Home
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Chairman |
Steve Bowcutt |
324707 (Email: HERE) |
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Hon. Secretary |
Marilyn Smith |
462584 |
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Hon. Treasurer |
Claire Cooke |
381504 |
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Ellisfield representatives |
Pat Gould |
381280 |
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Cliddesden representatives |
Pat Doel Doreen Ilsley Lyn Inker |
463018 327416 356877 |
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Farleigh Wallop representative |
Debbie Phillips |
810251 |
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DATE |
LOCATION |
EVENT |
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JANUARY, Thursday 30 (7.45pm) |
Cliddesden Hall |
Talk by Carol Watson, entitled “Spring Flowers of Italy” |
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MARCH, Thursday 26 (7.45pm) |
Cliddesden Hall |
Talk by Derek Dexter, Entitled “Fuchsias My Way” |
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APRIL, Sunday 5 |
Cliddesden Hall |
SPRING SHOW (staging from 9.20am to 10.40am) |
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MAY, Sunday 10 (from 1.00pm) |
Cliddesden Hall Patio |
PLANT SALE |
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MAY, Thursday 14 (7.45pm) |
Cliddesden Hall |
Talk by Andy Small, Entitled “Garden Photography, An Artistic Touch” |
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JUNE, Monday 22 |
Cliddesden, Ellisfield and Farleigh Wallop |
THE THREE VILLAGES BEST GARDEN COMPETITION New entrants to this competition are always welcome but the gardens must be within
the three villages. |
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JULY, Thursday 9 (7.45pm) |
Cliddesden Hall |
Talk by Steve Oaks, Entitled “Fish For Tea, about fish eating birds” |
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AUGUST, Sunday 2 |
Cliddesden Hall |
SUMMER SHOW (staging from 9.20am to 10.40am) |
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SEPTEMBER, Thursday 24 (7.45pm) |
Cliddesden Hall |
Talk by Christine Bennett, Entitled “The Gardens Of Singapore” |
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NOVEMBER, Thursday 26 (7.45pm) |
Cliddesden Hall |
AGM and Social Evening |
August 2020 Report (posted August 11) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
Am I going to talk about the weather? NO!
Sunday, August 2, should have been our Summer Show – another casualty of this very strange year.
The roses are stunning, the gladioli flowered at the perfect moment, and I have courgettes and cucumbers coming out of my ears. For which I am very grateful, because gardening is about the love of the garden, not about winning a trophy!
With the show being cancelled, and our September meeting as well, there’s only one event left on the Horticultural Society calendar this year:
AGM, November 26 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall (7.45pm)
We have kept this one open in the diary. Green-
Are you an August baby?
If you are, your flowers are the gladioli and the poppy.
T
he gladiolus is sometimes referred to as the sword lily because of its long, skinny
shape. The bold bloom can be found in an assortment of colours including red, pink,
orange, yellow, purple and white and it’s a symbol of strength of character, remembrance
and sincerity.
The poppy is known for its bright red colour. It is worn on Armistice Day in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and France, as a symbol of remembrance for those that lost their lives in World War I. The poppy also symbolizes imagination.
Do you remember the Songs of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker?
There isn’t one for Gladioli, however the poppy is particularly poignant as the harvest is being gathered in and the gardens and fields give up their bounty.
The Poppy Fairy – Cicely Mary Barker (1895-
The green wheat’s a-
The lark sings on high;
In scarlet silk a-
Here
stand I.
The wheat’s turning yellow,
Ripening for sheaves;
I hear the little fellow
Who scares
the bird-
Now the harvest’s ended,
The wheat-
But still, red and splendid,
I am
there.
Enjoy your garden, and the fruits of your labours. Be thankful that the pace of life has slowed and we have all had to take a step back and decide what’s important to us as individuals.
Happy gardening, and stay safe.
Claire
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July 2020 Report (posted July 15) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
It’s not as crazy as you think!
No matter how much it rains – there are ALWAYS parts of the garden that don’t get wet. Usually things like the hanging baskets, vegetable patches, and the new plants that we’re told to “water well until established”.
At least the water butts have been topped up a bit.
On the subject of watering – a couple of months ago I included an extract from Bridget Boland about putting bracken below fuchsias when planting out.
I can confirm that this does seem to work. A large, well established fuchsia had to be moved and I put bracken in the bottom of the hole, watered it in well, and left it. It was just before the weather turned really hot, yet the plant didn’t wilt at all. In fact, I haven’t watered it once the initial puddling in, and the fuchsia seems to be thriving.
What’s NOT happening?
Well, everything really …
Of course, after having an amazing Spring display of daffodils and tulips, it’s only to be predicted that the roses are fantastic, the show fuchsia has done brilliantly this year, dahlias are looking amazing, and I’ve got some wonderful vegetables.
Which is a situation I’m sure is reflected throughout everyone’s garden.
Sorry folks – Summer Show 2020 had to be cancelled. The committee looked long and hard for ways to be able to make it happen safely, however we had to conclude that it would be extremely difficult to successfully keep to the guidelines for social distancing, and so safeguard all of our members and guests.
So you can eat up all your vegetables, pick the flowers and smile smugly that all your hard work has paid off.
Perhaps we could have a special class next year for ‘ock down photos of last years entries’!
What will be happening?
While we haven’t got anything happening in regard to shows and meetings, we can at least comfort ourselves with one thing:
It’s only 5 months until Christmas!
Jingle bells everyone.
Happy gardening, and stay safe.
Claire
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June 2020 Report (posted June 3) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
The Iris.
Named for Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow, messenger to the Olympian Gods. It is seen to represent Faith, and Hope for a better tomorrow.
I sincerely hope that by the time you read this our ‘better tomorrow’ will be on its way. They should be showing their faces in our gardens about now.
Appreciate: all the wonderful things that we DO have, our family, friends, neighbours, the place that we live, and the beauty of the world we live in. It may not be quite the same when things return to normal – however it is special nonetheless.
I have been reclaiming parts of my garden and, from conversations with almost everyone, we all seem to have a common ‘enemy’: GROUND ELDER.
That delightful ground cover plant that will fill every empty space, hide every plant, create an underground carpet of white roots, and reproduces itself from almost nothing. Even the rabbits won’t eat it! So, where did it come from? And what is it good for? And, how can we get rid of it!!!!!
Most likely introduced to Britain by the Romans as a salad leaf, Ground Elder is
also known as Gout Weed, Bishop Weed or Jump-
Modern herbals still recommend Ground Elder as a treatment for gout, sciatica, rheumatism, haemorrhoids, inflammation and water retention. The leaves can be added to salads, where they give a nutty flavour, or cooked in butter like spinach.
There are various ways to get rid of this lovely menace:
Dig, dig, and dig again, lifting all your plants, washing roots clear of rhizomes, and replanting with clean new soil or compost
Use a chemical weed killer – there are various on the market, please check instructions and use carefully.
Plant Mexican Marigold (L: Tagetes Minuta). The roots of this unassuming member of the Marigold family apparently kill the roots of perennial weeds. So will also work on bindweed (BONUS!).
Having found that the seeds of this wonder plant can be purchased online (I have found them at Sarah Raven so far), I may well give this wonder plant a go. Anything to save me another few hundred hours on my hands and knees.
WHAT’S NOT BEEN HAPPENING?
1. PLANT SALE. However, Marilyn did give her driveway and time up to ‘social-
2. SPEAKER. Garden Photography by Andy Small.
3. THREE VILLAGE GARDEN COMPETITION.
WHAT’S BEEN CANCELLED SINCE THE MAY REPORT
TALK BY STEVE OAKS (scheduled for Thursday, July 9 at Cliddesden Hall), Entitled “Fish For Tea, about fish eating birds”.
WHAT MAY BE COMING UP?
SUMMER SHOW (scheduled for Sunday, August 2 at Cliddesden Hall)). At this moment in time the committee have not made a decision as to whether the Summer Show will go ahead. We will be following guidelines set by the government, which are at this point changeable.
WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING?
Staying safe, enjoying the sunshine, moaning about the lack of rain (of course – we are British after all!) and feeling really proud because the garden looks so lovely and tidy.
Happy gardening.
Claire
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May 2020 Report (posted April 11) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
Ho hum – not what we expected for Spring 2020! I hope you are all keeping well, staying at home as much as possible.
As I write this the lockdown is in full force, children have been home for 2 weeks already, and so much has changed, so quickly.
Living in our rural area can sometimes be challenging – the snow cuts us off, public
transport is few and far between and getting a takeaway is a ‘go-
Ironically, we’ve also had near perfect weather this spring for the daffodils and tulips we would have displayed at the Spring Show. TYPICAL!
I’m afraid that Bridg et Bola nd had nothi ng to say about lockd own and virus es – so this mont h’s gems of wisdom are from the heart. While all our shows and speakers may have been cancelled, and I sincerely hope that we will be able to return to normal service for July and August, there are many positive things to take on board at this time.
Stand in your garden and listen: the traffic drone from the motorway is all but gone, and the birds are singing clearer and louder.
Look up at the sky: it seems bluer and clearer, there are so few planes flying back and forth.
Breath deeply: the air is fresher, crisper and cleaner.
RELAX: we have nowhere we can go in a hurry, so forward plan, accept you’ll have to wait, and stay calm.
Connect with your neighbours: share a minute, plants, seeds, advice, a friendly ‘hello’. Rather than spending money at the shops, what can you share? Your soil will be the same as your neighbours, so the same plants should thrive.
Appreciate: all the wonderful things that we DO have, our family, friends, neighbours, the place that we live, and the beauty of the world we live in. It may not be quite the same when things return to normal – however it is special nonetheless.
WHAT’S NOT BEEN HAPPENING?
Thursday, March 26 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: “Fuchsias my Way”, a talk by Derek
Dexter
Sunday, April 5 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: Spring Show
WHAT’S NOW NOT COMING UP?
Sunday, May 10 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: Plant Sale
Thursday, May 14 at Cliddesden
Millennium Hall: “Garden Photography”, a talk by Andy Small
Monday, June 22: Three
Villages Garden Competition
WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING?
Lots of gardening, catching up on projects, finally defeating the ground elder and buttercups, and enjoying the time spent in the garden.
Stay safe everyone, don’t be lonely – there is always someone who will answer the phone.
Happy gardening.
Claire
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April 2020 Report (posted April 1) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
With all the rain we’ve been having it was either April showers or how to plant your paddy field!
Hopefully the weather will soon be warmer, and the time for planting in the garden will be upon us. With this in mind here is a gem of wisdom from ‘Old Wives Lore for Gardeners’ by Maureen & Bridget Boland:
The best husbandmen would have the seedsman of turnips or rapes to be naked when
he sows them, and in sowing to protest that this which he doth is for himself and
his neighbours.
Presumably, it was hope that the gods might look more kindly on the
naked, innocent amateur than on the prosperous market gardener. Perhaps, though,
the advice was not always given for purely magical reasons: we should not sow when
the ground is too cold for the good of the seed, and are less likely to do so if
we are told we must be naked when we do it. We have heard that in Lincolnshire, to
test whether the soil was in the right condition for sowing barley, farmers used
to take off their trousers and sit on the ground: if it was comfortable for them
it would be comfortable for the barley.
So. If you see a naked gardener, or a farmer sitting in the field with their trousers down, it’s just soil testing!
EDITOR: The rest of Claire’s copy has been deleted because all the Horticultural Society’s April, May and June events have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus lockdown.
Happy gardening.
Claire
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March 2020 Report (posted March 1) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
As the grass hasn’t really stopped growing over the winter, and now, hopefully, the ground has dried up enough to consider getting it under control again – a few words about encouraging our mowers to start, taken from ‘Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore’ by Bridget Boland.
