THE Society’s Annual General Meeting took place in the Crawford Memorial Hall on November 19. The Chairman, Neil Ferguson, opened the meeting by stating that the objectives of the Society were to encourage and foster an interest in gardens and gardening; to educate and inform and to provide a social focal point for Bidford and nearby village residents. He was pleased to report that membership had increased slightly to 60, with a good average attendance per meeting of 43. Detailing the year’s activities, the Chairman thanked Tessa Webb for her hard work in providing some excellent speakers who covered a wide range of subjects, and to Judy Smith and Graham Spiers for organising our three well-attended coach outings. Appreciation was also given to all the Committee members and volunteers who have helped throughout the year from putting out the chairs to providing the refreshments, with special mention going to June and Archie Cox for not only running the plant stall but for providing most of the plants.

Despite the fickle weather conditions this Summer, the Annual Show held on Saturday, September 19, was supported by 134 entries – 85 in the horticultural section, 31 in the vegetable section and 18 in floral art. The judge, Andy Pedrick, commented on the excellent quality of the exhibits.

The Society’s Treasurer, Liz Heneghan, stated that as the finances had shown a favourable improvement over the year there would be no increase in the annual subscription of £15 or the visitor fee of £3. The Competition Cup, awarded for the most points in the monthly competition throughout the year, was won by John Alexander-Head. A brief summary was then given outlining next year’s speakers and also outings to gardens in Staffordshire and Worcestershire. The final item on the agenda was the unanimous re-election of the Committee for 2016. Having concluded the formal business, a “Bring and Share” buffet supper was enjoyed by all.

On December 17, speaker Roger Umpleby will present a talk entitled “A Plant Grower’s View of Fiji and Samoa”. On January 21, “Opportunity Island – Tresco” is the subject of David Brazier’s lecture. Visitors are very welcome to join us at 7.45pm on the third Thursday of the month in the Crawford Hall, Bidford on Avon. Admission £3, including refreshments.

JANICE FERGUSON