THE 34th Mickleton Gardening Club AGM took place at The Three Ways Hotel for the second year, which was well attended,

Pat Cook, the Chairman introduced proceedings and after apologies for absences she passed over to Susan Ward to read the Minutes from the 2013 AGM and then the Committee report. This was followed by the Treasurer’s report given by June Haycock which confirmed the Club had run on a break even basis over the last twelve months despite increased costs and a slightly lower membership than the previous year. She was pleased to confirm the membership fee remains at £8 for the coming 12 months.

After three years as Chairman Pat gave her last address, thanking all members of the committee for their contributions over the year and for their hard work, commitment, vigour and enthusiasm. She thanked the contributions made by those committee members who are standing down, and wished the new Chairman and committee best wishes for the future. A round of applause was given to Mary Price and Alan Hale for their contributions to the plant stall during the year and Pat was presented with a token of appreciation for all her hard work as Chairman over the last 3 years. The new Chairman Jonathan Collins and the committee members were then duly elected.

Jonathan commenced his duties by presenting the silver salver for most points accumulated over the year to Susan Ward, just pipping Peggy Atherton who came second. Mike Bell came third. The Club motto for 2015 was chosen from the entries provided by the members. The winner was Sheila Allen with a Gertrude Jekyll quote “The love of gardening is a seed that once sewn never dies”. This motto will be on the front of the membership cards for 2015. A raffle also took place with some excellent prizes available for the lucky winners.

The next meeting is on January 21 at which a talk will be given by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust on their work in Gloucestershire to which all new and existing members are welcome . The competition is “The Holly and the Ivy”.

The evening was rounded off by a delicious meal, and many thanks to The Three Ways Hotel for their hard work in making it a very enjoyable event.

ANGELA RISTE