Original Contribution to Magic
“No book of this sort should fail to include at least one addition to magic lore.
In keeping with our technological age, I contribute one for starting a motor mower.
It is no use swearing at the machine, or invoking any of the demons potent in herbal
magic – this has been tried. Attach to the handle a piece of fennel (for flattery,
see Ben Jonson, The Case Altered, Act II, Scene 2), and then salute it with admiring
words, saying it always starts at the first turn of its cleverly-
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
Thursday, January 30 -
We welcomed back Carol Watson with the Spring Flowers of Italy for our first lecture
of the year. As always, Carol delighted us with her honest, and insightful, verbal
tour across some very different areas of Italy – from valleys to mountains and all
places in between. Her photos showed stunning vistas of the countryside she was crossing,
and then close-
The popularity of Carol’s talks with the horticultural society is clear as attendance on the evening was good. I am pleased to say we have already booked Carol to come back next March.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
PLEASE NOTE THAT THOSE EVENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN CROSSED OUT WILL NOW NOT TAKE PLACE.
Thursday, March 26 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: “FUCHSIAS MY WAY”, TALK BY DEREK DEXTER
Derek is a member of the Wokingham Fuchsia Club, and since start to grow and show
fuchsias in 1999 he has won many trophies from his ‘hobby’. With such a successful
track record, and knowing how we have 2 fuchsia classes in the Summer Show, this
evening will be well worth attending for anyone who wants to have a show-
Everyone is welcome to attend our lectures. Entry for members is £1, guests £2. Tea & coffee are available on the night – donations please.
Sunday, April 5 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: SPRING SHOW
Time to dust off the cake tins, check the daffodils for bugs, and hope the snow hasn’t
crushed the tulips! The Spring Show not only has classes for our early flowers and
cookery queens and kings, there are also over-
Staging is from 9.20am to 10.40am, and the show is open to the public for viewing
from 2.00pm. Cup presentations and raffle at 3.30pm. Viewing is open to everyone,
so please join us, and enjoy a cuppa and a piece of delicious home-
Fuchsias for the Summer Show will be available to buy at the Spring Show. 1 per household, £1.50 per plant. Plants for the children’s classes will also be available – these are free, 1 per child.
Monday, June 22: THREE VILLAGES GARDEN COMPETITION
The garden competition returns this year. For entry please contact your local committee member.
WHAT ELSE?
Subscriptions are now due for the year, £8 per household. We are now able to offer you the option to pay online. If you would like to change to online payment please contact me on 01256 381504 for the banking details. Payments can also be made to your local committee member as usual.
Happy gardening.
Claire
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February 2020 Report (posted February 3) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
I hope we’re not wading through the snow, paddling in puddles, or frantically fleecing
our tender plants. With January having been so mild, there’s bound to be a trade-
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
Thursday, November 28 -
The AGM was well attended, with much delicious food and drink consumed after the
serious part of the evening. Congratulations to Seamus & Debbie Foster who won the
quiz. Thank-
Thursday, January 30 -
We welcomed back Carol Watson with the Spring Flowers of Italy for our first lecture of the year. Full report in the next issue.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
Thursday, March 26 at Cliddesden Millenium Hall: “Fuchsias My Way”, talk by Derek Dexter
Derek is a member of the Wokingham Fuchsia Club, and since start to grow and show
fuchsias in 1999 he has won many trophies from his ‘hobby’. With such a successful
track record, and knowing how we have 2 fuchsia classes in the Summer Show, this
evening will be well worth attending for anyone who wants to have a show-
Everyone is welcome to attend our lectures. Entry for members is £1, guests £2. Tea & coffee are available on the night – donations please.
THREE VILLAGES GARDEN COMPETITION
The garden competition returns this year – judging takes place on MONDAY 22nd JUNE. For entry please contact your local committee member.
Subscriptions are now due for the year, £8 per household. We are now able to offer you the option to pay online. If you would like to change to online payment please contact me on 01256 381504 for the banking details. Payments can also be made to your local committee member as usual.
I found this rather topical piece in ‘Old Wives Lore For Gardeners’ by Maureen & Bridget Boland. (1977).
Bracken For Fuchsias:
In the light soil of our warm and sheltered little valley we leave even tender fuchsias outdoors all the winter, so far without disaster, but we always over them with mounds of bracken against the frosts. An Old Wife seeing this one autumn was shocked. She said that there was nothing better to dig in under fuchsias when planting them than chopped green bracken, which would encourage the roots to go down; but that they had such a passion for it that they would tend towards the surface if bracken was laid there, suffering accordingly in a hot, dry season. We now compromise, supplying bracken at both ends.
Maybe Derek can confirm this at his talk?
Happy gardening.
Claire.
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Combined December 2019 / January 2020 Report (posted December 1) - Written by Claire
Cooke
Hello from Claire!
A very Merry Christmas,
and a Happy New Year!
It’s been a busy year; we’ve had fascinating talks, the best plant sale ever, and
2 well-
The reason these events are so successful is you – so THANK-
Our chairman, Steve Bowcutt; secretary, Marilyn Smith; our committee members Doreen Ilsley – always on the raffle, Pat Doel, Pat Gould, Debbie Phillips and Seumas Foster.
And special mention must be made of John Lurcock who does a stalwart job helping me with the membership lists/bits for the shows, and keeping me sane with his emails.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
Thursday, November 28 -
A full report from the AGM will be in the February Report.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
Subscriptions are now due for the year, £8 per household.
We are now able to offer you the option to pay online. If you would like to change to online payment please contact me on 01256 381504 for the banking details. Payments can also be made to your local committee member as usual, or at the January meeting.
Thursday, 30th January 30 (Cliddesden Millennium Hall) -
We welcome back Carol Watson. Carol is a very entertaining and informed speaker who has delighted us on several occasions. It is always a pleasure to explore different parts of the world through her camera.
Everyone is welcome to attend our lectures. Entry for members is £1, guests £2. Tea & coffee are available on the night – donations please.
HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN DECEMBER:
1. Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place
2. Check that
greenhouse heaters are working
3. Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing
4. Prune
open-
5. Prune acers,
birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding
6. Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter
cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops
7. Deciduous trees and shrubs can still
be planted and transplanted
8. Take hardwood cuttings
9. Keep mice away from stored
produce
10. Reduce watering of houseplants
AND, HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN JANUARY:
1. Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch
2. Clean pots and greenhouses
ready for spring
3. Dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug already
4. Disperse
worm casts in lawns
5. Inspect stored tubers of Dahlia, Begonia and Canna for rots
or drying out
6. Prune apple and pear trees
7. Start forcing rhubarb
8. Plan your vegetable
crop rotations for the coming season
9. Keep putting out food and water for hungry
birds
10. Make a polythene shelter for outdoor peaches and nectarines, to protect
against peach leaf curl
I have my own personal list for December and January (February and March too for that matter).
1: Look out the window
2: If it’s sunny go out and do something
3: If it’s snowing
– go back to bed, hide under the covers, and don’t come out until it’s all gone away!
Happy gardening.
Claire.
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November 2019 Report (posted November 1) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
Sincere apologies – I had a senior moment regarding the summer double issue. On the upside, there is a lot to write from over the summer!
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
Thursday, September 26 -
Our final lecture of the year, and nice to finish with another quite local speaker. John Negus hails from Farnham and is a photographer and writer. His talk was interesting and informative, and according to reports fed back to me – I was unfortunately not able to attend – a very enjoyable evening was had by all.
All our lectures are open to visitors, and for only £2 (non-
WHAT’S COMING UP?
Thursday, 28th November -
This evening is for members only. Our annual round-
As the quiz was such a success last year, we’re going to do it again! You don’t need
to be Mastermind, as the questions are multiple-
HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN NOVEMBER:
1. Clear up fallen leaves -
2. Raise containers
onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging
3. Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next
year
4. Prune roses to prevent wind-
5. Plant out winter bedding
6. Cover brassicas
with netting if pigeons are a problem
7. Insulate outdoor containers from frost -
8. Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees using grease bands
around the trunks
9. Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden
10. Use
a seasonal bonfire -
With 250 tulip and daffodil bulbs to go out, about 20 Dahlias to bring in, and endless amounts of cutting back/mulching/grass cutting, etc. As at almost any time of year there is plenty to do. And now the evenings are drawing in there’s less daylight to cram it all in. So, by the time of the AGM on the 26th we’ll all deserve that social glass of wine! Looking forward to seeing you then.
Happy gardening.
Claire.
October 2019 Report (posted October 1) - Written by Claire Cooke (there was no September
report)
Hello from Claire!
Sincere apologies – I had a senior moment regarding the summer double issue. On the upside, there is a lot to write from over the summer!
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
Sunday, August 4 -
The Summer Show had, as always, a fantastic display of colour and the result of many hours dedication and hard work by our members. Once again everyone rose to the challenge of the day and it showed in the quality of all the exhibits. The Trophy winners are shown below.
The contest for the Harold Greenyer Challenge Cup (most points in Section 1 & 2 Veg and Fruit) was very close. Eddie & Di Rampton pipped the post with 48, Adam & Tracey Gilvear 36, Steve Bowcutt 33, and Stephen & Avril Hudson 32. Equally close was the race for the Lay Challenge Cup (most points in Section 3 Flowers) with Eddie & Di Rampton on 24, and Seumas & Debbie Foster on 23. Special mention should be made of Ollie Webb winning the Elsie Prince Challenge Cup in the Childrens section – his geranium was truly amazing!
Joseph Bone Cup: E & D Rampton
The Frankam Cup: S Bowcutt
The Harold Greenyer Challenge
Cup: E & D Rampton
The Lay Challenge Cup: E & D Rampton
The Farleigh Wallop & Hurstbourne
Priors Challenge Cup: C Cooke
Barker Challenge Bowl: L Inker
E.B. Hooper Challenge
Cup: P Doel
Nita Abbott Challenge Cup: D Ilsley
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup: O Webb
The
Ivy Cannon Challenge Cup: E Harding
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy: E & D Rampton
Banlsian
Medal: S Bowcutt
Our sincere thanks go to all who support the shows; exhibitors, judges, cake-
Friday, August 30 – Visit to the Sedum Growers Ltd
About 20 members and visitors went along to find out about growing sedum to use as
eco-
Thursday, September 26 -
Full report of this meeting will be in next months update.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
Thursday, 28th November -
This evening is for members only. Our annual round-
As the quiz was such a success last year, we’re going to do it again! You don’t need
to be Mastermind, as the questions are multiple-
HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN OCTOBER:
1 Divide established rhubarb crowns to create new plants
2 Cut back perennials that
have died down
3 Divide herbaceous perennials
4 Move tender plants, including aquatic
ones, into a greenhouse or conservatory
5 Plant out spring cabbages
6 Harvest apples,
pears, grapes and nuts
7 Prune climbing roses
8 Finish collecting seeds from the garden
to sow next year
9 Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges in mild areas
10 Renovate
old lawns or create new grass areas by laying turf
This year my garden has been fruitful – well, more fruitful than ever before! I ventured into growing cabbages (red & green), cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, onions and parsnips.
Lessons have been learned!
First – regular, steady watering works better than a flood
once a week (or 2 weeks)
Second – lovely, healthy looking cabbages can be full of
caterpillars
Third – ANYTHING picked and eaten from your own garden, grown by your
own hand, tastes SOOOO much better than what you can buy.
Whether it was the love, or the sweat from my brow, or the fact that the children ate everything except the tomatoes, I am chuffed to bits with my humble harvest. And this years lessons will not be forgotten!!!
