Online orchard memories

'Looking at this old Aerial view whilst facing the Drill Hall the orchard was to the right hand side belonging to the bungalow and extended around the back of the Drill Hall. In later years the MOD purchased some of the land where another gun shed was built as an extension for storage but the bungalow remained and more houses were built behind existing houses on Marsh Road. 

'I remember helping to harvest the fruit for the owners and we were allowed to keep only the fruit that was on the ground. They were very strict. Apples, pears and cherries, numerous blackberry bushes. Plenty of apple pies and crumbles were enjoyed. Great times growing up on Marsh Road 😊.'

Paul agreed: 

'That’s correct I lived opposite in 1940 just before the church at 233 the orchard was there well before the war. The people who lived there were the Kings and had a big Alsatian dog who always ran loose when the fruit was on the trees, but we were good runners!'

Source: The Luton I Remember [private group], Facebook. Minor edits to aid understanding.

'He’d returned to Luton after being a soldier in WWII. He found great solace in the garden after the turmoil of war. He would often take me with him and we would spend time amongst the trees. It was really something special.'

Source: email to Luton Orchards project. 

'She tended her apple trees, picked the fruit and stored them in newspaper in boxes in her spare bedroom. She often gave us a box. She had no immediate family.  Her whole house smelt of apples. Would like to think she was remembered for her mini orchard. Good luck with your further research.'

Source: email to Luton Orchards project.