The Harnham Garden Society

Spring Newsletter: April 2011

Dear Members

The early sunshine leading up to the Spring Show gave rise to excellent displays of daffodils all around the city. This then gave members every opportunity to exhibit at the hall with confidence and ensured that all the floral arrangements looked stunning. The members must have been up early in their gardens to select their entries; so well done to all. The Cookery and Photography entries were strong and of a good standard. The Handicraft entries were on the low side - please do consider this category.

There was a good attendance in the afternoon and this made for an enjoyable occasion with some new faces and an intake of children entering for the first time. The local Salisbury Journal also followed up with excellent coverage in the issue of 31st March!

There was a new cup presented this year: The George Small Cup, for the Best Exhibit in Show. The judges who attended collectively chose the entry placed by Mrs Judy Stone.

The George Small Cup came about with the committee renewing a cup for the Spring Show and then being offered another new additional award for the Summer Show. The first cup is in memory of George, the son of Phil Small of Phil Small Marquees. His family suffered a great loss when George was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in 2009 at a young age. George had attended local schools including Bishop Wordsworth’s. The new Summer Show Cup will be in memory of William Snow. William as many of you will know was a valued member of the community and indeed especially this Garden Society. Phil has donated this cup and the committee hope that he can be at the show in July to present the award. The HGS have over many years enjoyed much support from Phil and his company and the committee look forward to this special and sensitive occasion.

The Programme Secretary, Anna Treseder, has put together an exciting and interesting programme for the year. The meetings held in January and February were well attended and you all should have details for the rest of the year. The next three meetings have topics that will appeal to all. Sadly Anna has faced an unfortunate setback in her health and we all wish her the added strength that leads to a full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with her at this time.

The Summer Show Schedule will be sent out separately to this news letter but I include a few pointers to help. The show is earlier this year, being on July 9th, and the event is sharing the day at St. Georges’ Hall and field with the Harnham Scouts. This year there will not be an entry fee for each exhibit, so do review the Schedule and pick out all your favourite classes! Any other support is always valued and the committee will seek help in laying out the Hall on the Friday evening, erecting the new gazebo on the Saturday morning and assisting on the various stalls during the afternoon.

The new committee has begun to gel very well together, with the new members making a strong contribution. I give thanks to Don Culver who served as Chairman for the past three years. Don has remained an active member of the committee and continues to give valued counsel to me. Due to the December AGM not electing a Chairman, the committee in January co-opted me as Chairman. I hold this position along with Membership Secretary. The AGM later in the year will require members to formally elect a new Chairman and possibly a new Treasurer. Therefore, please consider the roles and if you could give time to this active and locally based garden society feel free to discuss. The Seed Bank

We continue to promote the seed bank at the meetings. To explain: a blue case holds a selection of seeds and these are available to swap. Please look through the case. Also, we would wish to extend this by members bringing along bulbs or small plants to exchange or to allow the society to receive a little donation for them. A table near the stage will hold the display.

SPRING SHOW 2011 PRIZE LIST

Munday Perpetual Challenge Cup for Floral Art – PAULINE JENNER Bedenham & Hall Horticultural Perpetual Challenge Cup – JUDY STONE White Perpetual Challenge Cup for Cookery – CHRISTINE ROLT Photography Cup – PAM POINTER Handicrafts Cup - SARAH FISHER Wilf Nobbs Children’s Cup – NIAHM HOCKING Jean & Mary Cup for Overall Effort – PAM POINTER George Small Cup for Best Exhibit in Show – JUDY STONE (for her exhibit in class 17)

Dates to remember: Mini Visits (by cars), a) Exbury Gardens-Tuesday 26th April b) Westcroft, Boscombe(NGS)-Sunday 29th May c) Boveridge House,Cranborne - Sunday 24th July e) Houghton Lodge, Stockbridge – Thursday 22nd Sept. Note this is a correction to the yellow membership card. Please see lists at the meetings, or ask.

Main Visit (by coach), Hestercombe Gardens, Near Taunton - Tuesday 28 th June .

Closing date is May 20th. Costs: Members £20, non members £22. There is no free entry during the summer months under the RHS membership scheme. Sorry. Payments must be made prior to 28th June.

Supplementary Items which may be of interest:

A plant sale at Longstock, Stockbridge is on BH Monday May 2nd. This a pleasant garden centre, and not to far a journey.

The Laverstock Gardening Club has a trip to Waterperry Gardens near Oxford on Wednesday 25th May. Cost £14. Details from Val Fallon on 01722 329919

The Salisbury Cathedral Flower Festival is being held from Tuesday 14th June to Sunday 19th June. Salisbury resident, Michael Bowyer is again organising this event, and some members will remember when he paid a visit to the HGS at the time of the last Floral Festival held at the Cathedral. For details on booking, phone Salisbury Playhouse, 01722 320333, or pay at the door on the day.

With Best Wishes

Dennis

Dennis Hill Chairman