lined up here at The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop of course there are locally grown strawberries ~ it's that time of year!


Strawberries nomnomnom perfect with some chilled apple juice



pressed locally of course.

We're delighted to say that local artist Gill Repper is back with a fabulous exhibition in our tea room 


open daily 10-4 and it's free.

We've a Bank Holiday Book Sale

brand new books, 2ndhand books and vintage books, really there's something for every book lover here and with prices starting at 50p it's not to be missed.

Sunday afternoon there's an informal talk on herbalism from Norfolk's Ancient Pathway's Nathalie. just pop in, grab a cuppa, pull up a chair and join our regular ladies for a natter about medicinal herbs.


And on Monday 29th May we have a Shaman's Legacy Fun Dog Show, always a fantastic day out whether or not you have a dog to show.


So come along and support a local dog rescue that's busy working to save dog's lives every day of the year.

And if that's not enough amazingly we still have some apple blossom clinging to the Bramley's. 


Monday 17 April 2017

Art at The Orchard interview with Esther Marshall

We're delighted that artist Esther Marshall  has agreed to do a little interview for the blog, she's exhibiting a selection of her original paintings here at The Orchard during April.



Esther please tell us about your work? What are you currently working on?

I try to paint a diverse range of subjects and am currently working in oils. They blend much better than acrylics and are great for skies, clouds, sea and sand so I am working on a number of seascapes at the moment.

How did you decide to become an artist?

I have always been interested in art and worked closely with many artists when running my greeting card publishing business.  When I retired I needed something to do and I always wanted to paint so it seemed the natural thing to do.

What's the best advise you've been given as an artist?

The best advice I have been given is "paint, paint, paint".  Like all things you get better with  practice.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I am not creating I love to spend time with my family and grandchildren. I also like 
to spend time drawing and studying nature, trees throughout the seasons, clouds, skies, sea, etc. We live in an amazing world and a beautiful country.


What are your life and work goals for the future?

Having retired, I want to see as much of the world as I can, want to become more accomplished as an artist and to sell my work. It is such a great feeling when someone has actually paid their hard earnt money to buy one of your paintings.

Esther you're currently exhibiting some of your original artwork here at The Orchard where else can we find your work?

Currently in April I am also exhibiting at The Arts Lounge, Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7AB      and from 20 April - 2 May I will also have a few paintings on display at St Leonard's Church,      Leverington, Wisbech.

I am a member of SAA (Society for All Artists) and WNAA (West Norfolk Artists Association) and hope to exhibit with the latter at their summer exhibition in July in St Nicholas Chapel, Kings Lynn.

I will also be back at The Orchard Tea Room again in August.

I have a website:

www.monetlovesesther.com

I also post my latest paintings on my Facebook Page - Esther Marshall and Instagram (when I remember) - Esther Marshall Dackombe.
     

Many thanks to Esther Marshall for agreeing to be interviewed for The Orchard Tea Room and Farm Shop Blog. You can view Esther's art daily 10am -4pm until the end of April 2017 at

The Orchard Tea Room and Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN


Telephone: 07527 046184
Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room

Friday 14 April 2017

Easter Apple Blossom at The Orchard Wisbech

Amazingly Easter has coincided with our apple orchard being in full blossom. The last few days of warm weather has brought everything forward giving us the perfect Easter backdrop of pink and white blossom everywhere you look.


 Bramleys


Worcester


Gala


Ida


Spartan

Glorious blossom everywhere


And if the blossom isn't enough of a feast for the eye Esther's art is still being exhibited in the tea room.

Plus

Monday 17th April we're hosting a Shaman's Legacy Dog Rescue Fun Dog Show complete with Scamps heat details of which can be found here

Opening Hours 10am-4pm daily
The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Begdale 
Elm
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN
Telephone: 07527 046184
Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room

Customers walking in the orchard do so at their own risk. Except for cases of negligence or other breach of duty by the event organizer participants will be responsible and neither the event organizer nor its servants or its agents will be responsible for any loss, theft, injury or damage which results from attendance at and participation in any The Orchard event. This includes, but is not limited to; personal injury, mental or physical or death, loss, theft, injury or damage to vehicles their contents, fittings accessories, items of personal property. The event organizer does not seek to limit its liability in any way for  loss, theft, injury or damage to anypersonal injury or death caused either by the negligence of the event organizer or its servants or agents or by any act of omission of the event organizer or its servants or agents. The event organizer does not seek to limit its liability in any way for any loss, theft, injury or damage to personal property caused by the negligence of   the event organizer or its servants or agents.


Friday 7 April 2017

Blossom time at The Orchard Wisbech Spring 2017


Glorious April sunshine has brought forth blossom in our Wisbech orchard,
 the plum trees are in full blossom, 


 as are the cherry trees.


Apple blossom buds are beginning to open. 

Blossom can be seen from the tea room and customers of both the tea room and farm shop are welcome to walk and see the blossom close up. Bring your camera or easel and paints!

