THE Society’s AGM took place on 16th November in the Crawford Memorial Hall with forty-three members in attendance. As part of the formal business the Chairman, Neil Ferguson, outlined the year’s activities and gave special thanks to all Committee members, especially Tessa Webb for providing some excellent speakers for our evening meetings, and Judy Smith for arranging three well- supported outings to gardens in Herefordshire, Wiltshire and locally in Offenham.

Liz Heneghan reported on the healthy state of the Society’s finances, once again making it unnecessary to increase the annual subscription of £15 or the visitor fee of £3 per meeting. Following a brief summary of future speakers and visits to gardens in Shropshire and Northamptonshire in 2018, the Chairman then thanked all members and volunteers who have helped in various ways to ensure the smooth running of the Society. Annette Haines was awarded the monthly Competition Cup and after the conclusion of the formal business the members enjoyed a ‘Bring and Share’ supper.

The December meeting began on a sad note when the Chairman paid tribute to Joan Kerr, a long-standing, active member and ex-Chairman of the Society, following her recent death. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The speaker for the evening was Reg Moule, a well-known horticulturalist, local radio broadcaster and writer who also manages a Garden Centre. His interesting talk, ‘Bushes with Berries,’ described not only the wide range of shrubs and plants providing colourful berries and foliage throughout the year, but also examples of the many different species of berried trees suitable for the average-sized garden. The evening concluded with coffee and mince pies. Mr Moule will be returning to the Society next September for a ‘Question and Answer’ evening.

On the 18th January the Society welcomes Ian Sandler whose talk promises to be a fascinating look at the world’s largest trading centre for plants and flowers at Aalsmeer in Holland.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at the Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford at 7.45pm. Visitors are very welcome at £3, including refreshments. For further details please ring 01789 268974 or go to www.bidfordgardens.com

JANICE FERGUSON