As I write, we are experiencing some beautiful Spring weather and the sunshine has been a real tonic. Weather patterns are completely unpredictable and we have had very little rainfall in March which means that we are now having to do some watering. But what a pleasure to be able to spend time in our gardens, enjoying the Spring flowers and emerging blossom and leaves. The hellebores have been amazing this year and I still have some daffodils. There is a good display of snake’s head fritillaries too and the early tulips are as colourful as ever.
Members enjoyed our Spring Show last month. The entries were judged as usual by all those present. Congratulations to Ralph Pointer who won the trophy for the most points gained, closely followed by Ann Winfield. Thank you to all those who renewed their subscriptions on the night. You will have recently received a reminder that subscriptions are now due – £15 for the year – preferably by bank transfer to avoid having to pay bank charges when depositing cheques. (Lloyds Bank Sort code: 30-98-97, A/c no: 53466968, ref: subs) Benny is happy to accept cash at our meeting on Wednesday next and will give you your new membership card in exchange.
It isn’t long now to our Plant Sale and Seed Swap on Saturday 3rd May in the Community Centre (10.00-12.00pm) and I hope you are busy potting up your surplus plants. It would be helpful if you could label them as we are always being asked for identification. As usual we would be glad of help on the day and donations of cakes for the refreshments. Spare bags and boxes for plant sales would also be useful. Let us hope for a warm sunny day to tempt people into town, unlike the wet and windy day we had last year.
There has been a lot of interest in the annual visit to Wisley on Wednesday 14th May. Forms will be available at the next meeting and should be returned to Val Ramshaw by 7th May at the latest but please sign up as soon as possible if you are interested, to avoid disappointment. The cost is £20, £22 for non-members. The coach will leave the Station Carpark at 9.30am, returning from Wisley at 3.45pm. Payment is by cash or bank transfer and all details are given on the application form.
It is with great sadness that I report that Hedley Parker has died. Hedley and Irene were long term members and friends of the Society and it was only ill health which prevented them from coming to meetings in recent years. Hedley’s funeral will be held at St John’s Church on Tuesday 22nd April at 11.30am.
At our next meeting we welcome a new speaker, Amanda Gomersall who will describe how she created an award-winning garden from a patch of weeds.
Janet Pooley
Chairman