After the warm Autumn temperatures, Winter arrived with the sudden fall in temperatures from circa 15C to freezing in just three days.
Searching my memory buds, I remember in my younger days a sudden drop at this stage of November was a pretty regular occurrence; on more than one occasion I found myself 'draining' a tractor radiator system late in the evening after the weather forecast warned of a drop to below freezing overnight. Oh 'bother' (or something much more descriptive) I uttered; "I'm just going out to drain the tractors Darling" (an aside to her indoors) - each time this happened I swore 'the next year' I would make sure all the tractors (there were only 3) would be drained - flushed, and filled with antifreeze........
After an abnormally warm November the onset of much colder weather has accelerated the leaf fall and signals the start of the pruning season. However the sudden below freezing temperatures can damage the point of abscission allowing canker (nectria) infection; wet weather will multiply the canker infection. Commercial growers will be advised to spray copper as a protection against nectria infection.
This week the temperature has risen again and rain returned; standard advice is to NOT prune in wet conditions or canker infection will be dramatically increased.
Looking at pruning from a gardener's perspective, I would not start until the trees are fully into 'sleep mode' - there is no rush to get started, January & February are the ideal months to get in the garden and 'sort out' any overgrown apple & pear trees. Remember Stone fruit (Cherry & Plum) should NOT be pruned until the early spring, ideally at the 'white bud stage' - the prime reason is keeping disease from entering the pruning cuts.
Both Cherries & Plums are are particularly susceptible to Bacterial Canker and Silver Leaf disease; Silver leaf is a fungal infection. The two diseases can result in the death of whole branches. Often the infection is so severe that the whole tree may die, or be grubbed by the grower to remove infection from the orchard before neighbouring trees are infected.
An alternative for pruning Plums & Cherries is after harvest in summer (August/September) because the tree is still growing and more capable of withstanding infection. In addition the pathogens are less virulent at this stage, making infection less likely.
Looking back to an earlier English Apple Man Journal in November 2009, the points raised are still very relevant today - 'click on' Pruning for an understanding of the basics of pruning objectives.
Above Roger Worraker and Malcolm Withnall's - Apple Pruning Manual should be on any enthusiastic Amateur Gardenrs' Christmas present list!
Copies of the book can be obtained from Malcolm Withnall, Woodcut Cottage, Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, Kent ME17 1XH; e-mail: Malcolm Withnall
Andrew Lockstone
Recently, Andrew Lockstone a popular member of the fruit growing fraternity decided to retire; Andrew has been involved with 'growing' for 50 years. In 1965 Andrew worked as a student at Borough's Oak Farm, East Peckham for a year before embarking on a 3 year agricultural course at Seale Hayne College in Devon.
In 1969 Andrew worked for a year as a Plantation Assistant at East Malling research Station gaining valuable experience before rejoining Borough's Oak farm as assistant manager.
In 1979 he became assistant manager for Broadwater Farm, West Malling progressing to Manager when the previous one retired and continued as such until 1989.
In 1989 Andrew bought Cemetery Lane Orchard and began his own business.
Andrew was a member of Apple Growers Association (AGA) and a retirement party was held for him in a marquee at AGA where his family, fellow fruit growers and close friends joined him for his farewell to fruit growing.
Below: Andrew standing, with his wife on one side and son on the other - and - friends enjoying the celebrations
Below: "and a jolly good time was had by all"
BEST discussion group November meeting
Below: Alan Wickham presents the Raymond Wickham Award to Simon van der Slikkee
Each November members of the Brenchley & East Sussex Training and discussion group meet for the first winter meeting. It is a special occasion; tradition dictates a speaker who has travelled overseas - often a Nuffield Scholar who recounts their experiences. This year Paul Smith who was Vice Chairman of the Under 40's visit to Benelux in February and Charlie Dunn Chairman of the 2017 U40 Committee offered an account of the 2015 U40's visit to Benelux and a vision of the 2017 U40's Conference which will be held for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere.
Unfortunately Paul Smith suffered an agonising back problem that very morning and had to withdraw, so Charlie presented the story of Benelux for the assembled BEST members.
Following the U40's the prestigious Raymond Wickham award was presented to Simon van der Slikkee for his outstanding contribution to the fruit industry.
Simon has advised many fruit growers over the last few decades, including The English Apple Man in my fruit growing days - he created a computerised pest control system called CAPMAN - 'Computer Aided Pest Management' - an idea he first worked on more than 45 years ago and which he 'honed' over the years when he held positions 
with Hoechst AG a German Chemical Company and SEGRO a supplier of Chemicals and Agronomic advice.
He was happiest however when he returned to being an independent agronomy consultant with his CAPMAN system an integral element of his service to fruit growers.
The evening was also the last Chaired by Alan Wickham who has been Chairman since 1992/93 and has decided to retire after a 'splending innings' of 22 years. We all thank Alan for committing so much of his time to assisting in the knowledge transfer between members of the fruit growing fraternity..........we also thank Alan's wife Jane for the fantastic buffet meal she has organised for members at these November meetings......while we understand Alan's desire to retire as Chairman after so many years, many who attended on Thursday evening 'were sweet talking' Jane in the hope she might continue supplying her 'annual feast' ......
Another BEST member retiring is our Treasurer Alan Smith - Alan was unable to attend due to a recent knee operation, but our Secretary Malcolm Withnall who has been in that role for many years (following on from the previous Secretary Simon van der Slikkee) was present and fulfilling one of his many roles as 'on site tech' setting up the equipment for the Power Point Presentation. Malcolm was also one of 'the founding fathers' of the Under 40's 48 years ago!!
Below: Malcolm Withnall, Simon van der Slikke, Charlie Dunn & Alan Wickham
On Tuesday 24th November - The Under 40's held a launch meeting for the 2017 Conference; the venue - Chapel Down Winery at Tenterden one of the most high profile Vineyards in UK with the honour of providing Sparkling Wine for the Royal Wedding in 2011.
Below: The 2017 Under 40's Committee - Paul Hamlyn, Jane Cusack, Verity Holdstock, Charlie Dunn, Estera Amesz, Chris Levett
At the U40's meeting at Chapel Down, Chairman Charlie Dunn 'formally announced' the venue for the 2017 Conference will be SOUTH AFRICA..........
Below; nearly 50 attended the launch at Chapel Down
The English Apple Man will reveal more detail on the 2017 plans in next week's Journal
Until next week........
Take care
The English Apple Man