Rowhill

The Newsletter of the Rowhill Nature Reserve Society

Celebratory Edition September 2011

Please address all correspondence to The Secretary, Rowhill Nature Reserve Society, The Field Centre, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot, Hants GU11 3BD. Tel:01252 319749

Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire presents prestigious Award from Queen to local volunteer group

The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan DCVO, attended a special ceremony on Saturday 17 September 2011 to present Rowhill Nature Reserve Society with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2011.

The prestigious UK National Honour is the MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their local community for the benefit of others. It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded judged to be of the highest standard.

The group was bestowed with an exclusive commemorative crystal alongside a certificate signed by Her Majesty, in recognition of their outstanding contribution. Group representatives also attended a celebratory Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace earlier in the Summer.

Dame Mary said, “It is a great pleasure to present this award to Rowhill Nature Reserve Society whose volunteers have managed the Reserve for over 40 years. Their hard work has improved the site tremendously and will ensure that the beautiful local countryside is retained for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors for many years to come”

Sheila Brooks, Chairman of the Society said, “We are proud to accept this award not only for those of us here, but for all Rowhill Volunteers, Members and Friends of the Society past and present who have worked so hard to make the Rowhill we know today”.

The group was one of 130 across the country to receive the Honour for 2011. Eighteen groups from Hampshire have won The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

For details of all this year’s Award winners and information on how to nominate a group, visit www.direct.gov.uk/qavs , where a nomination form can be downloaded.

For further information about the group please contact: The Secretary: 01252 319749 The Chairman: [email protected]

2 FORTHCOMING EVENTS

To be held in the Field Centre unless otherwise stated

Thursday13th October 7.30pm Two new speaker’s for us, Neville Moss and Martin Angel will talk about The Middlebourne Lane Wildlife Garden and the Old Churchyard, illustrated with Martin Angel’s slides. This is a local prject and well worth learning about. Sheila and I heard this talk at a meeting we attended in Guildford last November.

Wednesday 26 th October 7.30pm. The Friends of Farnham Park have booked our hall for a talk by Geoff Lunn.

Sunday 30 th October 10am for 10.30 start – our annual Fungus Foray in the Reserve led by our President, Dr. Brian Spooner. Please let Kathy know if you intend to come.

Monday 31 st October 7.30pm. By popular request the Conservation Volunteers are holding a Hallowe’en event for children. Booking Essential ring Kathy on 01252 317442 to reserve a place.

Thursday 10 th November 7.30pm. a return of one of our very popular speakers – Andrew Cleave will talk about “Whales and Dolphins”.

Saturday 12 th November 2.30 – 4.30pm. our annual Conservation Christmas Fair: Rowhill Gift stall, RSPB, West Surrey Badger Group, Fleet Pond Society, Hart and Rushmoor Group of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust etc. There will be refreshments on sale and a raffle.

Saturday 26 th November at Samuel Cody School (on what was Oak Farm School site) 10.30am – 2pm. we will be having a stall at the Multi-Charity Fair being held by the Rotary Club. This event was cancelled last year owing to the snowy weather. Please come and support us and all the other worthwhile charities taking part.

Thursday 8 th December 7.30pm. Our pre-Christmas Social evening. Ideas for entertainment to Sheila please. Offers of food appreciated; there will be a raffle .

In this Special Edition

Presentation of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services Letter from Our President Buckingham Palace Garden Party Chairman’s Ramblings Conservation Report Kathy’s Diary South and South East in Bloom

3

From our President Dr Brian Spooner

Congratulations on an exceptional achievement .

When I was first introduced to the Rowhill Nature Reserve Society, around 20 years ago now, I was immediately impressed by the enthusiasm shown by everyone I met, and by their very evident dedication to the natural environment, wildlife and conservation. The running of the Field Centre, the management of the Reserve, the production of an excellent and regular newsletter, and the many educational aspects that were undertaken were all clearly very successful activities, appreciated by the local community, and all carried through entirely by volunteer efforts. As you will all know, these efforts have now been officially recognised at national level, with presentation to the Society of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This award, which was initiated in its present form in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation, is the highest given to volunteer groups in the UK, and is the equivalent in status to an MBE. It is a prestigious award, given only for outstanding contributions delivered to the local community, for providing to the highest standards a service which is supported, recognised and respected by local people. To receive it is hence a wonderful achievement, an accolade which is a ringing endorsement of the work that has been carried out by the Society over more than four decades since its inception in 1968. During those years, the Society has made tremendous progress, achieved a great deal, and has been very successful in fulfilling its aims, the conservation of habitats and education.

