A MEETING remembered a late nursery owner.

Tom Martin, of Wylam Nurseries, known locally as Tom & Joe's, died suddenly in June 2022.

The 59-year-old was instrumental in helping to organise the inaugural Fruit on the Tyne conference and now, members of the fruit growing community have come together in his name.

The Tom Martin Memorial - A Community Fruit Growing Symposium took place at the Great North Museum: Hancock and was attended by delegates from Yorkshire and the Scottish Borders, as well as members of Tom's family, including his father Joe - the other half of the Tom and Joe partnership.

Organisers the Community Orchard Collective and NHSN said: "Tom Martin was a nurseryman committed to his local community; serving as chair of Wylam Parish Council, but perhaps his greatest legacy can be found in the work he put into establishing and supporting community orchards in and around Wylam and across the wider region."

The free meeting heard talks from Rinke Vinkenoog, of Northumbria University, who explored pollination with guests. Event co-organiser NHSN's Gordon Port followed, introducing the group's #NorthEastBeeHunt.

The second morning session concentrated on networking and strategies to support community orcharding and was finished with a talk by North Fruit Group's Hilary Dodson.

The event was rounded off with a film also shown by Chris Sutcliffe of a year in the life of Jesmond Community Orchard and a Q&A session.

Attendees raised an apple juice toast in Tom's memory and to those who carry the same spirit of improving their surroundings in the community.

Alistair Robinson, of Honest Graft, who met Tom through event days at Wylam Orchard, said he hoped the regional event would bring people in the fruit growing community together to promote the culture and enable more joined-up working and the sharing of skills. He added: "It appears that there's a good appetite for such an event, so fingers crossed, we'll get the date for next year's out much sooner."

Peter Samson, of Hexham Farmers' Market, Peter Edge, Cragside head gardener, and Mick Marston, of Gibside Community Farm, worked with Alistair on the event.