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We are holding a Coffee Morning and Plant Sale on Saturday 25th May from 10 -12 noon. Apart from plants, we will be selling books, jigsaws, cakes, cards and also be holding a raffle. Admission includes refreshments. 

 

Judy Popley gave a fascinating talk on Friday 12th April on 'A Prospect of Arley.' This was from the 1890's to the 1990's, and included many photos of the hall and gardens as it was back then, and how over the years it has changed. Her talk included photos of the family who owned it then and of the staff who worked there. We hope to visit Arley Hall this Christmas as they decorate the rooms with beautiful flowers displays.

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The Quiz night on Friday 8th March was well attended and enjoyable. Ann and Glenys did a great job as quiz masters. It was closely contested with just one point between the winners and second place. 

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The talk by Bill Woods on 9th February was entitled "Blackbrook Herb Nursery." A fascinating talk explaining the many uses of a great variety of herbs. Bill had brought along some herbs for purchase.

 

A Talk by Cliff Booker on the 12th. January 2024 was well received and everyone enjoyed his presentation and the variety of pictures on the Peloponnese and Crete.

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December there was a Social Evening for members only .Well supported by about 40 members despite the very cold night. They were entertained by a magician.

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 The AGM was held Tuesday 14th November. The meeting was opened by  Chairman,  Ann Morton who welcomed all present for turning out on such a wet evening. Ann gave a brief account of all events having taken place during the year and then moved on to individual reports, first from Treasurer Lesley Randall who presented the accounts showing a very healthy bank balance followed by Gill Martinelli, Show Secretary who explained that despite the Show being a success this was largely due to entries from non members and much reduced entry from members. With much regret the committee had  decided that having regard to the very hard work for committee member prior to and during the Show 2023 would be the last time the present committee would hold a Show, Gill thanked all those who had given valuable assistance in keeping the Show going for over 60 years. Membership secretary then reported that we have a healthy membership of 93 including several new members. Kate Bayliss then reported that a full programme of events was now available for 2024. Secretary Glenys Steedman then gave a summary of many of the events held during the last 30 years. Ann also gave gifts to Gill. Lesley, Judy Lea and Kate in appreciation of their hard work and to David Moulsdale for the website and who is now retiring from the Committee.

Ann then handed the meeting over to President Judy Lea who reported that apart from David all the present committee were willing to continue with Ann Morton as Chairman for another year.  This was accepted by all present with no new committee members volunteering to join from those present. The meeting was then closed but was followed after a short interval by a slide show presented by David Morton including many photographs from this years holiday in the Lake District, plus a few from this years Show and others. The meeting closed at 9.30pm  

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A Coffee Morning was held on Saturday 21st October and as usual was extremely well attended with sales of plants, cakes, books, jigsaws and cards resulting in funds for the Club. Many thanks to Susan and her assistants for providing coffee and biscuits  

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The 62nd ANNUAL SHOW was held on Saturday 2nd September 2023 and was well supported and a great success with many colourful and excellent entries in flowers,fruit and vegetables, art, cookery and preserves, photographic and junior classes. Massive thanks are due to Show manager Ann Morton, Show secretary Gill Martinelli, assistant Kate Bayliss, caterer Susan Jackson, cashier Lesley Randall and all the committee members and volunteers who worked so hard to ensure its success. The list of trophy winners has now been updated and new photographs are now available on the show gallery and video pages. 

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On Sunday 27th August a full coach party of 35 members and guests visited the gardens of The Duke of Westminster at his country seat, Eaton Hall. The gardens are only open twice a year for charity and on the day of our visit there were many people there. The gardens are maintained by the Grosvenor Estate and as you would expect from a body owning a large part  of central London, they at immaculate. From the superb herbaceous borders to the extensive kitchen garden, the lawned areas no expense has been spared in maintaining all in top condition. Also one field was made over to refreshment vans with outdoor seating plus bales of hay and a play area for children. In addition there is a display of horse drawn carriages dating from the 1800s Fortunately the weather stayed fine and the visit was enjoyed by everyone.

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