The Society is one of 130 winners nationwide of the award this year, but is one of the very few that is directly involved with conservation and the importance of the natural environment. The award has been given in this case for the exceptional work done by volunteers in managing Rowhill Copse for the benefit of wildlife (so successfully that it received Local Nature Reserve status in 1986), and also for the education of children and young adults, from schools, colleges and youth groups, and the public generally, in the importance and appreciation of natural history and the natural environment. The Field Centre is the focus for these activities, and is key to these events; it always has excellent exhibits, is regularly open for the public on Sundays and bank holidays, is a centre for lecture meetings, and offers a meeting point for all in the community with interest in the natural environment.

This award shows how valuable the work of the Society is and how much support it enjoys, and is something that the Society, and all those who have been involved, can be immensely proud of. It shows without doubt how highly regarded by the local community this work is, but, more than that I think, it shows also that there is a real need for wildlife and conservation and that these are appreciated by the public. These days, especially given the ever-increasing pressures on the natural environment, which are a constant concern, this is immensely encouraging.

My congratulations go to the Society and all the volunteers who have put in such fine efforts, which have led to this major achievement. The award is very well deserved, and I do feel very proud to be the Society’s President.

4 Buckingham Palace Garden Party

The Queen’s Award also included an invitation for four volunteers to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party. The four fortunate members selected were Roy Champion, our Vice Chairman and Volunteer Leader, Debbie Brown, Conservation Volunteer Leader, Jackie De La Haye, Membership Secretary and School Visit Leader and myself Carol Roberts, a Conservation Volunteer

The big day had arrived, Tuesday 19 th July. After seeing the novelty of conservation volunteers wearing dresses, Roy kindly drove us to Aldershot train station.

When our train terminated at Waterloo it was decided to get a hot drink at Covent Garden. We watched the street entertainers doing their best to get the crowds involved. Finding a comfortable spot, we had the pleasure of a live band performing classical music. Drinks finished, we headed towards Trafalgar Square. Roy disappeared briefly to return with plasters for his sore feet. It was a novelty for him to be wearing shoes rather than work boots. The Square’s prominent feature was a “living wall”. A huge area has been covered with a variety of plants designed to contrast colour and texture. It was lovely to see this in the midst of so many people, traffic and concrete.

After a cursory visit to the National Gallery, it was time for lunch in a nearby café. As we took a leisurely walk down the Mall, guests began arriving, parking their cars in the allotted spaces. We then came upon a very British tradition – queuing. Eventually we found the end of the line in time to open our umbrellas. Jackie and I went through the security checks with ease. It was Roy and Debbie who were taken to one side to have their passport photos scrutinised. Debbie’s hair colour had changed and the police officer advised Roy he looked better without a moustache!

In no time at all we passed through the grounds, palace rooms and down the steps of the West Terrace into the garden. From this vantage point we could see three tea tents, the lake and the military band playing. The rain had stopped. The guests had certainly dressed for the occasion, some more suitably for wet grass than others. The grounds were beginning to fill up. I suggested sitting in the chairs by the Royal Tea Tent. The best course of action seemed to be collecting our tea in pairs, so as to save our chairs. Along the way we spoke to the Mayor and

5 Mayoress of Poole. Roy marvelled at the weight of his official chain. It would certainly be a test of endurance to wear it all day.

As Roy and I joined the tea queue we could see it was a matter of logistics of how you placed a cup of tea, sandwiches and cakes all on the one small plate you were given. We were pleased to have had a small lunch earlier, knowing that this small finger food would be sufficient. I was expecting triangular sandwiches but they were cut into dainty oblongs. We could choose from mini versions of canapés, bridge rolls, éclairs, and strawberry tarts. I couldn’t resist having a chocolate sponge square topped off with a crown motif.

