Owner's comments
It was a very large & tall tree until a few years ago when under the weight of the crop the main trunk slowly & noisily collapsed. Fearing it was dead but hoping some would survive we left it untouched. It is now mainly horizontal, propped up on a large elbow like bough & has if anything had a new lease of life. Plus it's now easier to pick!
Judging by the vigourou new growth I suspect it has rooted where the supporting bough has sunk into the lawn.
It also has aquired a healthy damson sucker growing through the middle of the crown.
altogether a noble tree.
2010. Another bumper crop. Tree now also has 2 clumps of mistletoe, which we will harvest too.