Armagh apples helping to keep a rural community connected

In the Orchard County of Armagh, where apple trees are part of the landscape, even some of the smallest Bramleys can be the hardest to sell.

But Joe Garvey has found a way to give some of them a new purpose. He has spent almost 70 years working with apples and, after retiring, began looking for a way to reduce food waste while supporting older people in the village of Scotch Street.

That led to Macha’s Orchard, a social enterprise producing apple juice and a unique powder supplement from smaller fruit and parts of the apple that would otherwise be discarded.

The project is helping to fund the work of Richmount Rural Community Association, services Garvey describes as a “lifeline” for people living in rural isolation.

“We can’t rely on public funding for our pensioners group forever, so the idea was to start a little business that would help support people,” he said.

For Heather Black, who attends the older people’s group at the community centre, that support has become a vital part of her week.

She lives in the countryside and does not drive. A community bus, which is now financially supported by Macha’s Orchard collects her from home and brings her to the group.

“I just love everything about the wee club,” she said.

“We have games and a lovely dinner and lots of activities, I just love it.”

Black said the friendships she has made have become just as important.

“I don’t know what I would do without it. I have made so many friends and mix in with everybody because that’s what life is about,” she added.