My project for next year is to grow the vegetables again, maybe even get the last 1/3 of the patch dug and planted, and to create a herb planter outside the back door. I do use a lot of herbs in cooking and fresh ones are so much nicer than dried.
Watch this space, and wish me luck!
Happy gardening.
Claire.
Fri, August 30 (6.30pm):
Sedum Panels For Roofs at Whiteddown Farm, Wootton St Lawrence
RG23 8PH
A visit to a local company that creates eco-
August 2019 Report (posted July 31) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
A little late with my offering this month. However, as I’m sitting here listening
to the rain, and enjoying a moment of cool, I realise that I’m thinking about what
to do today. And it’s ‘hmmm, better do the hoovering/dusting/cleaning…’
So a very appropriate offering from the wonderful world of the internet! And, as we are so very British, we can now bemoan the weather for being wet for a day or so. Makes a change from the cry of ‘It’s too hot’.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
“Wild Flowers of the Greek Islands”, talk by Gerald Ponting (July 10)
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the meeting with Mr Ponting as I was in Manchester. Feedback from those who did said it was a really interesting evening, and thoroughly enjoyed by all who went.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 -
Summer Show. Staging of entries 09.20am to 10.40am. Viewing from 2.00pm and presentations
at 3.30pm. Flowers, vegetables, fruit, flower arrangements, photographs and more.
Our second show of the year and well worth coming to see the displays. Only members
can exhibit, however visitors are welcome from 2.00pm. Tea/coffee and yummy home-
To join the Horticultural Society please contact any member of the committee.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 (Evening)
Save the date. Full details to follow – a proposed visit to a local company that
creates eco-
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 -
“Perennial Pleasures – Borders”, a talk by John Negus. He is from Farnham. His love of gardening spans over 70 years and having read about him on the internet all I can say is ‘PHEW’, if my life is half as full as his has been then I’ll count myself fortunate.
This is promising to be one of those talks you really don’t want to miss. Everyone
is welcome at our speaker evenings – members £1, non-
HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN AUGUST:
1: Prune Wisteria
2: Don’t delay summer pruning fruits trained as restricted forms
3: Deadhead
flowering plants regularly
4: Watering! -
5: Collect seed from garden
plants
6: Harvest sweetcorn and other vegetables as they become ready
7: Continue cutting
out old fruited canes on raspberries
8: Lift and pot up rooted strawberry runners
9: Keep
ponds and water features topped up
10: Feed the soil with green manures
One thing that isn’t on the list – caterpillars! I’m watching my nasturtiums in the window box play host to the munching beasties, ruing the fact that my display is being ravaged. And yet I’m loathe to get rid of them, because I love having the butterflies in the garden. There don’t seem to be as many butterflies this year, so I gladly make that small sacrifice. On my cauliflowers and cabbages though – I’m trying my best to keep them caterpillar free!
Happy gardening.
Claire.
July 2019 Report (posted July 8) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
I found this quote from Allan Armitage in one of my browsings on the internet: “Gardening simply does not allow one to be mentally old, because too many hopes and dreams are yet to be realised.”
Since I began to reclaim my garden, a very ‘ongoing’ project, I have found a child-
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
Annual Plant Sale (May 12)
Thank you to everyone who supported us at the sale. There was a wonderful array of vegetables, herbs, flowering annuals and perennials. In fact, I felt sure we were overloaded. However, you all did us proud and the tables very quickly emptied. In total we raised nearly £320, which will go to supporting our lecturers for next year.
‘Gardens of Russia’ by John Baker (May 22)
The concept of having a ‘house in the country’ was no new idea for the city dwelling Russians. They had a garden with a summerhouse, and in it they grew vegetables. Because there was nothing on the shelves. Now that the economic situation has improved the need to grow food is less, and the attention has turned to gardening for pleasure. Colour. Lots of colour. And different shapes and forms of planting.
Rather than a tour of the formal public gardens, John’s talk showed us into the private gardens of ordinary Russian people. Their warmth and friendship showed through his photographs.
A really fascinating evening, made even better by the hostas that were on sale. We hope to have John back in the future, he talks on a variety of subjects; I think ‘Hostas’ will be a very popular choice.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 -
“Wild Flowers of the Greek Islands” Gerald Ponting. Mr Ponting is originally from
the New Forest area, and having spent many years on the Isle of Lewis, now live back
in Hampshire. He is a writer, publisher, photographer, and lecturer, and with his
wealth of experience we are sure to have a fascinating evening. Members £1, Visitors
£2. Tea/coffee and biscuits -
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 -
Summer Show. Staging of entries 09.20am to 10.40am. Viewing from 2.00pm and presentations
at 3.30pm. Flowers, vegetables, fruit, flower arrangements, photographs and more.
Our second show of the year and well worth coming to see the displays. Only members
can exhibit, however visitors are welcome from 2.00pm. Tea/coffee and yummy home-
To join the Horticultural Society please contact any member of the committee.
Here’s what the RHS says about garden jobs in July:
1: Check clematis for signs of clematis wilt
2: Care for houseplant while on holiday
3: Water
tubs and new plants if dry, but be water-
4: Deadhead bedding plants and repeat-
5: Pick courgettes before they become marrows
6: Treat
apple scab
7: Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds, and keep them topped
up
8: Order catalogues for next year’s spring-
9: Give the lawn a quick-
10: Harvest apricots, peaches and
nectarines
I hope that somewhere in amongst all the dead-
Happy gardening.
Claire.
June 2019 Report (posted May 11) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
Having watched blackbirds raise their first clutch of the year, I was in awe of the dedication of both parents. They were constantly back and forth to the nest with insects to feed their rapidly growing young. It was only 3/4 weeks from hatching to fledging, and I hope all four are now flying around happily.
And, I was treated to the amazing skill of a kestrel, diving down and carrying off a young rat for its own chicks in the trees. I must confess I would much rather have the kestrel take the rats, instead of the birds.
With the woods wearing their annual gown of blue, albeit shortlived, I’m reminded how fortunate we are to live in this beautiful corner of England.
It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the longest day of the year!
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
Annual Plant Sale (1.00pm, May 12 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall) and ‘Gardens of Russia’ by John Baker (7.45pm, May 22 at Ellisfield Memorial Hall. Reports in next months report (July 2019).
WHAT’S COMING UP?
We have no meeting in June, our next is:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 -
“Wild Flowers of the Greek Islands” by Gerald Ponting. Mr Ponting is originally from
the New Forest area, and having spent many years on the Isle of Lewis, now lives
back in Hampshire. He is a writer, publisher, photographer, and lecturer, and with
his wealth of experience we are sure to have a fascinating evening. Members £1, Visitors
£2. Tea/coffee and biscuits -
Here’s what the RHS says about garden jobs in June:
1: Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds
2: Be water-
3: Pinch out sideshoots on tomatoes
4: Harvest lettuce,
radish, other salads and early potatoes
5: Position summer hanging baskets and
containers outside
6: Mow lawns at least once a week
7: Plant out summer bedding
8: Stake
tall or floppy plants
9: Prune many spring-
10: Shade greenhouses
to keep them cool and prevent scorch
Number 2 is particularly important in recent years, and it looks as though this year will be no different. I have 4 water butts in the garden and I’ve already been hoping for rain to fill them up again. Long, sunny days are wonderful and I, for one, appreciate the light mornings and long, warm evenings. However, for the gardener, no rain means rock hard soil, young plants struggling, and a constant round of watering.
Good luck with keeping things green.
Claire.
May 2019 Report (posted April 11) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
HA HA Mother Nature! You tried to get us with rain/hail/snow, but we still had a wonderful display of blooms at the Spring Show.
Congratulations to our cupwinners:
Steve Bowcutt: Shurgold Challenge Cup for highest number of points in Section 1 (Horticultural)
Steve
Bowcutt: Bill Richards Challenge Cup for best single bloom in Classes 1 to 5
Pat Gould:
Blythe Challenge Cup for highest number of points in Section 2 (Domestic)
Judith Richards:
Challenge Cup for best exhibit Section 3 (Handicraft)
Ollie Webb: Margaret Hooper
Cup for best exhibit Section 4 (Childrens)
It was a lovely day, much cake was consumed – a big thank-
If you would like to know more about the Horticultural Society please contact your local committee member. We’re a relaxed, friendly group and new members, and visitors, are always welcome.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
On Thursday, March 28 we had a talk by Mike Read, entitled “Corsica Mountains in the Mediterranean”. Mike runs walking and photography tours, not only in Corsica, and his expertise showed in the range of pictures we were shown. Not just the mountains, he treated us to the birdlife and the flora of the region. Lovely to see so many people coming along on the night. Looking forward to seeing you at the next one.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
SUNDAY, May 12 -
Our Annual Plant Sale, and our main fundraiser of the year. As the Jolly Farmer is, at the time of writing, closed, we have moved the plant sale to the Millenium Hall. Selling annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs grown by our own members at very reasonable prices. Come along and get ‘just what you need’ to fill a gap, create a new border, or plant up a pot.
If you have been splitting down, potting up, or have spare plants you would like to donate, please contact your local committee member – all donations are very welcome.
Look forward to seeing you there.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 -
A talk, entitled “Gardens of Russia” by John Baker.
John, and June Colley, are based at the Hanging Hosta Garden, Lindford, near Bordon. Having read about this on the Country Gardener website, I would recommend a visit to anyone who has a love of hostas! With a collection of around 1,300 hostas, as well as many other plants, there’s sure to be something to delight the senses.
With such a huge geographic area to explore I’m looking forward to learning, not only about the flora and design of Russian gardens but also about the history of this beautiful country.
As always, visitors are very welcome at our meetings. Members £1, Guests £2. Tea/coffee & biscuits available – donations please. Raffle will be held on the night.
JOBS IN MAY
Here’s what the RHS says about garden jobs in May:
1: Watch out for late frosts. Protect tender plants
2: Earth up potatoes,
and promptly plant any still remaining
3: Plant out summer bedding at the end
of the month (except in cold areas)
4: Water early and late to get the most out
of your water, recycle water when possible
5: Regularly hoe off weeds
6: Open
greenhouse vents and doors on warm days|
7: Mow lawns weekly
8: Check for nesting
birds before clipping hedges
9: Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils
and other spring-
10: Watch out for viburnum beetle and lily beetle
grubs
With the weather warming up, and so much to do, it’s sometimes easy to forget the simple pleasures of a garden – just to stand still, take a look around us. There are so many things going on, not just the weeds growing! A few deep breaths can ‘feed’ us, just as we feed our plants. Happy spring, everyone.
Report (posted February 8, 2019) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
It is with great sadness that we say our final farewell to Eddie Rapley. A long-
With any luck we have now had the worst of the weather and cleared up the damage caused by the snow at the beginning of February. For anyone who still has an open fire it was a great opportunity to stockpile the wood for a couple of years to season. It was certainly beautiful, and destructive!
There’s only one month to go now before the Spring Show – and with the garden in
‘spring-
1: Protect new spring shoots from slugs
2: Plant shallots, onion sets and
early potatoes
3: Plant summer-
4: Lift and divide overgrown
clumps of perennials
5: Top dress containers with fresh compost
6: Mow the
lawn on dry days (if needed)
7: Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) grown
for colourful winter stems
8: Hoe and mulch weeds to keep them under control early
9:
Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain; remove pond heaters
10: Prune bush
and climbing roses
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
On Thursday, January 31, we had a talk by Thomas Stone entitled “The Roses of Mottisfont
Abbey”. Thank you to everyone who braved the threat of snow to attend our first meeting
of the year. It was wonderful to see so many people there, and some new faces too.