By the time Jackie and Debbie returned with their tea, the rain was falling. Staff in the Royal Tea Tent made last minute preparations by vacuuming the carpet. The Diplomatic Tea Tent now had its quota of guests. The military band played on, playing some unusual choices such as James Bond themes. John and Norma Major were seen arriving at the Royal Tea Tent. Some guests opted to wear their National Dress. One lady wore a beautiful full-length gown. It was a delicate fabric print of oriental blossoms.

Once the guests were assembled the National Anthem announced the arrival of Her Majesty The Queen. It was going to be some time before the Queen walked through formed lanes and came into our view. The Yeomen of the Guard marched into the Royal area. They were immaculate in their striking red and gold uniforms.

The Queen came into view, accompanied by a military gentleman. She wore an outfit in turquoise and carried her trademark clear umbrella. This too was trimmed with a band of turquoise, but fortunately she didn’t have to open it. Then came Prince Philip who aimed the point of his umbrella at a lone wood pigeon walking in front of him. A succession of Royal family members came either through the formed lane or by the Diplomatic Tea Tent. Princess Anne got one of the loudest cheers, as did Prince Charles and Camilla; Sophie of Wessex was more discreet in her arrival.

We decided whilst the Royals were taking tea, we would explore the garden. We began our walk by the lake. Along the bank were crane sculptures. Coots, moorhens and ducks swum on the water. A Heron sat in a tree. Further on we came to the rose garden. A huge stone urn marked the area. The roses were past their best but provided a splash of colour. We then had to contend with a different kind of splash. In fact the rain falling now was the heaviest of the day. Undeterred we walked past the tennis courts that gave the impression they hadn’t seen much action this season. Over this side of the garden the noise from the traffic was much more apparent. We couldn’t see any more flowers. We walked amongst trees and shrubs. I did wonder if the Queen had a section of private garden where she could attend to and enjoy summer bedding. We were back at the lake and the rain was easing.

The National Anthem struck up. The crowd marked the area where the Queen was to make her exit. We knew it would be a slow process getting out ourselves. So we had a leisurely stroll back to the West Terrace Steps. On the way back Roy talked to the Lord Mayor of London’s Personal Assistant and his guest. We entered the Palace through a different way. It was a chance to admire a vast dinner service in display cabinets. A grand staircase to the right was rich with gold decoration.

Outside we crossed the gravel to be met with curious tourists at the gates. We were back to reality and tired feet. We agreed to walk to the nearest tube station for the Waterloo connection. As we relaxed on the train, Jackie remarked that it was a privilege for us to attend the Garden Party. We were conscious that the four of us represented so many past and present Rowhill Volunteers. If it weren’t for their contribution we wouldn’t have experienced a unique day. Carol Roberts

6 Chairman’s Ramblings We had a couple of ‘phone calls and emails to make sure all the facts were correct and then once again, all went quiet until on the I must start this column with the Award and 9th of May we received a letter from the subsequent celebrations. It all started with a Lord- Lieutenant’s Office saying that we had ‘phone call last September (2010) from actually been chosen to receive the award. Christine Reeves at the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership telling us that she As part of the Award we received an would like to nominate Rowhill for an award. invitation for four volunteers to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, see Carol’s st As a result of this call, on the 21 Kathy and report. I paid a visit to Lock Cottage and over morning coffee we supplied Christine with This was the hardest bit; we were not to tell answers to the many questions required on anyone until June 2 nd - over 3 weeks away. the application form. This was when we Were the press to get hold of the news early began to realise how prestigious this award then we could lose the award. We were all was, the MBE for groups of volunteers who sworn to secrecy, it seemed to be a very work for their local community. Surely an long wait. honour just to be nominated? We were so pleased when the Lord- We had to provide two references and we Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan, decided to approach Andy Ford, whose work agreed to hold the presentation on a with Rushmoor Borough Council directly Saturday so that as many of our volunteers involves Rowhill and Les Murrell also from as possible could attend. In the end so many RBC. Luckily they were both happy to write of the Volunteers, Members and Friends of on our behalf and when we read their the Society wanted to share the celebrations reports we knew that we had made the right that we had to extend the party into the choices. afternoon.

