The September talk promised to cover lots of topics, and delivered in style! We heard some fascinating facts about plants, from history, folk-lore and literature, visiting lots of beautiful gardens on the way, through Janette Merillion's photographs.
Thank you to everybody for coming up trumps at our Annual Show again. Despite such a difficult year, the Institute looked fantastic. There were fewer Vegetables, which we expected, but the Fruit classes were overwhelming, and the best exhibit from these sections was indeed some plums, exhibited by John Garrett. The Grown flowers were beautiful, the best exhibit being a stunning vase of flowers from Annie Robinson. More entries in the Flower arranging and Handicraft sections would have made the competition more interesting, but the Handicraft exhibits particularly were amazing. As usual, the children from Hartest school humbled us all with their art work - the cartoon characters had us all giggling! The Produce and Cookery section returned to it's hotly contested best - probably helped by the Bake Off phenomenon, and ended up with the top exhibitor, Thelma Quince, only two points above her hottest rivals. Similarly, in the most points in the whole show, Annie Robinson was triumphant, but Jill Armstrong was only one point behind her. Bring it on next year!
The speaker at the October meeting will be Hilary Thomas, and her talk is titled "Bulbs for All Seasons". For over 20 years Hilary was a lecturer and then Head of the School of Garden Design at Capel Manor College. Many of her students have won medals at both Chelsea and Hampton Court Shows. She is also the author of 'The Complete Planting Design Course'. Bulbs are an invaluable addition to any garden and it will be very useful to learn more about getting the best out of them. Everybody is welcome to come along, you don't need to be a member, just turn up. We start at 7.30pm, at the Institute Hall, and the entry fee of £2 includes light refreshments. Get in touch with Geraldine, on 01787 280134 or gross7702@gmail.com or Jill, on jillarmstrong1950@cantab.net or 01284 830986 if you have any questions.
The two Peter's at the 2016 Show
During the visit to Richmond House in Clare in June, 2016.
Our display in the Church to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.