Dumbleton lies near one of England’s great fruitgrowing regions, the Vale of Evesham, and many villagers grow their own crops.

In mid-summer there are blackcurrants, redcurrants, strawberries, gooseberries and raspberries. A little later come damsons, plums (Victorias and Pershore Eggs), apples (such as delicious Worcesters and other local varieties) and pears.

Some people grow more exotic fruit like quince and mulberry.

Many gardeners grow vegetables too - in summer and autumn come many varieties of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, beans, peas, cabbages, greens, squash, maize and more.

Later in the year there comes chard, parsnips, leeks and sprouts.

Nature is generous - too generous perhaps, as many gardeners find they have a glut and not everyone wants to make jam and not every crop will freeze. 

So if you have a surplus - bring it to the shop for sale to your neighbours and visitors. Let them share in the pleasure that you get from eating fresh food, grown very locally indeed.

Be a local hero!