In English, we have a saying. 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away', and today we meet a man who shows that's true.


RAY EATON: How does the crop seem this year, Charlie?

CHARLIE PLUMMER: Not the best, Ray, no. Goldies weren't bad but these Hi Earlies are very light.

FIONA BLACKWOOD: Charlie Plummer would know.

This is his 81st apple season. He began work here when he was just 14. Back then this property belonged to his father.

CHARLIE PLUMMER: Wages was small, work was hard.

FIONA BLACKWOOD: These days running an orchard has become a little easier.

With the help of his tractor he's able to keep pace with his pickers and deliver a steady flow of fruit to the packing shed.

But he remembers a time when the mechanics of growing apples were somewhat primitive.

CHARLIE PLUMMER: It was vastly different to today.

The cultivation was done by a horse, no tractors, and horses became used to the job and were very good.

FIONA BLACKWOOD: But along with the hard work there were plenty of good times.

CHARLIE PLUMMER: Those days down here there were dances, skating in the hall, football.

FIONA BLACKWOOD: Over the years Charlie Plummer's seen different varieties of apples come in and out of fashion and processing techniques change.

CHARLIE PLUMMER: Packing is absolutely different today. Apples are dipped in wax and then they're polished and they shine.

FIONA BLACKWOOD: But in many ways this orchard is a living example of traditional apple growing.

Charlie, you've worked for a long time. How do you keep going?

CHARLIE PLUMMER: Well, when you've worked for a long time it sort of becomes second nature.

FIONA BLACKWOOD: How's your body holding up?

CHARLIE PLUMMER: I just make a joke when people ask me that. I just say, "Well, I'm still standing up".

FIONA BLACKWOOD: Which is a small miracle in itself. Charlie Plummer has had five hip replacements. He battles on armed with a simple formula for good health.

CHARLIE PLUMMER: Eat plenty of food, be merry, get plenty of sleep and enjoy life if you can.