Mid Devon Show Planning Meeting

Ideas are now being gathered for the Club's annual exhibit in the Garden & Flower Marquee at Mid Devon Show on Saturday 24th July.

The theme of the show and the marquee is Grassland. Anyone who can help or has any ideas please use the contact us feature at the top of the page.

There is a planning meeting on Tuesday 6th April.

March talk - A Victorian Walled Garden

Chris Smith from Pennard Plants, near Shepton Mallet visited the Club to give an interesting talk about Tales from a Victorian Walled Garden. His nursery is based in the walled garden of Pennard House in the village of Pennard, Somerset.

He told of how the garden would have been run in Victorian times, how it was run by the head gardener and a large team of staff. He told tales of how they used to get the best produce, fruit, vegetables and flowers and amusing stories of how they used to catch mice and prolong the life of a bunch of grapes. He also stated how he had discovered the garden after many years of neglect and transformed into a working nursery.

He brought plants for sale and chatted to members and answered questions.

February talk - Gardens of Little Bridge House

Terry Rocke from Childrens Hospice South West's respite home in north Devon, Little Bridge House came to talk and show photos of the garden. He talked with passion about its development and how it helps with the children and their families to come to stay and visit the centre.

The Club donated the proceeds of the draw and the refreshments to the charity and the gave a donation too which in total amounted to £240.

The Centre sent a very nice thank you letter.

Annual General Meeting

At the recent Annual General Meeting, Club officers reported that 2009 had been another successful year for the Club with all activities being well supported. Officers relected were: Chairman - Tim Nichols; Secretary - Ros Nichols; Treasurer - Carol Beer; Show Secretaries - Maggie Roberts for Spring and Monica Seatherton for Autumn. The committee were also re-elected: Sue Atkins; Maureen Coldham; John Bennett; Margaret Grose and Jim Grose.

The first meeting of the new year is on 23rd February, when Terry Rocke will give a fully illustrated talk on the Gardens of Little Bridge House in aid of Childrens Hospice South West.

Anyone wishing to join can come along and pick up a programme and membership card for the annual subscription of £3. Show Schedules for the Spring Flower Show on Saturday 10th April will also be available at the meeting.

Sorry for the lack of posts

Message from the Secretary:

Sorry for the lack of posts at the end of last year. I will endeavour to bring everything up to date after the AGM which is tomorrow night at 7.30pm at The Memorial Hall.

All welcome - subscription £3 - programme for 2010 available.

Christmas Social Evening & Prizewinners

Our President, Lady Amory, presented the following trophies at our well attended annual prize-giving and social evening.

The winners were:
The COCHRANE Memorial Trophy for the Highest aggregate Decorative Section - Mrs Christine Moore
The BRITTON Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Second Highest Decorative Section - Mrs Ros Nichols
The CHAIRMAN’s Cup, kindly donated by Tim Nichols, for Children aged 6 years old and under - Jessica Ridgeway
The KINA HARWARD Perpetual Challenge Cup for Children aged 7 years old and over - Paige Nichols
The SMALLS Perpetual Challenge Cup for Miscellaneous Cut Flowers - Mrs Margaret Grose
The MORRIS Memorial Trophy for Highest aggregate Cut Flower Section - Mr Alby Berry
The MARY MARKER Perpetual Challenge Cup for Shrubs, Trees & Climber Section - Mrs Ann Crawford
The ERIC SHAPLAND Perpetual Challenge Cup for Pot Plant Section - Mrs Sue Gollop
The JACK BRAY Trophy for Garden Photography - Mrs Margaret Grose
The JUBILEE TROPHY for the Collection Class - Mr Tim Nichols
The Crystal Rose Bowl for the best exhibit of Roses - Mrs Margaret Grose
The Sue Gollop Spring Trophy - Mrs Rachael Hart
The Betty Keeble Autumn Trophy - Mr Peter Billing
The FRANCES BOWDEN Memorial Trophy for the Second Highest aggregate - all sections - Mrs Margaret Grose
The AMORY Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Highest aggregate - all sections – the winner by one point - Mr Alby Berry
Finally The new COLIN UPHAM Memorial Special Photography Class - Mrs J Webb

Christmas Coffee Morning

The Christmas Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy Sale was hailed a success by the Committee.
A constant stream of visitors enjoyed refreshments, social chat and a lively raffle.
The helpers were presented with plants in appreciation of their support.

Photos to follow........