PERRY-pear enthusiast Charles Martell might be frustrated in his continuing search for the rare Late Treacle variety, but at least he's sure of the Flaky Bark's survival!
Charles and friends are dedicated to preserving old perry pear varieties – and the drink they produce – in the national collection, which they are growing at Malvern's Three Counties Showground.
"Back in the 1950s a young Ray Williams – now the world's most famous authority on perry pears – came across two examples of the extremely rare Flaky Bark," Charles explains.
"There were no further finds until 1995 when, after months of searching, I myself discovered a single tree at Much Marcle.
"Then, lo and behold, I was driving my horse and cart on May Hill recently when, glancing over a hedge, I was amazed to see several Flaky Bark trees flourishing in a field just one mile from the site of Ray's original find almost 50 years ago – and not very far from one of my favourite pubs!"
He hasn't been so lucky with the Late Treacle – ironically an early variety – as a promising 'find' last year has proved to be another variety.
But there are high hopes now that another discovery on a farm at Pendock, Worcestershire, might be the missing pear.
Because it is an early variety the fruit on the Late Treacle ripens and disappears very suddenly, particularly in hot weather, so Charles is arranging an early inspection. However, he still has to check out the blossom next spring to confirm the find.
Should it turn out to be fruitless he is staying optimistic.
"It seems to me that the perry pear has a sense of humour," he said.
"If we don't find it this time, we will almost certainly stumble across it when we are least expecting to."