Opening Hours 10am-4pm daily
The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Begdale 
Elm
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN
Telephone: 07527 046184
Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room

Customers walking in the orchard do so at their own risk. Except for cases of negligence or other breach of duty by the event organizer participants will be responsible and neither the event organizer nor its servants or its agents will be responsible for any loss, theft, injury or damage which results from attendance at and participation in any The Orchard event. This includes, but is not limited to; personal injury, mental or physical or death, loss, theft, injury or damage to vehicles their contents, fittings accessories, items of personal property. The event organizer does not seek to limit its liability in any way for  loss, theft, injury or damage to anypersonal injury or death caused either by the negligence of the event organizer or its servants or agents or by any act of omission of the event organizer or its servants or agents. The event organizer does not seek to limit its liability in any way for any loss, theft, injury or damage to personal property caused by the negligence of   the event organizer or its servants or agents.

Friday 31 March 2017

April Art at The Orchard ~ Esther Marshall


We're delighted to be hosting an exhibition of original artwork by local artist Esther Marshall at The Orchard this April, pop along and take a look. 
Opening Hours 10am-4pm daily
The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Begdale 
Elm
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN
Telephone: 07527 046184
Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room

Saturday 25 March 2017

Mothering Sunday at The Orchard Tea Room Wisbech

We've got a fab Mother's Day lined up for you this year:



Afternoon Tea's served all day 10am-4pm.



If you prefer to cook a meal for Mother yourself we have locally sourced fresh veg for sale including the first of this seasons ASPARAGUS! A very special spring time treat.



Also in the farm shop a selection of flowers & flowering pot plants in the tea room you'll find gifts, cards & original art by Moira Johnson for sale all at very reasonable prices.



And for all you dog lovers we're hosting a Shaman's Legacy Fun Dog Show, enter your dog or just watch the fun.

The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN

Telephone: 07527 046184

Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room






Wednesday 1 February 2017

Seasonal Fruit and Vegetables ~ February



UK grown fruit and vegetables in season during January:

Apples
Beetroot
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Celeriac
Chicory
Jerusalem Artichokes
Kale
Leeks
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Pears
Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Spring Greens
Squash
Swede


As well as selling our own produce we source locally grown veg to sell in our Wisbech farm shop:

Open 10-4 daily

The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN

Telephone: 07527 046184

Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room

Tuesday 17 January 2017

Art at The Orchard interview with Fenland photographer Katey Jane Andrews



We're delighted that photographer Katey Jane Andrews has agreed to do a little interview for the blog, she's exhibiting a selection of her photography here at The Orchard Tea Room, Wisbech during January 2017.

Katey please tell us about your work? What are you currently working on?

Being a wide subject photographer this may be tricky to answer, my nature is just a childhood interest, stemming from watching David attenborough  too much, in wildlife it's showing the beauty, power and struggles it goes through, spend many hours in nature so have seen many interesting things. with macro it's the stunning detail from insects through to fungi which may be the hardest of subjects due to their locations.

Landscapes and countryside are mostly just taken on trips out on wildlife hunts with a major interest in weather photography, from storms to flooding, to show the true power of nature. Often you will hear people state landscape photography is near impossible to shoot  in the Fens or around Bedfordshire but with me i,m able to pick out places many may not see, using long lenses and a tighter depth of field helps for more interest, I often say to others go try it.

Along with those subjects, architecture, farming and shipping, all my work is down to weather conditions, I look for certain conditions, in Fenland landscapes, it's either moody weather or the more morning lighting, any other can look too bland.

All my work comes from myself, fully self taught, that old saying of you can teach technique but you can't teach a keen eye is so true, with me I see the shot long before I hold the camera up, for a certain shot I may wait ages, for clouds over a church, will wait for the right conditions, no Photoshop used here!

people often get frustrated with me for not going to any collages or courses for having this amount of skill, I guess i'm one person who was born to do this type of work. must admit i do put lots of time and efforts in to this.

With printing, it was on my mind for a time, with digital comes the lack of image contact, so wanted home pro printing, It took around 8 months to fully get the printing to the standard I wanted, plug and play it's not!!.

At the moment i'm working on local churches, just done another shoot at Crowland Abbey and hope to be working with them for charity photography prints.

How did you decide to become a photographer?

Childhood interests, my interests put into working alongside nature seamed the right way to go, it brings all my interests together, walking, nature, photography keeping fit and being outside. been pro nearly 4 years. Started as a joke and went from there.

What's the best advise you've been given as a photographer?

None what so ever, I'm a person who loves doing things myself, working out issues my way, was told once to copy others, must of been 8 years ago, I thought never, i,m no clone.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Just a normal person with or without the camera, motorbike mad, bike racing is my thing, Moto GP, British Super bikes and the TT, loads of hobbies too, boot sales through to museums, anything that's interesting i,m there.

What are your life and work goals for the future?

Would love to be known as a natural photography who just made it her own way and prove anyone can make it. One day would like to live in a more wild place, Scotland has always interested me and may well suit my style in life.

Katey you're currently exhibiting some of your original artwork here at The Orchard where else can we find your work?

Passiflora's arts and home crafts
 3b South Street

Many thanks to Katey Jane Andrews for agreeing to be interviewed for The Orchard Tea Room and Farm Shop Blog. You can view Kate's photography daily 10am -4pm until the end of January 2017 at

The Orchard Tea Room and Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN


Telephone: 07527 046184
Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room