Thomas Stone was, as we hoped, informative and interesting. We were treated to a
history of the gardens at Mottisfont Abbey, the conception and ideas behind each
area, and a plethora of beautiful images from different seasons of the year. Being
one of the only guests in the room who hasn’t visited the Abbey, it will be on my
to-
WHAT’S COMING UP?
THURSDAY, March 28 – Cliddesden Millenium Hall – 7.45pm
Talk by Mike Read, entitled “Corsica Mountains in the Mediterranean”. Mike Read is a freelance nature photographer who comes from Ringwood. He uses his love of photography and nature to bring the places he visits to life. I think we are in for a stunning journey through the Corsican mountains. Our meetings are open to guests as well as members, so please do come along.
SUNDAY, April 7 -
The Spring Show is open to members only. Members of the public are welcome to join us from 2.00pm to view the entries, sample the cakes, maybe win a prize on the raffle. Classes are varied across the show, not only stunning displays of our spring flowers, and shrubs, but also our culinary whizzes show off their skills with a delicious variety of dishes. Children have 2 classes in each of 2 age groups so our budding gardeners of the future also get involved. We look forward to seeing you there.
NOTICE: Monday, January 21, 2019:
It has been announced that Eddie Rapley from Cliddesden has sadly passed away. He
was a long-
He will be very much missed by all Horticultural Society members, who send their condolences to Betty and the family.
Report (posted January 15, 2019) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire, and Happy New Year! Hopefully by now you’ve had time to rest and recuperate from Christmas.
It’s now time to prepare your garden for the coming season and, of course, to start thinking about the Spring Show (April 7th, how time flies!). The RHS list these as your top 10 jobs for FEBRUARY. Seems like a lot? See what you can cross off.
1: Prepare vegetable seed beds, and sow some vegetables under cover
2: Chit
potato tubers
3: Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and peaches
4: Net
fruit and vegetable crops to keep the birds off
5: Prune winter-
6: Divide bulbs such as snowdrops, and plant those
that need planting 'in the green'
7: Prune Wisteria
8: Prune hardy evergreen
hedges and renovate overgrown deciduous hedges
9: Prune conservatory climbers
such as bougainvillea
10: Cut back deciduous grasses left uncut over the winter,
remove dead grass from evergreen grasses
WHAT’S COMING UP?
THURSDAY, January 31 – Cliddesden Millenium Hall – 7.45pm
Our first meeting of the New Year!
“The Roses of Mottisfont Abbey”, a talk by Thomas Stone. We can look forward to a fascinating talk from Mr Stone. He was born on Mottisfont Abbey and his father was Head Gardener there. With his wealth of experience I’m sure we will all find something to grab our imagination.
Mottisfont Abbey is not too far away, for those of you who haven’t been there, the address is: Mottisfont Abbey, Nr Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP.
THURSDAY, March 28 -
“Corsica Mountains in the Mediterranean”, a talk by Mike Read. Our March speaker is freelance nature photographer Mike Read, who comes from Ringwood. He uses his love of photography and nature to bring the places he visits to life. I think we are in for a stunning journey through the Corsican mountains.
Our meetings are open to guests as well as members, so please do come along.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions are now due, £8 per annum per household. We are now able to offer members the opportunity to pay their subscriptions online. If you would like to do this, please contact me on 01256 381504 or 07748532798 for payment details.
For new members please contact your local committee member, or come along to our January meeting and join on the night.
Report (posted December 10, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
Happy New Year!
Hopefully by now you’ve had time to rest and recuperate from Christmas Mrs Boland
is having a rest this month – over indulged on the home-
It’s now time to prepare your garden for the coming season, and, of course, to start thinking about the Spring Show (April 7th, how time flies!). The RHS list these as your top 10 jobs for JANUARY. Seems like a lot? See what you can cross off without doing anything – I’ve managed 1/5/6/10.
1. Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch
2. Clean pots and
greenhouses ready for spring
3. Dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug
already
4. Disperse worm casts in lawns
5. Inspect stored tubers of Dahlia, Begonia and Canna for
rots or drying out
6. Prune apple and pear trees
7. Start forcing rhubarb
8.
Plan your vegetable crop rotations for the coming season
9. Keep putting out food
and water for hungry birds
10. Make a polythene shelter for outdoor peaches and
nectarines, to protect against peach leaf curl
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
News from the AGM (held on November, 29)
The society is financially stable and continues to find informative and fun speakers
for our yearly programme, as well as organising the bi-
Changes to committee membership. After many years (I won’t say just how many!), Julia Ayscough has stood down from the committee. We can’t thank Julia enough for her constant support; setting up for meetings and shows, walking round with judges, hosting committee meetings, as well as invaluable input regarding classes, ideas for garden visits, and speakers.
Please join us in welcoming Seamus Foster to the team. As you probably already know,
Seamus lives in Ellisfield, and with Debbie, his wife, is a regular at meetings and
shows. We’re looking forward to his input and fresh ideas. Thank-
AGM QUIZ.
Do you know what a Saintpaulia is more commonly known as? Or tell the difference
between layering and pleaching? If you can, then you should have been at the AGM!
After
the usual notices and yearly updates, followed by delicious food & drink, we enjoyed
a fun multiple-
The winners of the ‘FIRST HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AGM QUIZ’ were Eddie & Di Rampton. Congratulations!
WHAT’S COMING UP?
THURSDAY, January 31 – Cliddesden Millenium Hall – 7.45pm
Our first meeting of the New Year!
“The Roses of Mottisfont Abbey”, a talk by Thomas Stone. We can look forward to a fascinating talk from Mr Stone. He was born on Mottisfont Abbey and his father was Head Gardener there. With his wealth of experience I’m sure we will all find something to grab our imagination.
Mottisfont Abbey is not too far away, for those of you who haven’t been there, the address is: Mottisfont Abbey, Nr Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP.
THURSDAY, March 28 -
“Corsica Mountains in the Mediterranean”, a talk by Mike Read. Our March speaker is freelance nature photographer Mike Read, who comes from Ringwood. He uses his love of photography and nature to bring the places he visits to life. I think we are in for a stunning journey through the Corsican mountains.
Our meetings are open to guests as well as members, so please do come along.
Report (posted November 3, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
<<< Another gem from Chris Madden (freelance illustrator from Manchester)!
Christmas is once again upon us, and our gardens should be resting beneath a blanket of snow, snuggly protected from the chill of the winter wind and frosts. However, if this year is anything like the last couple, we will still be cutting grass, pruning, and prepping the ground until Christmas Eve! So, don’t put your mowers away just yet …
One of the plants we associate with Christmas is mistletoe, the beautiful parasite found growing at the tops of trees. From my lovely book Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore by Bridget Boland I have these offerings:
“When picking mistletoe, the time does not matter (which is just as well, as it may
be difficult enough to climb the tree without having to do so in the dark); but you
must sacrifice two bulls beneath first, use your golden knife or sickle, and drop
the mistletoe down onto a white cloak stretched out below.
“Nowadays mistletoe is
brought in only for kissing time at Christmas, but once it hung in every hall all
the year round as a sign that guests greeted under it were safe in that house, a
recognition of its power, known from Druidic times, to ensure peace and friendship.”
While we may not go ahead and sacrifice bulls before we pick the mistletoe, the message of welcome, peace and friendship is one we should embrace, not just at Christmas, but all year round. Because, like our gardens, friendship and peace thrive with tender care and frequent attention.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm
AGM -
Bring your best gardening brains with you to the AGM this year! As well as the usual reports, messages, food and wine, we’re going to get you to think.
One of our committee members is stepping down, so there is a vacancy opening up. If you would like to be more involved in the organisation of the Horticultural Society let one of the committee know. Apart from the lectures and shows, your commitment is to attend committee meetings approximately every 2 months. For more information please contact either Marilyn (01256 462584) or Steve (01256 324707).
There is no entry charge for the AGM. Wine/soft drinks and food available – donations please.
Please let your local committee member know if you are attending by November 14 (for catering purposes).
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm
Our first meeting of the New Year! It’s a talk by Thomas Stone entitled ‘The Roses of Mottisfont Abbey’. We can look forward to a fascinating talk from Mr Stone. He was born at Mottisfont Abbey and his father was Head Gardener there. With his wealth of experience I’m sure we will all find something to grab our imagination.
Mottisfont Abbey is not too far away, for those of you who haven’t been there, the address is: Mottisfont Abbey, Nr Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP. It is a National Trust property, and well worth a visit at any time of year. For the Old English Roses, the month recommended is June.
On A Personal Note
I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me for the St Michaels Hospice Moonlight
Walk on 13th October. It was a last-
Have a wonderful Christmas, a fantastic New Year, and we look forward to seeing you in January 2019.
Report (October 10, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hopefully you won’t find your kitchen/conservatory/hallway inundated with pots from
the garden (see cartoon), but certainly it’s now time to start ‘putting the garden
to bed’. I must admit to being quietly chuffed, this year I’ve managed to reclaim
2/3’s of a long-
My gem of wisdom gleaned from the pages of Gardener’s Magic and Other old Wives’ Lore (Bridget Boland) is also about bringing plants indoors:
‘Other beneficent herbs would be strewed over the rushes on the floors, along with such more practical things as pennyroyal (mentha pulegium) to deter fleas. If Queen Elizabeth I were coming on a Progress, the wise householder would be careful to strew much meadowsweet, which she was known to value above all, though possibly more for its scent that for its other virtues.’
Whether or not our own Queen Elizabeth II is as fond of meadowsweet I’m afraid I cannot comment.
However, the meadows we saw pictured at our last lecture of the year (“Traverse of the Alps, a 450 mile hike from Lake Geneva to Nice” by Carol Watson) were certainly very sweet.
Despite having a very low attendance, we had a lovely evening with Carol. From previous experience we knew her talk would not only be informative, but also entertaining, and peppered with her own personal anecdotes about her adventures.
The Alps in Summer are stunningly beautiful, remarkably NOT covered in snow, and the variety of wild orchids and geraniums to name but two species, was incredible. With Carol’s eye for photography we were treated to dramatic landscapes and views, as well as close ups of the flora. This was our last lecture of the year, and a lovely way to round things off. We sincerely hope to welcome Carol back again with one of her other talks. Possibly the Great Wall of China?
WHAT’S COMING UP?
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm
AGM -
Bring your best gardening brains with you to the AGM this year! As well as the usual reports, messages, food and wine, we’re going to get you to think.
One of our committee members is stepping down, so there is a vacancy opening up. If you would like to be more involved in the organisation of the Horticultural Society let one of the committee know. Apart from the lectures and shows, your commitment is to attend committee meetings approximately every 2 months. For more information please contact either Marilyn (01256 462584) or Steve (01256 324707).
There is no entry charge for the AGM. Wine/soft drinks and food available – donations please.
Please let your local committee member know if you are attending by November 14 (for catering purposes).
Report (September 6, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
Have you noticed nature’s bounty in the hedgerows?
Whether your pleasure is Blackberry jam, Bramble jelly or a delicious wine, there are berries aplenty this year. And the recent rain has suddenly swelled them with juice. The best time to pick blackberries is on a dry day, they go over so quickly if they’re wet. Choose the plump, shiny ones; dull black and they’re on the turn. Happy picking ??
To ensure that you collect the fruits of your labours in the correct manner, I found this passage in ‘Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore’ by Bridget Boland:
For Picking
Before picking or digging up, the plant should always be ‘saluted’ and told for what
purpose it is needed, and if possible for whom, thus pacifying it and ensuring its
co-
WHAT’S COMING UP?