It seemed a long time till December when Pauline Nelson, PA to the Clerk of the we next heard anything. Life went on as Lieutenancy paid us a visit prior to the big normal at Rowhill, although we had not day and made several helpful suggestions so forgotten about the nomination, it had we were well prepared about the protocol for certainly been stored at the back of our the event. minds. Then started the preparations - guest lists, When Kathy had a ‘phone call from Lady invitations to the distinguished guests (to my Louisa Portal asking if she might visit us, the mind all the guests were distinguished), snow was on the ground and the first date hospitality etc. Those of you who know me arranged had to be cancelled because of the will know that I don’t do ‘laid back’; I’m very th poor weather conditions. However on the 9 good at ‘panic’ though! By a fortnight before Lady Louisa arrived to be met by Kathy, the event when so many people were going Debbie, Jackie and me. She came complete to ‘try’ to be there I was in full panic mode with her winter weather gear, ready for a and was heard to shout ‘try’, that’s not good walk in the Reserve. The purpose of her visit enough, I want names and numbers. It was to assess the Reserve and the Field obviously did the trick and with about a Centre on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant. She week to go, we were organised. had obviously put a lot of thought into the many questions she asked. We were sent the final programme for the presentation, slightly altered because some After refreshments we all donned boots and guests were due to attend the Parade taking took a brisk walk round the Reserve, then it place in Aldershot at 12pm. was time to bid this lovely lady goodbye as she wanted to get back to Andover before it On the 17 th , Kathy and I were shopping for got dark. last minute items at 8.30am, picking up Phyl Hobbs on our way to the Field Centre. Phyl, 7 Jill Casey and Eleanor Greenwood were in Crystal and Dame Mary said a few words charge of hospitality, making sure that praising the work done by all the Volunteers guests had tea and coffee when they first and explaining the importance of the award. arrived. Tony Beauchamp and Iain Scott were on duty in the car park, we had put up Then it was my turn; not one to say one notices saying that the car park was closed word when 3 or 4 will do, I did have to cut for the morning (Kathy had had visions of my thank-you’s down a bit. I hope that I did the Lord-Lieutenant’s car travelling not leave anyone out. backwards and forwards in Cranmore Lane while they looked for a space!) People were To end the more formal part of the day, very understanding and I don’t think anyone Eleanor, our youngest helper in the Field complained if they were turned away when Centre, presented a bouquet of flowers to they were told what it was all about. the Lord-Lieutenant.

About sixty people attended the presentation Now we could relax a little and it was a and were all in place before 10.30am, when chance for Dame Mary to meet as many Pauline arrived with the Certificate signed by people as possible. She was very interested Her Majesty The Queen and the exclusive in everything done at Rowhill and asked the commemorative Crystal. The Lord volunteers many questions. She was very Lieutenant’s Cadet, Staff Sergeant George impressed with the Field Centre and showed Harker-Smith arrived at 10.45am to await special interest in “the Shop” where I was the arrival of Dame Mary. (I had a chance to able to tell her about Kathy’s jam, and the talk to him briefly about his post with the generosity of our friends who provide the Lord Lieutenant, which he holds for one fruit to make it. year, and was enjoying very much). Just after 12pm, the Lord-Lieutenant took Punctually at 11am The Lord-Lieutenant her leave for another engagement, saying arrived, George opened the car door and that on her next visit she will be bringing her saluted. He then accompanied Dame Mary Wellington boots with her. up the path where Roy and I met her and introduced the rest of the committee who The celebrations continued over lunch where were lined up in the vestibule; after a brief all our guests had a chance to mingle. talk to each of us we entered the main hall where everyone was standing. It was lovely to see so many of the Conservation Volunteers at the Field Centre. We see and appreciate the work they do in the Reserve but we do not often get to meet them.

People began to drift away but a few lingered so we had a chance to sit down and have some coffee.

In no time at all our afternoon guests began to arrive and by 3pm the hall was full again. There was still plenty to eat and drink and our members had baked lots of cakes for us. Jim and Barbara Hardiman took over the kitchen and I don’t think they stopped serving all afternoon. We took our places for the presentation; Hampshire County Councillor Roger Kimber By five o’clock we were all tired but pleased gave the opening speech of welcome. After that everything had gone according to plan thanking him the Lord-Lieutenant invited her and had been worth all the hard work that Cadet to read the Citation. We were then everyone had put into the preparations. presented with the Certificate and the 8 Without the work of volunteers of all ages, continuous removal of bracken and several and members and friends of the Society, small trees, in order that heather and both past and present we could not have bilberry can thrive some areas have been achieved this award, and we were proud to raked down to the earth as the build up of accept it on everyone’s behalf. leaf litter needs removing. The work we have The Mayor Cllr. Alex Crawford had been done over the last four years has made a unable to attend earlier, but true to his word real difference; heather of both ling and bell he arrived in the afternoon and circulated type in flower on most of the heath. Where among our many guests asking lots of we had removed trees and gorse and questions about Rowhill. scraped it back to bare soil we have young heather, so it’s looking really good as the heather is of differing ages on different areas. A three-foot female grass snake has been living on the heath along with up to six slow worms, common lizards are also found in good numbers but as they have been recorded in every management compartment on the reserve apart from the ponds they are one of our commoner reptiles.

