We wondered if it would ever stop raining. The garden is waterlogged and the lawn full of moss but the snowdrops have been spectacular this year and Spring has arrived with the hellebores, daffodils and primroses. We always debate whether to continue having our Spring Show in April as in past years or to bring it forward to March. We have to make a decision a year in advance, so had already decided that this year’s Show would be in April. However I think we need little convincing that global warming is having an effect so we hope that you will still be able to find plenty of entries. There will be more on this in the next newsletter. Spare copies of the schedule will be available at the next meeting. Next year it will be in March!
Also in April – Saturday 27th to be precise – we will be having our annual Seed Swap and Plant Sale in the Community Centre. This time we are joining forces with the Alresford Arts Society who are running a workshop for young people making cards using beautiful Indian wood blocks, paints and collage, all on a horticultural theme. This, together with some activities organised by some of our members and the usual refreshments will hopefully attract good support from the membership and local community. BUT we need your seeds and plants and help on the day. Do start potting up your plants and ask your friends and neighbours if they have any to spare. There are a lot of posters advertising the event so please take one at the next meeting if you can. We need more members so hopefully this will raise our profile.
We are now discussing arrangements for the Alresford Show on 7th September. Please make sure you have the date in your diary and volunteer to help if you can. The Show is late this year so all our grandchildren who would normally be there to help will all be back at school.
The March meeting is the opportunity for you to renew your membership and collect your new programme card. The annual fee remains at £15 and payment may be made by cheque or BACS. Just ask Membership Secretary Benny Brundish for details. Stephen Morley, our Speaker Secretary has arranged a very varied programme for the coming year which includes a visit to Wisley in September. Other local visits may be arranged on an ad hoc basis and we will keep you informed in the usual way. For our March meeting we welcome back Geoff Hawkins who will talk to us about Shrubs, the Backbone of your Garden.
Finally thank you for all your good wishes. I will shortly be embarking on a six month treatment plan which is unknown territory so I don’t know how it will affect me. But I plan to support the Society as much as I can and I know the committee will step into the breach where necessary.
Janet Pooley
Chairman