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – Ellisfield Memorial Hall – 7.45pm
Talk by Carol Watson, entitled “Traverse of the Alps – 450 mile hike from Lake Geneva to Nice”. Please note that this is a change from the previously advertised speaker.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm
AGM -
Bring your best gardening brains with you to the AGM this year! As well as the usual reports, messages, food and wine, we’re going to get you to think.
One of our committee members is stepping down, so there is a vacancy opening up. If you would like to be more involved in the organisation of the Horticultural Society let one of the committee know. Apart from the lectures and shows, your commitment is to attend committee meetings approximately every 2 months. For more information please contact either Marilyn (01256 462584) or Steve (01256 324707).
There is no entry charge for the AGM. Wine/soft drinks and food available – donations please.
Please let your local committee member know if you are attending by November 14 (for catering purposes).
Report (July 13, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
Where did our cool, damp climate go? With all the glorious sunshine my garden is looking decidedly brown and wilted, and now we’re all on water meters it’s not just the hosepipe ban that stops us reaching for the sprinklers. Saying that, if it had been raining for the last few weeks, we would have had that to moan about instead!
I’ve been reading a wonderful little book called ‘Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore’ by Bridget Boland, so I thought I would include the odd short passage over the next few months:
To Protect the Garden
Occasionally on entering a very old walled garden you will see
over the door a horse’s head carved in stone. This is the relic of a belief that
dates from Roman times. ‘Some have used to put in the garden the skull of a mare
or she-
So, there you have it! Carving? Or a real skull? I would suggest you don’t opt for the whole mare or ass, as they may eat more than they protect.
Garden Competition: judged on the 25th June
Many thanks to all who entered. Here are the winners from each category:
Combined Veg & Flower -
Vegetable Garden -
Flower Garden -
Pots & Baskets -
Garden Feature -
The criteria for the Garden Competition is available on request, so you can start planning for next year if you missed this time. Please contact either Steve Bowcutt (324707) or Marilyn Smith (462584).
WHAT’S COMING UP? (Apart from the ground elder and bindweed, albeit much slower without the rain!)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 – SUMMER SHOW – CLIDDESDEN VILLAGE HALL
A chance to enter prize produce from the garden and/or your favourite images from
your cameras. Or, just go along and view the best efforts of others. For further
details of the classes, the Show Schedule can be obtained from any member of the
Committee.
Superb refreshments are on offer at minimum cost, so a good afternoon can
be had for all the family.
Staging is between 9.20am and 10.40am and public viewing
is between 2.00pm and 3.30pm, immediately followed by the presentation of awards.
EDITOR:
Please note that the Summer Show is now being held on a SUNDAY.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – Ellisfield Memorial Hall – 7.45pm:
Talk by Gerald Ponting,
entitled LADIES SMOCKS & BACHELORS BUTTONS – WILD FLOWERS & THEIR STORIES
Gerald Ponting is a writer, photographer, publisher and lecturer who regularly speaks at groups across central Southern England. His topics encompass stone circles, Shakespeare, Sicilian/Cypriot/American flora, and many others. With such a wealth of skills and experience we are hoping this will be a fascinating and enjoyable evening.
As always our meetings are open to everyone. Entry for members is £1, non-
If you haven’t been to the Ellisfield Memorial Hall recently, it has undergone quite
a re-
It’s a lovely place for meetings, the slope makes access easy for everyone and the road is quiet at all times. As this is our last lecture of the year we hope to see as many people there as possible.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm: AGM and Social Evening
This meeting is for members only. No entry charge for the AGM. Wine and food available – donations onto the plate please. Please let your local committee member know if you are attending by November 14 (for catering purposes).
Report (June 12, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
Have you ever noticed how the plants in your garden grow at a nice steady pace, but
the moment you turn your back the grass is 2 feet tall, and the weeds are grinning
smugly from every corner? Gardening is certainly a labour of love, a little like
painting the Forth Bridge -
We had a busy month with the Horticultural Society too, here’s a round-
PLANT SALE: As always, our grateful thanks to the landlord and staff for letting
us use the garden of the Jolly Farmer. So lovely to be able to have a pint or a coffee
while selling our plants. Not as warm a Sunday as we could have hoped for, however
a beautiful mixture of vegetables, herbs, annuals as well as perennials was presented
for sale. We raised a total of £218 which will go towards the lecturers and judges
we have during the year. Thank-
LECTURE: We welcomed back Steve Peach to see the ‘other side’ of the work he does, with Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda, as opposed to Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire. A fascinating insight in to work there, where the focus is on sharing skills and experience between countries, not just ‘giving’ to a charity. It’s was also nice to be in the memorial hall now that so much of the updating and improvements have been done. Lovely new heating, beautiful French doors, and an improved kitchen, make our Ellisfield meetings warmer, lighter, and cosier. We look forward to seeing more of you there now.
LOOKING AHEAD
LECTURE BY PHIL BLOCKLEY: “ALL ABOUT BEES” (Thursday, July 12 at Cliddesden Village
Hall -
One of our own members presents an evening ‘buzzing’ with information about bees.
With the importance of bees being quite often overlooked this is a meeting well worth
attending. And hopefully Phil will have some of the sweet stuff with him on the
night! All are welcome at our evening meetings. Entry: Members £1, non-
SUNDAY 5th AUGUST – SUMMER SHOW (Sunday, August 5 at Cliddesden Village Hall)
Our second show of the year. Entry forms and show schedules are still available from
any committee member. Fruit, flowers, vegetables galore. Flower arrangements and
photographs. As well as the delicious home-
Report (May 10, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
‘Bring me sunshine’. The weather has turned gloriously warm, blue skies overhead, and the temperature is rising. So, the ground is turning to concrete, pots & baskets are drying out, it’s too hot to work in the garden … If we didn’t moan about the weather we wouldn’t be British!
Our eclectic climate has brought on an amazing combination of spring blooms this
year, with daffodils & tulips in full colour side-
LOOKING AHEAD
So with everyone beavering away clearing weeds, edging borders and cutting grass, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy what is on offer from the Horticultural Society in the next few weeks.
PLANT SALE (1.00pm Sunday, May 13 at The Jolly Farmer pub in Cliddesden)
Fill a gap in the border, donate extra plants, enjoy a beverage in the pub garden. All proceeds from the plant sale go towards securing our speakers for next year’s programme.
‘THREE VILLAGES’ BEST GARDEN COMPETITION (Monday, June 25)
Looking at such things as hanging baskets and features of interest, our members take great pride in showing off their talents and achievements. For more information on how to enter the Best Garden Competition, please contact either Steve Bowcutt (324707) or Marilyn Smith (462584).
LECTURE BY PHIL BLOCKLEY: “ALL ABOUT BEES” (Thursday, July 12 at Cliddesden Village
Hall -
One of our own members presents an evening ‘buzzing’ with information about bees. With the importance of bees being quite often overlooked this is a meeting well worth attending. And hopefully Phil will have some of the sweet stuff with him on the night!
All are welcome at our evening meetings. Entry: Members £1, non-
Report (April 9, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
“Irish Coast-
Whoever said Ireland was just green was very mistaken! Our speaker took us on a 300 mile virtual walk across the stunning Irish countryside, with some delicious looking pictures of tea & cakes on the way.
We have such a variety of talks throughout the year, it’s always worth coming along – you never know what you’ll find out.
Spring Show (on Sunday, April 8)
Snow, freezing cold, rain … All ideal conditions for a bumper crop of daffodils, tulips and spring flowers (hahaha).
Despite the unfavourable weather our members managed to display some amazing blooms
and, if the number of flowers exhibited were a little down, the domestic sections
were up. Delicious, and decidedly sinful looking cakes, biscuits and pastries were
up for judging; even more were available to enjoy with a cuppa.
Beautiful creations of a different sort in the handicraft sections show what hidden talents are lurking in our midst. Such a lot of time and effort goes into these pieces, every one is so individual.
And for our young ones – daffodils in a bra will stick in the memory! And, the yummy sweets too!
Many thanks to everyone who came along, whether you were exhibiting or visiting. A lot of hard work goes into the organising of the shows, and your support is greatly appreciated.
The winners of the Cups are as follows :
Shurgold Challenge Cup: D & E Rampton
Bill Richards Challenge Cup: S. Foster
Blyth
Challenge Cup: P. Gould
Challenge Cup: J. Bowcutt
Don Prince Challenge Cup: B. Gilvear
Congratulations to them all and also well done to all the entrants who keep this very pleasant event going every year.
LOOKING AHEAD
Plant Sale (Sunday, May 13 -
Our fundraising plant sale. This is our major fundraiser for the year, so if you are splitting down, potting on, or have extra seedlings PLEASE don’t throw them away! Contact one of the committee for collection; or drop them off to your village representative in the week before the sale.
Then come down on the day to grab a bargain and fill a gap in the border. Everyone is welcome to come and support us. And, if the weather is nice, the pub garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a beverage while you peruse the plants.
“The Ugandan Connection Community -
Steve Peach returns as our speaker, following on from his talk last year about Queen Elizabeth Country Park. At that time he mentioned the close ties that the park has with the conservation in Uganda, and tonight we see this work in action ‘from the other side’. Judging by his last visit, this should be a really interesting evening.
All welcome, members £1, visitors £2, refreshments available on the night (donations please), and raffle.
Report (March 22, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke
Hello from Claire!
Eddie Rapley, our usual pen-
Thursday, March 29 at Cliddesden Village Hall, starting at 7.45pm:
A lecture, entitled “Irish Coast-
We always welcome visitors to our meetings, and new members
can join on the night.
Sunday, April 8 at Cliddesden Village Hall, public viewing from 2.00pm:
Spring Show – please note the show is being held on SUNDAY, not Saturday as in previous
years. Entry open to members only – see show schedule for details. If you are a member
and don’t yet have your schedule please call Claire Cooke (381504) or Pat Gould (381280).
Open
to the public from 2.00pm. Come along and see what we do! Not just flowers & vegetables.
Cookery, craft and children’s classes.
Sunday, May 13 at the Jolly Farmer, starting at 1.00pm:
Our fundraising plant sale. This is our major fundraiser for the year, so if you
are splitting down, potting on or have extra seedlings PLEASE don’t throw them away!
Contact one of the committee for collection; or drop them off to your village representative
in the week before the sale. Then come down on the day to grab a bargain and fill
a gap in the border.
Everyone is welcome to come and support us. And, if the weather
is nice, the pub garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a beverage while you peruse the
plants.
Report (February 11, 2018)
The first Lecture of the year ("Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and the Gardens of Israel" by Alan Martin) was a great success. We had quite a few guests and we have one new member, which is always gratifying. The lecturer was very amusing and informative with personal anecdotes of the places he showed us in the slide show of the area. His knowledge of the flora he had photographs, as well as the description of the soil and growing conditions was clear and very revealing. He has other talks which hopefully he will return and give us another interesting evening. (Thanks for the report Claire.)
The next lecture (March 29 at Cliddesden Hall at 8.00pm)) is by Carol Watson on a coastal walk across Ireland. The Spring show at Cliddesden follows quickly on April 8th.
It is nice to see the carpet of snowdrops in Ellisfield and also the crocuses telling us that Spring is not too far away. The Cherries are acting like March Hares by defeating Chelsea away and then getting well beaten by Huddersfield.
Thank you all, once again, for supporting the Committee by your attendance at the
Events during the year -
Report (January 18, 2018)
Having not written for a couple of months I wondered how to start the New Year and
the first thought which came into my head was Cherries 2 -
The lecture on January 25 at Cliddesden is by Alan Martin, entitled "Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and the Gardens of Israel". I will report in February on it's content.
