Above photo of Orange Tree circa 1980, photo by Barry Smith.

Orange Tree circa 1987 (Photo by Paul Skelton)

Orange Tree 2004.

Above two photos are of the Orange Tree just before closure 20 February 2006.

EDITORIAL

It is hoped that this modest first publication of the 'Orange Tree Observer' will be but the forerunner of regular monthly issues growing in size, scope and general interest as the months pass. The intention is to include news of forthcoming social and sporting events such as Darts and Cribbage Matches, results of games played during the previous month, snippets of history of the Orange Tree and the district of Maxton and any such items as may be considered to amuse or interest those who will form the bulk of our readership. To assist this end the editor will be very grateful to receive contributions from any who have an interesting (and printable!) story to tell. Particularly welcome would be anecdotes and reminiscences from the older regulars concerning the earlier days of the pub. There is no need to compose an essay or even so much as to write it down; a chat with the editor over a pint will suffice.

Those responsible for social fixtures are also urged to give details to the editor before the last week of each month, together with team lists where applicable. With your help this may well become, to coin an atrociously punning phrase, "your very own 'local' rag."

WHAT'S IN A NAME!

Why Orange Tree? As far as one knows no orange tree ever grew in Maxton and very few regulars over the age of consent ever drink the juice of that otherwise blameless fruit, (the hop and the bar-Ley-mow taking precedence!) Local tradition has it that the pub was originally two cottages, in the front gardens of which grew two trees closely resembling the orange .... Hence the name. However, its use as an innsign has much earlier connections. During the reign of Charles II orange trees were one of the ornaments of St. James' Park (London) which was then, of course part of the St. James' Palace gardens. At that period and long after, orange trees were mostly used as sign boards for the Seed Shops and by Italian Merchants and were gradually adopted as inn-signs.

It is an interesting coincidence that one of the two excellent floodlit pictures in the Public Bar Gamesroom is of the lake in St. James' Park. The other picture, incidentally, is a view of the Norfolk Broads. The actual place is not named but I should imagine it to be either Wroxham or Horning.

LATE SUMMER BANK HOLIDAY EXTENSIONS.

The week-end which sees the publication of this issue is the new-style August Bank Holiday week-end. All topers and others in festive-mood should take note of the following extensions to the closing times. Friday, August 29th, 11 p.m. Saturday, 30th August, 11.30 p.m. Sunday, 31st August and Monday, 1st September, the normal hour of 10.30 p.m.

DARTS MATCHES.

Unfortunately at the time of going to press no details are available of forthcoming fixtures. These will, however, be publicized on the Notice Boards. We congratulate the team on a close-run victory in the 1st Round of the 'Fremlin's Cup (or should it now be the Whitbread's Cup, or possible the Frembread's or Whitlin's!) Excellent home and away legs were played against the "Royal Oak", River. The away match, which came first, was narrowly lost by 3 games to 2, but a 4 - 1 victory at home ensured a passage into the next round. I would like to Publish more detailed scores in future, together with the names of team members, if one of the players would kindly furnish the information. So, Peter, Jim, Mick, Pluto and Co., rake up a pen from among you and let us all share the news.

TONSORIAL ARTISTRY.

The Orange Tree is astonishing for the scope and variety of its services to the public. Not only is the landlord knocked-up a half an hour after midnight for five-bob's worth of coppers for a late card-school, (this actually once happened though his reaction is not reported!) but even more fundamental needs are catered for. Did you know, for example, that once every three weeks on a Thursday evening a fully qualified, top-rate barber is in attendance in the Gamesroom?

Why not make use, of this excellent service? Ask the Landlord for details. Instead of staring glumly at ancient copies of Reveille or Week-End whilst you endlessly wait your turn, why not quaff a pint or two in convivial company. Away with those feeble and time-worn excuses about taking the dog for a walk, going out to post a letter or running out of cigarettes! You can now truthfully say, "I'm just going up the road for a haircut". A likely story indeed, but you can go home with a short-back-and-sides to prove it. '''And what is that alcoholic smell?" "Oh, that's the Bay Rum, my dear."

MINIPOT.

At the time of going to press the Minipot has not been won for several weeks so there is now a quite healthy little sum to be won by some lucky member (or members). When it has "gone" and the next ''Pot'' opens, why not join in and try your hand at this very pleasant little Saturday lunchtime relaxation? The more members, the bigger the "pot" and the better the prizes. You need no knowledge of form or horseflesh, just a touch of Luck. The merest novice stands as much chance as the expert. Give it a go next time! The relevant notices are always to be seen under the clock in the Public Bar.

CLOSING DATE FOR MATERIAL FOR THE NEXT ISSUE is Sunday, 28th September.

OVERHEARD IN ANOTHER PUB, where a convivial company (probably a wedding party) were getting in their umpteenth round of drinks. "What do you mean, you can't manage another.... just have a Double Diamond then." "Oh no", replied a very frail and elderly man, "I'll just have a single."

WOT! Nothing in this space?

Let's have some material for next month please"

Whether or not there was another publication I haven't yet found one. (Paul Skelton.)