I am writing this newsletter on the most beautiful sunny day and can’t help thinking what a difference the sun makes to our mood and willingness to tackle garden chores. A few more days like this would be most welcome.
Our Show review meeting was very positive. I believe the Show was very nearly cancelled because of the wet and muddy conditions beforehand but fortunately the Show Committee made the right call and everything went ahead as planned. The rain eased off and the day itself was a success much to everyone’s relief. Our rota of stewards and helpers on the day worked well. The number of entries was almost the same for the last two years and the number of individuals entering was very similar. The reduced number of exhibits was due to the weather, a number of people not coming and those who did come, not bringing all the exhibits they had entered. The last-minute change of prize giving time as suggested by the Show Committee was unfortunate as the promised tannoy announcement didn’t happen so some prize winners arrived too late for the prize giving. However all the prize winners have now received their trophies, although a little late in some cases. The tombola was a great success, making a profit of £634 thanks to the generosity of our members and the enthusiastic and efficient volunteers on the stall. This compares to a profit of £540 in 2023 – a welcome addition to our funds.
I am happy to say that the Society visit to Wisley on 25th September was a success and enjoyed by all, and the weather was fair. Many thanks to Val Ramshaw for organising.
Some further dates for your diaries:-
Tuesday 5th November – Community Cinema showing of the comedy ‘Swede Caroline’ 7.00pm in the Community Centre.
Thursday 19th December – Society Dinner at the Swan Hotel, 6.30 for 7.00pm. NB This is a change of date to avoid a clash with the Wine Circle programme.
28 January – 2nd March – Snowdrop days at Welford Park near Newbury with tea in the Tea Tent as featured in The Great British Bake-Off. See the web site for details – www.welfordpark.co.uk.
Shireen has given us a timely reminder to pot up surplus plants in readiness for our Plant Sale in April 2025.
This week we welcome back Tim Woodland who will talk to us about Autumn Bulbs, surely very appropriate at this time of year.
Janet Pooley
Chairman