The Membership Cards have now been printed so you will shortly be visited by a Member. The cost for the family is £8. New members are always welcome so if you have a friend who would like to join now is the time to join to get the whole year's value.
The Seed Catalogues are still available and remember the cost is Half the normal price.
Happy New Year
Eddie Rapley
Report (October 12, 2017)
The last Lecture of the year on “Composting and Recycling Your Garden Waste” was very informative. I understand that the Lecturer was fairly quiet and some of us strained to hear the words of wisdom. Maybe the use of the microphone system could be used so that all may benefit.
The latest news from our Chairman advises us that the catalogues should be with us this week and can then be collected from Marilyn. One can also order direct from Suttons Seeds but to get the benefit of this local Society you will have to quote our discount code which is GS116l3D. You will be offered a 50% discount on your order and will be charged £1.99 for postage and packing. So get a catalogue from Marilyn or go to the Suttons Seeds Website and use our Discount Code.
The last event of the year will be the A.G.M. to be held at Ellisfield Village Hall at 7.45pm on Wednesday. November 29. It is listed as the A.G.M. and Social evening and it is more talk than chalk, and the normal fare and drinks are provided to make the evening a pleasant affair.
Any ideas for next year are always welcome from the assembled throng and hopefully we will have a reasonable Agenda for your interest next year.
On a personal note it was nice to see that at last the steps and a rail may be provided at Southlea and will enable the older and more infirm to attend meetings. After 50 years on Southlea it will be nice to get out in the evenings.
Hope to see you all at the A.G.M.
Report (September 13, 2017)
I hope the trip to Wisley was successful and the last Lecture for the year was well attended. The only new meeting now is the A.G.M. in November when the usual social side takes over quite rapidly from the reports for the year. The Catalogues for the New Year will be with us shortly when you can all start planning for the new year. Having seen at the Summer Show what can be produced I am sure this will spur us on to do similar success next year. Having seen recently the Makeovers to a variety of gardens I must admit I do feel stirrings to improve the garden and the catalogues will certainly help with ideas for future projects.
Remember the date for the A.G.M. in Ellisfield at 7.45pm is Wednesday, November 29.
Report (August 12, 2017)
An interesting Lecture was given by Jennifer Carter on “The Gardens at Butchart and Alaska” but unfortunately the dates coincided with the start of the Holidays and the attendance was rather low. One hopes that the last lecture of this year does not clash with other events when Kevin Mason will be giving a Lecture on "Composting and Recycling" at 7.45 p,m. on Thursday, September 28, at Cliddesden Village Hall . Remember that Lectures are open to you and your friends. All are welcome.
The results of good composting was evident at the Summer Show in August when the produce was on show. The entrants increased this year and the quality was excellent. The visitors increased this year so a good day as had by all.
The winners were spread among the members so the cleaning of the trophies will not be too arduous for just the one winner.
September's event is the trip to Wisley and those wishing to go should contact Marilyn before the 17th so that she can allocate the tickets. We are limited to numbers.
August 2017: Summer Show
The list of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:
Joseph Bone Cup (Best Vegetable Collection): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Frankham Cup (Large
Onions): Steve Bowcutt
Barker Trophy (Best Rose): Andy Webb
Harold Greenyer Cup (Most
Points Vegetables): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Lay Challenge Cup (Most Points Flowers):
Eddie & Diane Rampton
Farleigh & Hurstbourne Cup (Best Flower Exhibit): Eddie & Diane
Rampton
EB Hooper Cup (Most Points Flower Arrangements): Diane Rampton
Nita Abbott
Cup (Runner-
Children's Challenge Cup (Best
Children's Exhibit -
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup (Best Children's
Exhibit -
Ivy Cannon Family Challenge Cup (Best Photograph):
Debbie & Seumas Foster
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy (Most Points in Horticultural
Classes, Spring & Summer Shows): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Banksian Medal (Most Points
in Horticultural Classes, Summer Show): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
EDITOR: Congratulations to all the winners. However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Adam & Tracey Gilvear, Andy Web, Genna Cooke, Archie Gilvear and Debbie & Seumas Foster.
Report (June 18, 2017)
The last Lecture in May on the The Owl Academy was a great success especially the Flying Barn Owl who flew from member to member at their teacher’s command. The audience were impressed with the content of the Lecture but were dismayed at the practice of sending young barn owls (killed for their carcasses) abroad for experimental purposes. This led to the information of how the Wild Life Trust do everything in their power to stop this practice, which not only affects Barn Owls but other species as well, including Blackbirds. Mike Savage is a very passionate member of the Wild Life Trust and this does show and hopefully will encourage others to get involved.
The Best Gardens will be judged on June 19. Thankfully for the last 50 years I've
had the pleasure of living opposite the Meadow in South Lea so it has been an extra
bonus to the garden -
We have a Lecture at Ellisfield Village Hall on Wednesday 26th July at 7.45pm. The Lecture is by Jennifer Carter on "Canada, Alaska and Butchart Gardens". Having visited them with friends from Seattle twenty years ago I can thoroughly recommend them.
In August (Saturday 5) we have our Summer Show and details can be obtained from any Committee Member. Entries can be admitted on the day from 9.30am until 10.30am. The Venue is at the Cliddesden Millennium Village Hall and the Public are welcome to visit the Show between 2.30pm and 3.30pm when Awards will be made and Cups presented. Refreshments will be served as usual.
Report (April 13, 2017)
March ended with an excellent talk by Steve Peach on “The Life and Times of a Ranger”.
The range and the satisfaction given by his employment would have made any younger
person envious. His involvement in the landscape and the conservation of the wildlife
was complete and his world wide experiences, especially in Africa, showed total
commitment. As he said "I do get rather involved so tend to extend the lectures a
little!". It was well worth the small contribution to costs by members and non-
Quickly following the Lecture was the Spring Show which, despite the decimation of many daffodils in the week previous, lived up to its usual standards. The flowers were a joy to see, the food looked rather tempting and the Art and Craft showed a competent skill by many. It would be nice next year if a few more entries were in the Painting classes because I know there are a great number of Artists in the Horticultural Society. We were pleased to see that the total entrants for all the classes were only down by one on last year.
The winners of the Cups are as follows :
Shurgold Challenge Cup: D & E Rampton
Bill Richards Challenge Cup: S. Bowcutt
Blyth
Challenge Cup: C. Cooke
Challenge Cup: J. Bowcutt
Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy:
F. Cooke
Don Prince Challenge Cup: G. Cooke
Congratulations to them all and also well done to all the entrants which keeps this very pleasant event going every year.
Future events include the PLANT SALE on Sunday May 7th at The Jolly Farmer (in the garden), opening at 1.00pm. Any plants from members for sale should be brought by 12.30 for display purposes. The pub is open for libations.
Members, friends of members or Tom, Dick and Harry are all invited to spend their odd pounds, which will contribute to our funds.
Finally in May we have Mike Savage lecturing on "The Owl Academy". Should be a Hoot! This is at Cliddesden Village Hall at 7.45pm. on May 25th.
Report (March 13, 2017)
Daffodils are here again making my garden and everyone's gardens things of beauty
and a joy for a month -
Before that the Lecture by Steve Peach will have taken place in Ellisfield at their Village Hall on Wednesday, the 29th March at 7.45 p.m. where we hope a good turnout will be interested in the Life and Times of a Park Ranger.
April brings the first Show of the Year where the Committee are following the tradition
of last year by Not asking for Entry Forms to be admitted before the Show Day. Exhibitor
Cards can be found at the back of the Show Schedules. Any problems with these arrangements
can be solved by ringing the Secretary Marilyn Smith on 462584 or e-
9.20am to 10.40am: Staging exhibitors must vacate the Hall for the Judges to judge
by 10.40am.
2.00pm to 3.30pm: Public Viewing
3.30pm: Presentation of Awards.
Offers to clean the hall after the show will be greatly appreciated. Now is the time to show your friends that you have more than one talent so get out the cooking bowl, gardening trowel or paint brush and surprise them.
Hope those seeds are growing ready for the Plant Sale at the Jolly Farmer on the 8th of May.
Have a month of interesting hobbies and have a good Spring.
Report (February 13, 2017)
The first Lecture of the year by Carol Watson was well attended and from a report by Steve Bowcutt was well presented and well received. He writes:
"She gave us lots of colourful slides of her annual Caribbean holidays over the last five years. She has visited a different island each year and treated us to Barbados, Dominica, and Grenada and St. Kitts. Lovely slides with an entertaining, humorous and at times educational commentary . We saw the unusual and rare cannonball tree which has to be fenced when it is fruiting because of the danger of falling fruit (hence the name). We also saw a number of enslaved persons huts, these can be moved and known as chattels. So when a slave moved he took his ‘goods and chattel’, apparently this is the origin of the phrase.”
Report (January 11, 2017)
A belated Happy New Year to you all. The festivities being well and truly over we can now sit down and plan our Horticultural year ahead.
I hope that you all managed to get the advice regarding the lecture on the January
26 and have now all got the updated copy of the program for the year. In order to
help alleviate changes to our program at short notice, our Chairman would appreciate
it if you would let him have your e-
Reminder 2. Please remember to plant some extra seeds again so that the Plant Sale on Sunday May 2 will be increased by your annual generosity to help us swell funds.
Our next evening meeting, after the January 26 one, will be on March 29 on the “Life and Times of a Ranger” from the Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Should be interesting.
Finally, remember that everyone is welcome to our Meetings so don't phone a friend
-
Report (October 13, 2016)
Our last lecture of the year was by Dr Alick Jones on September 28th at Ellisfield
on "Weeds -
The Committee hope that there will be a full house for the AGM at Cliddesden Village Hall on Thursday 24th November at 7.45pm when you can participate with your ideas for the coming year, enjoy the refreshments and renew old acquaintances. If you are a newcomer to our three villages and would like to test the water before joining for next year, now is the time to take the first step.
Some of the Committee are standing down as they feel after a long stint it is time for new blood to invigorate the Society. The commitment is not too onerous (and the refreshments at Committee Meetings help the meetings go with a flow). So please think seriously about carrying on a valued asset to our community
I am pleased to see that the Hampshire teams are all settling down in their respective Leagues. The only problem with my Cherries being in the top League is that they don't have as many games to watch. Have to spend more time reading the Horticulture Magazines ...
See you at the AGM.
Report (August 18, 2016)
The Summer Show lived up to its normal high standard, though there were a few fewer entries this year. It was nice to see some of our younger members participating and achieving success, they must have realised that the Olympics was just around the corner and so they had to do their best. The list of winners make some familiar reading and some have a few more Cups to clean this year. Congratulations to all who took part.
The Show had been preceded by an unexpected lecture by Faustina Boya on the Neem
Tree of South Africa. It was a fascinating lecture on the tree’s properties and we
all experienced the taste of it (Hmm!! -
We now have a lull until our next lecture on Wednesday, September 28, at Ellisfield on the “Weeds, Can we ever win?”.
Committee Members : The Committee would appreciate some help from some new volunteers to join the Committee. One does not need to be a Wiz kid on Gardening and the commitment is not too great. Ideal for someone who loves gardening. Does not have to be a Cherries supporter!
I see that the Guardian and the Telegraph are following the Newsletter by giving a Report on Cherries News and to have them on the Box on two consecutive Sundays is a good way to start the year.
Enjoy the rest of the Summer Holidays and see you in the Autumn.
