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February 16th, 2010
Last year saw a number of changes within the Society. After many years in charge Jim Drummond stood down as Trading Secretary and Tony Hardacre stepped in and oversaw the refurbishment of the Trading Hut. Rita Goodwin had been running the Shows for 8 years but decided to retire as Show Secretary to allow time to take up another challenge as Captain of her golf club. Debbie Lancaster volunteered to take up the reins and in August she managed the Late Summer Show. And last but not least Moni Thornton hung up her copy Hudsons Guide to Historic Houses and Gardens and led her last outing to Scotney Castle. Her place has been taken by Ann Bate who kicked off with a combined visit to Danson House and Hall Place Gardens in July.
I should also mention here the introduction of talks in the Autumn when Geoff Peach spoke about his role as a ranger on the Basingstoke Canal. On a more practical note we heard from Peter Barwick about all aspects of soft fruit growing. We plan more talks this coming Autumn and if you can recommend a speaker who you think would appeal to our membership please let me know. Talking of which… on a cold and wet evening in November John and I ventured over to East Horsley Village Hall to hear a talk organized by the National Vegetable Society. The subject was “From Seed to Plate – Italian Style” by Paolo Arrigo of Seeds of Italy, the company supplying the well known Franchi Seeds on sale in most garden centres. We heard a little of his family history, how he became involved in the seed business and, however unlikely it might seem to some of us, how many Italian seed varieties are suited to our climate! The talk was varied and very interesting and we decided immediately that we had to try to book Paolo to speak after our AGM. I am glad to say we succeeded and more details follow in this newsletter.
Just before Christmas, and at very short notice, we held an “open house” event at the Hut. The purpose was twofold – to let our members see the results of the refurbishment (and remind them of what we have to offer) and for beekeeper Rob Chisholm to bring along the full range of his bee products for sale. We provided refreshments and were delighted that so many of you came. In fact at times it was difficult to get through the door! I apologise that it was not possible to make all of you aware of the event - with the time restraints we had to rely on posters and email contact – but as it was so successful we intend to repeat it this year and we will make sure that everyone is informed.
Another hastily arranged but nonetheless successful event was Elm Grove Allotments Open Day. It was always on the radar to take place but somehow the date never got set. But the allotment holders rose to the challenge and the site looked in good shape for the visitors who, in spite of windy conditions, came along in great numbers, wandered around and enjoyed the tea and cakes on offer. The date has already been set for this year - Sunday 18th July 2010 – a note for your diary.
Finally, one of my New Year resolutions was to be better organized and thus avoid these last minute panics but as I write this piece just three days before our “stuffing envelopes” meeting I am painfully aware that I have failed miserably!
Pat Brine