[Jamie Butterworth]

Across the road from my aunty lives a man who has let his garden grow into a jungle, quete literally, and in this 'jungle' there are about 3 apple trees, a pear tree, rasberiies and rhubarab. Every year they just fall of the tree and it is such a waste. This man is a bit of a drunk, which kinfd of explains it.

But what i was wondering is would you go and ask him if you could take the fruit. I dont know if i should or not as to be completle honest, hes so drunk most of the time i cant understand a word he says.

[Ice]

I would definately ask, but take someone else with you, don't go there alone.

[Dave Mack]

Jamie were does he live mate , because if you dont ask him i will 
Yeah as Ice said ... take a friend or Adult with you , the guy might be bladder when you knock on his door 

[AndyRVTR]

Take a four pack with you and the deal will be done 

[sion01]

offer to make the wino some cider with the apples he might help you collect them

[Janeymiddlewife]

Jamie, slightly OT, how did you get on selling your plants to the teachers/ Did you make a good profit?
I've just walked past a friends house with dozens of yellow plums on the ground, however my freezer is groaning already, not sure I've got room for any more. There's a beautiful quince bush along the road, but I never pluck up the courage to ask.......Good luck!

[Paul Plots]

Jamie I think your idea is a good one (why let it go to waste) but I also think the advice about not going alone is important to note.

It may sound over cautious but, if you have or can borrow such a thing, take a voice recorder with you. Have it in a pocket so it can record what is said. The last thing you want (or any of us) is the police knocking on the door asking about "stolen" fruit.

If the house owner is as drunk as often as you indicate then there's nothing to stop him from changing his mind or forgetting he agreed to the idea in the first place.

Take care.

PS And don't offer to do the garden or get too friendly with him... you could end up with responsibilities that his family members should take on.

[Bizzi Lizzi]

You could try asking - he can only say yes or no, drunk or sober.  I wouldn't be tempted to take them just in case his has a lucid moment.  It's such a waste of good fruit though.  What a dilemma!

[Jamie Butterworth]

Thanksfor all the tips, i went rround with my aunty this morning, he said there was no problem taking whatever i could find So thats my job tomorow

He even sounded like he knew what he was talking about, to say he just leaves them to drop and his garden to grow into a jungle, he was telling us what varieties they were and when which ones tasted best.

[Mosslane]

Great news Jamie, have fun picking and then deciding what to do with it all. Just been offered the fruit from a crab apple tree myself so lots of apple jelly and other stuff to do.

[Paul Plots]

So, Jamie, once you've finished processing all that fruit into something mouth-wateringly exotic what labels are you using to attract the customers' attention?

Use glass containers (pre-loved jam-jars) and offer a nominal sum for their return - doing your bit for the green-recycling industry always goes down well.

Factor in cost of fuel and time for cooking and then work out your profit margin. Oh yes, and on the bottom of the label, in very small print, make sure there's some info about ingredients / use-by and storage guidance and being produced with care locally.

When does the new business open? 

[Jamie Butterworth]

Leaner, if only i had the time and the facilties.

Thanks though. I got a full tary of apples off today, some cookers and some small but tasty. Im going to be busy next week

[digalotty]

great idea jamie , free fruit