August 2016: Summer Show
The list of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:
Joseph Bone Cup (Best Vegetable Collection): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Frankham Cup (Large
Onions): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Barker Trophy (Best Rose): Andy Webb
Harold Greenyer
Cup (Most Points Vegetables): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Lay Challenge Cup (Most Points
Flowers): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Farleigh & Hurstbourne Cup (Best Flower Exhibit):
Eddie & Diane Rampton
EB Hooper Cup (Most Points Flower Arrangements): Pat Doel
Nita
Abbott Cup (Runner-
Children's Challenge Cup
(Best Children's Exhibit -
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup (Best
Children's Exhibit -
Ivy Cannon Family Challenge Cup (Best
Photograph): (no entries)
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy (Most Points Horticultural
Spring & Summer Shows): Eddie & Diane Rampton
EDITOR: Congratulations to all the winners. However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Adam & Tracey Gilvear, Andy Web and Oliver Webb.
Report (June 14, 2016)
It's raining, my roses are blooming, the sound of bat on ball and of course Tennis getting in to full flow tells me it must be June.
The lecture in May by Gerald Ponting was very illuminating and showed the island in all its glory. The floral displays were a joy to behold and the work done by the Islanders to recover from the devastating floods earlier in the year were very commendable. I could see why Madeira is a tourist attraction every year. An excellent talk by Gerald.
This month we will have the Best Garden Competition on June 27th and the results will be announced in next month's Report.
In July, the lecture on Owls has been postponed and it has been replaced by "Neem
-
In August, we have the Summer Show on August 6th. Get your Programmes from one of the Committee Members or contact Stephen or Marilyn for details. Once again a chance to see what success others have and enter your own plants, vegetables or Craft work in the various sections. Remember that without your contributions there would be no Show.
Remember that if you are not a member of the Horticultural Society (Gardening Club ) you are welcome to join at any time and your one fee enters all the family for all events. We are however open to visitors for all Lectures and Shows but of course to enter any of the Competition one has to be a member.
Report (May 12, 2016)
Sunday, May 8th, turned out to be a beautiful sunny day for the Plant Sale at the Jolly Farmer and it was good to see so many members turn up to buy the plants. Thanks are offered to all who contributed not only in the provision of the plants but also the purchase of them. Thank you also to the Jolly Farmer for the use of their garden and facilities. I understand the beverages were also very acceptable too.
On May 25th at Ellisfield Village Hall we are booked to have a Slide Show on "The Pride of Madeira" by Gerald Ponting and having never been there it will be interesting to see how it compares with my hometown. The Best Garden Competition will take place in June so hopefully the weather will stay kind for all the entrants. Details can be obtained from the Committee.
I understand there will be some Garden Visits to be arranged for June but details are not finalised at this date but … Be Prepared.
Have a good summer gardening.
Report (April 12, 2016)
The Spring Show was the first chance of the year to show some of the produce from the gardens; some of the products from the kitchens and of course some of the results from the various crafts on which some of our members spend their free time. This year the entries were slightly down but in general a good turn out was achieved. Visitors did not take as much advantage of the cakes on offer as usual but having sampled one of the delicious cakes I will be back for more next year.
The Challenge cups winners are as follows ;
The Shurgold Challenge Cup for highest number of points in the Horticultural Classes
were Dianne and Eddie Rampton
The Bill Richards Challenge Cup and a Certificate of
Merit was for the best single Bloom in the Classes 1-
The Blyth
Challenge Cup and a Certificate of Merit for Domestic entrants was Claire Cooke
The
Challenge Cup and a Certificate of Merit for Best Exhibit in the Arts and Crafts
Sections was won by Eddie Rapley
The Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy for children
up to the age of 6 was G. Cook.
The Don Prince Challenge Cup for children aged 7
to 12 was won by B. Gilvear
Congratulations to all the winners and also to all who took part.
As Danny Willett remarked on winning The Masters on Sunday "I am enjoying this Win but after a break I must now concentrate on the next Tournament" so the Spring Show has passed and we now look forward to the next event on our calendar which is the Plant Sale on May 8th at THE JOLLY FARMER in the garden. The Sale starts at 1.00pm and any welcome gifts from members for the Sale will be warmly welcomed by the Committee from 12 Noon on the day. So I guess it’s a Bring and Buy Sale for some.
The other event in May is a Slide Show on Wednesday May 25th at 8.00pm in Ellisfield Village Hall by Gerald Ponting on "The Pride of Madeira". I have been told it is a lovely island so now is the chance to see it.
I hope it will be as successful as the Geoff Hawkes Lecture in March on the History of Mill Court Gardens. I was told that this was a fascinating hour on the history of the House and the Gardens and another successful lecture to add to our list.
Report (February, 2016)
The first lecture of the year was a fascinating wander through the memories of Mrs Read who not only described the meanderings the River Meon from its bubbling source to the sea but added in the historical details of villages along the way and her own family's connection with the area. For those of us who take the Motorways for speed it reminds us to take time to wander through our lovely countryside and villages, and it's all free.
Happy belated New Year Greetings to all our green fingered members. I am a little
late with my Greetings but that is the privilege of old age. As I sit at my desk
I find also that there are 17 Christmas cards still to deliver -
The Committee have once again prepared a full program for the year from March to September and having paid the Sub of £8 per household the whole family can take part. There is a Lecture in January on " The River Meon from its Source to the Sea" by Geoff Reid. The lecture is on the 28th January in Cliddesden Village Hall at 7.45pm. Hopefully our Posters will bring in a good audience. The next Lecture is on March 28th in Cliddesden by Geoff Hawkins on "The history of Mill Court Gardens".
The Committee have Catalogues for the new season and they hope that any surplus plants will be donated to our Sale in April as any profit will go to pay expenses for the year. Remember that Subs are now due and the one Sub of £8 pays for the whole household for the year.
Now with the winter weather coming in I must hunker down and concentrate on the Cherries and the Pompey results until May. I know that Cherry Pie has been replaced by Humble Pie in the restaurants around these Grounds. Only a rumour.
A final reminder that our Spring Show takes place in April and if you have a talent to share, such as Cooking, Art or Handicrafts this is the time to exhibit your skills.
Happy pondering.
Report (November, 2015)
Having been without a car for seven months it was so nice to have my wheels back to be able to get out into our beautiful countryside and enjoy the Autumn colours. They were so vibrant and compared very favourably with the Blue Ridge mountain scenery which I enjoyed many years ago. Horticulturally, we enjoyed an excellent final lecture to our year when Dr Alick Jones gave us an insight into what we are doing as a nation to preserve some of our native species and the danger of not doing anything to preserve our feathered friends from extinction.
We have our A.G.M. Coming soon (Wednesday, November 25 at Ellisfield) and the Committee will have the pleasure of preparing for another year of planning the Sales, the Shows and the Lectures for 2016. (I also do believe that Christmas is getting closer as the Raffle Tickets are coming with increasing rapidity and more profusely every year and the Gardeners can look back on the successes of this year and prepare anew for next year's triumphs.)
I, personally have the worry of watching my "Cherries", knowing of course that they
will eventually start scoring again and moving up the Table -
The Committee wish you all a very happy Christmas and a very fruitful New Year.
August 2015: Summer Show (report by Steve Bowcutt)
This show was a success, with friendly weather and a good turn out of exhibits & people. Trophy winners are listed below but a few highlights we should mention:
Eddie & Diane Rampton really went for it exhibiting in virtually every class and
coming away with a number of the major trophies.
Adam & Tracy Gilvear took the major
prizes in the vegetable section, their collection is worthy of special mention as
is the quality of their potatoes.
The other branch of the Ramptons seem to have inspired
Pat Rampton who had the best floral arrangement.
The Cooke family cleaned up in the
children's section and Stephen Hudson had the best photograph.
The list of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:
Joseph Bone Cup (Best Vegetable Collection): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Frankham Cup (Large
Onions): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Barker Trophy (Best Rose): Pat Doel
Harold Greenyer
Cup (Most Points Vegetables): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Lay Challenge Cup (Most Points
Flowers): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Farleigh & Hurstbourne Cup (Best Flower Exhibit):
Seumas & Debbie Foster
EB Hooper Cup (Most Points Flower Arrangements): Pat Rampton
Nita
Abbott Cup (Runner-
Children's Challenge Cup (Best
Children's Exhibit -
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup (Best Children's
Exhibit -
Ivy Cannon Family Challenge Cup (Best Photograph):
Stephen Hudson
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy (Most Points Horticultural Spring & Summer
Shows): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Banksean Medal (Most Points in Horticultural Sections):
Eddie & Diane Rampton
EDITOR: Congratulations to all the winners. However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Adam & Tracey Gilvear, Seumas & Debbie Foster, Fletcher Cooke and Genna Cooke.
July 2015: Lecture: The Wonders of Antarctica
This was a most interesting talk and slide show of a trip that didn't go strictly according to plan. Nevertheless, it was well presented and it entertained the members.
June 2015: Best Garden Competition
Congratulations go to the following members:
Ellisfield
Debbie and Seumas Foster for gaining 1st place in the Combined class, a
2nd in the Vegetable class and a 3rd in the Flower Class.
Adam Gilvear for gaining
1st place in the Flower class.
Jacqui and Tony Matthews for gaining a 2nd place in
the Flower class and a 3rd place in the Pots & Baskets class.
Cliddesden
Pat Doel for gaining 1st places in the Flower and Features classes and
a 3rd place for the Combined class.
Michelle Ilsley and N Riley for gaining 1st place
in the Pots & Baskets class.
Doreen and Dennis Ilsley for gaining 2nd places in the
Combined, Feature and Pots & Baskets classes and a 3rd in the Vegetable class.
April 2015: Spring Show
The Spring Show was very well attended and the number of entries were up to par. The Cups were won by the following members:
The Shurgold Challenge Cup for Most points in Horticultural Classes -
The Bill Richards Challenge Cup for Best Single Bloom in Narcissus Classes
-
The Blythe Challenge Cup for Most points in Domestic Classes -
The Challenge Cup for the Best Exhibit in Art & Craft Classes -
The
Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy for the Best Exhibit under 7 years of Age -
and the
Don Prince Challenge Cup for Best Exhibit under 12 years of Age -
Our congratulations to them all and all those who took part.
(In addition, here is a review from Jacqui Matthews' BazGaz Community News article on Farleigh and Ellisfield)
Trophies were awarded to prize winners at last Saturday’s Spring Show: Ellisfield’s Archie Gilvear was MasterChef baking the ultimate Chocolate Brownies.
Pat Gould, once again, just beat daughter Claire Cooke to become this year’s Domestic
Goddess producing a mouth-
January 2015: Lecture (Geoff Read: "Mini-
Our first lecture of the year was a great success when 30 people turned out on a wintry night to see our little companions on this planet of ours and we were entranced and amazed to see Marwells retired Zoo Keeper show a selection of his little friends. The Chameleon which spent most of the evening snuggled up on the back of his neck after making friends with the assembled throng. They were allowed to touch and stroke him/her, followed by the Australian green stick insect made famous in one of Harrison Ford's films of The Lost Arc.
Insects followed from a Millipede with 110 legs (of Dr No's film) to the "Hissing
Bug" beloved of small boys because of its interesting noises. The Leopard Geko which
loves sand followed by the Tarantula -
The Summer Show seems to get better every year and this year was no exception with
seemingly more entrants, more people receiving the Cups and more children taking
part -
The list (supplied by Steve Bowcutt) of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:
Joseph Bone Cup (Vegetable Collection): Steve Bowcutt
Frankham Cup (Large Onion):
E. Rampton
Barker Trophy (Best Rose): Claire Cooke
Harold Greenyer Cup (Most Points
Vegetables): E. Rampton
Lay Challenge Cup (Most Points Flowers): Pat Doel
Farleigh
& Hurstbourne Cup (Best Flower Exhibit): Claire Cooke
EB Hooper Cup (Most Points Flower
Arrangements): Pat Doel
Nita Abbott Cup (Runner-
Children's
Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit -
Elsie Prince Challenge
Cup (Best Children's Exhibit -
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy
(Most Points Horticultural Spring & Summer Shows): A. & S. Hudson
Ivy Cannon Family
Challenge Cup (Best Photograph): J. Bowcutt
Congratulations to all the winners. However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Claire Cooke (two trophies), her daughter Genna and Oliver Webb.
July 2014: Lecture (The World of Woodpeckers)
Whether it was his name that gave him his lifetime interest I am not sure, but the
quality and content was excellent. Having started to make a note of all the varieties
-
June 2014: 3 Villages Garden Competition
Class A (Combined Vegetable & Flower Garden) was won by Julia & Steve Ayscough of
Farleigh Wallop
Class B (Flower Garden) was won by Janette Palmer of Cliddesden
Class
C (Vegetable Garden) was won by Dan Cleeve of Ellisfield
Class D (Garden Feature)
was won by Hilda & Andy Small of Cliddesden
Class E (Pots & Baskets) was won by Debbie
& Seumas Foster of Ellisfield
Congratulations to all the winners. (However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Dan Cleeve and Debbie & Seumas Foster!)
April 2014: Spring Show
Out of the hills came the O’Dills with their daffs ready for the competition at the Spring Show and what a good display it was again this year. I had been looking at the daffs in my garden for the past month hoping that they had not flowered too early but we were very fortunate not to have the snow ruin our show. The Committee are always delighted when the members take part as it takes the planning the details worth while. So many thanks to you all for your support.
The Chairman reports that there was an increased entry this year (with no empty classes), new exhibitors and the number of children taking part had increased. All good news for the future of the Society. The winners were:
The Shurgold Challenge Cup for Most points in Horticultural Classes -
The Bill Richards Challenge Cup for Best Single Bloom in Narcissus Classes
-
The Blythe Challenge Cup for Most points in Domestic Classes -
The Challenge Cup for the Best Exhibit in Art & Craft Classes -
The
Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy for the Best Exhibit under 7 years of Age -
and the
Don Prince Challenge Cup for Best Exhibit under 12 years of Age
-
January 2014: Lecture (Vegetables for Beginners)
The first Lecture of the year went off very successfully, with a good attendance to set the year off on its Horticultural Way.
Our Lecturer, Kelvin Mason, covered all the essential details on getting the best results from our vegetable gardens and he mixed wit and humour into a very interesting talk. The reasons for double digging, the removal of rebel weeds, the size of the beds (4 foot two inches), the importance of not stepping on the earth and the necessity of watering (or not watering) have all reinforced old knowledge and will inspire a few endeavours in our splendid attendance.
It will be interesting to see the results in this year’s shows.
November 2013: Annual General Meeting
"Another year of success (or maybe failure and dashed hopes and despair at Nature’s
fickle ways) sees the gardeners in our Three Villages full of optimism that 2014
will be the year that those seeds we plant will turn into days of triumph -
"We finished the old year with our normal convivial AGM, when a new face, Claire Cook from Ellisfield, took over the position of Treasurer as I, after 19 years filling the space, decided that it was time to hand over the money to someone else. I wish her well and am sure she will be as pleased to receive your £7 Sub for the year as I have been in the past.
"Our first Lecture of 2014 will take place on January 30 in the Cliddesden Millennium Village Hall (beginning at 7.45pm) when the subject will be “ Vegetables for Beginners” . Those who have been growing vegetables for some time will most probably learn a thing or two as well ...
"The programme for the rest of the year is being finalised and will be on your Membership Cards.
"I have been asked to remind those faithful members who produce plants for sale at our Spring Plant Sale that we really do count on your very valuable contributions and also from any other member who may have produced too many plants for their gardens. The Funds raised help the Society to keep the Annual Sub down to its present level and enable us to pay for the Lectures and Venues used during the year.
"To those of you who are new to the Villages, the Society is a very friendly group
of people who like to socialise as well as discuss Gardening matters and will befriend
and be patient with those without green fingers like me. We do have two shows during
the year when we can also display our other talents -
"So ... see you on the 30th January."
October 2013: Joint meeting with the Candover Valley Gardening Club
The Fun Table Quiz which took place at Preston Candover Village Hall was a very enjoyable evening where one of the prizes was won by a few dedicated garden viewers from our Society, who could identify most of the places on view. Honours were eventually evened out when Preston Candover won the other prize for horticultural identities of veg and flowers. Wine and edibles were consumed and it was a very pleasant way to end the year.
September 2013: Talk -
A captivating display of slides of the Italian Lakes by Richard Thornton made for a pleasurable evening’s viewing to end the Lectures for the year. Memories of camping in 1959 in Lake Como were revived when Betty and I were just a little younger.
The lectures always seem to have an extra interest for me and this time it was the crack, splatter and pop sounds which accompanied some of the slides. Alas it was not until the end that I found out it was the microphone reacting to the car keys in Richards pocket as he wandered back and forth. Another mystery solved.
August 2013: Horticultural Society Summer Show (Report by Jacqui Matthews)
HORTICULTURAL dynasties in the making:
Last Saturday’s summer show had more than 250 entries (100 more than last year) and four local families did particularly well. Emma Ilsley won the Elsie Price Challenge Cup for Best Entry in the children’s class for aged seven and over, producing the most beautiful necklace made from vegetables, and mum Michelle won first prize for the best hanging baskets in the ‘best gardens’ competition.
Oliver Webb won first prize in the under-
The Gilvear family will be busy polishing silver trophies all winter – Adam won cups for best vegetable garden, best large onion, longest runner bean, and highest number of points in vegetable classes and the whole show, while sons Archie and Basil won second prizes in the children’s classes for their age group.
Fletcher Cooke won the Children’s Challenge Cup for his display of grasses in a jar, while sister Dariah and granny Pat Gould must be given first prize for delicious refreshments, enjoyed by all visitors.
The above is the Ellisfield & Farleigh Wallop report by Jacqui Matthews for the Basingstoke Gazette, published Thursday, August 8.
The list of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:
July 2013: Lecture on William Kent and precursors to the English Landscape Movement
Joanna Kent gave a most excellent lecture on William Kent (no relation) and the history of English Landscaping since the 17th Century.
I was not only impressed with the information given but amazed at her dexterity in mounting the stage in the dark at least ten times to point out various points of the gardens on display. The agility of the young know no bounds these days.
June 2013: Evening Visit to Two Acre garden at “Walden”, Common Hill, near Medstead
A glass of wine, seventeen members present and a view across the field of sheep happily nibbling round the distant bushes was the introduction to our visit to Walden in Medstead. A summer evening in rural Hampshire with clouds slowly passing in the evening sunlight was indeed a pleasant way to end the day.
Walden’s owners confess to not being “gardeners” but love gardening and love to plant and watch the results of their work. They have succeeded remarkably well. Their contributions to many Charities with the National Gardens Scheme have surely been worth all the hard work they have put in to the garden.
We strolled past the restored rockery with its plants of hardy flowers, herbs and alpines to combat the bad weather. The centre bed has two sections including Margaret Merrill roses, Poppies, Verbena and Lilies and in the north section drought resistant plants of thistles, grasses and sedums. Further beds contain many mature plants and the whole garden is a delight. A wander among the lawns seeing the whole garden leads us to the many seated areas, where more nibbles and (for the lucky car passengers) another glass of wine, enabled us to view the wonders of the Hampshire countryside all the way to Winchester to complete our evening in memorable fashion.
The sheep were still around the same bushes and one realises that they are very life like sculptures! (A visit to Specsavers may be required, I fear.)
June 2013: Horticultural Society’s “Three Villages Best Garden Competition” Results
The results of this competition are as follows:
Combined (Flower & Vegetable) Garden
Pat Doel, Cliddesden
Flower Garden
Hilda
Small, Cliddesden
Vegetable Garden
Adam Gilvear, Ellisfield
Feature
John Lurcock,
Cliddesden
Pots & Baskets
Michelle Ilsley and Nick Riley, Cliddesden
May 2013: Plant Sale
Despite the refurbishment of the Jolly Farmer taking place, limiting the passing
trade for the sale, the regular members turned up and their contributions made it
a worthwhile day. Our green-
April 2013: Spring Show
Spring Show Day arrived with sunshine and the daffodils in my garden finally woke up from their winter sleep. It was too late for me to enter my daffs but with over 170 entrants for various classes of flowers, domestic excellence and craft and art, the day turned out to be another successful event for the Horticultural Society making their preparation endeavours worthwhile.
Entrants were from the very young -
The Shurgold Challenge Cup for Most points in Horticultural Classes -
The
Bill Richards Challenge Cup for Best Bloom in Narcissus Classes -
The Blythe
Challenge Cup for Most points in Domestic Classes -
The Challenge Cup for
the Best Exhibit in Craft Classes -
The Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy
for the Best Exhibit under 7 years of Age -
and the
Don Prince Challenge
Cup for Best Exhibit over 7 years of Age -
I was also advised that new members Eddie and Dianne Rampton did very well with their entrants this year.
Our thanks to all those who entered and we look forward to a bumper number of entrants in the Summer when hopefully our weather will have made amends for the cold Spring.
Jan 2013: Talk by Andrew Woolley on the Ashe Park Gardens Project
The talk by Farleigh’s Andrew Woolley, outlining his involvement leading the Ashe
Park Gardens Project, was well attended by 30 members. Whilst excellent photographs
gave a good insight into the challenges, the progress can be experienced first-
November 2012: AGM followed by a Social Evening.
The AGM was well attended by members from all three villages.
The Treasurer presented the accounts for the year ending September 30, 2012 which showed that the “profit” (£136) and the bank balance (£1,091) were both a little better than the previous year. The meeting agreed with the suggestion that the Membership Subscription (due in January) would remain at £7 per household.
The Chairman then recapped the year’s talks, visits and Shows and thanked all the committee members for their hard work.
There then followed the Election of Officers, with the main change being that Meg
Freeman (Ellisfield) replaced Julia Ayscough (Farleigh) as Vice Chairman, although
Julia remains on the Committee. Pat Doel (Cliddesden) was also voted onto the Committee
(the new make-
There was a general discussion regarding the 2013 Programme of Events and the chairman promised that it would be finalised soon.
I
n the Any Other Business agenda item, Paul Turner (Ellisfield member) informed everyone
of the new Ellisfield website and requested the committee that he be kept informed
of events and visits (etc.) so that the Society’s page can be as up to date as possible.
He also asked members to send him photos for inclusion on the website. Digital images
can be emailed to him at paul.turner@ellisfield.com and if anyone wants to lend him
“real printed photos” (which will be scanned and handed back) to phone him on 381269.
The meeting then ended and everyone gathered for a little wine and soft drinks, some good food and even better conversation (see picture).
October 2012: Quiz Night with Candover Valley Gardening Club.
The quiz night began with an informative talk by PC Andy Reid. He introduced the history of the local force and how the equipment they use evolved over the decades. The weight of the early radios and lamps were surprisingly heavy. The quiz was accompanied by a delicious spread of food supplied by the committee and much fun was had by all. Our thanks go to Eddie for organising the quiz and to Doreen for the never ending raffle!
The Society organises a regular programme of visits, illustrated talks (with expert
speakers) and Shows throughout the year. Evening meetings are held in Ellisfield’s
Memorial Hall and in Cliddesden’s Millennium Village Hall, usually from 7.45pm (£1
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