A family of sparrow hawks fledged from a nest in the mature pines on Hallimore Hill and whilst we have been working on the

heath they have been calling and flying Thank-you to everyone who helped both on round practicing their hunting powers. Purple the day and with the preparations, and to all hairstreak butterflies have been showing well who came and helped us celebrate. Thank - around the oaks on the heath, and graylings you to all those who could not be with us but have been sunning themselves on the bare sent us congratulations. areas of soil on the heath.

A big thank-you to the committee members Whilst taking the summer walk we found a who greeted the guests and helped female purple emperor butterfly which is everything run smoothly during the day. Roy really good as it is the first recorded for a and his family had cut short their holiday to long while. (Some records have been noted return home in time for the big day. We before but this was at a time when butterfly were sorry that David Searchfield was rearing was taking place next to the unable to come due to work commitments. Reserve). This new record hopefully shows

that they are present and possibly breeding. The excitement over, it is back to the Another interesting bit of information came everyday running of the Reserve and the to my attention on the same walk that the Field Centre. It is a bit like going on holiday, tawny owls had bred again in the box in however much we enjoy it is always nice to Chestnut Glade and a photo of the young in come home and resume normal life. the box was forthcoming.

We did have one other major event this The northern path will be completed very quarter, reported on the back page! shortly as the next load of scalpings has

arrived. Due to unforeseen mechanical So enough of my ramblings and on to the problems the fixing of the new nature trail everyday happenings in the Rowhill, starting posts has been delayed. This will happen with…. now as soon as is practicable. However we

have to start coppicing now which has Conservation report management priorities because the coppicing season is getting shorter due to the warmer We have been working hard to open up more springs. of the heath, this has required the 9 kept busy serving tea and coffee, Viv Owen looked after the “shop” and I sold raffle tickets. Sheila went out at lunchtime and bought chips for everyone who was helping, and they were still extremely hot when she arrived back at the Field Centre with them. The afternoon was very quiet but we knew that there was another plant sale going on down the road at the Church of the Ascension. By the end of the afternoon we still had many plants left, so we rearranged them to sell on Sunday afternoon (the 15 th ) Nature Trail Posts in Preparation when we managed to shift some more. The plants still remaining by Monday 16 th were The deer have been eating the coppice re- taken by Jackie De La Haye to put into the growth this year; I managed to photograph Community bed at the Allotments, so that both roe doe and buck and a old fox who people could help themselves. was sunning himself in the early morning sun. Hopefully we managed to stop the deer We had a rather overcast afternoon, with getting into the coppice cant by building up occasional hazy sun on the afternoon of the the dead hedge where it was a bit low. 16 th when 21 members of Aldershot “Open Sight” Association from Aldershot came for We have also carried out some work on the what now seems to be an annual visit. Those rideside around the field this is normally who are able go for a short walk in the done at the end of the winter but we had to Reserve with me while Sheila stays in the make safe a willow tree that was gradually Field Centre chatting to those who are less falling towards the field across the disabled active or more visually impaired. This time trail. We decided to bring it down and do the Pat Scandrett and I took eight people for a ride side at the same time to avoid damage walk, including Sopriyah, with her lovely to the pollarded trees as the willow came Guide dog, Tilly. Carol Edgoose took some down. very good photos of the group by Stickleback Pond, and then we returned to Roy Champion the Field centre for tea.

------Next day we had the first of two classes from Kathy’s Diary St. Joseph’s R.C. Primary School to study habitats. These children should have come to May (concluded) us last November, but the visit had to be Here we go again, lots of excitement during cancelled because the weather was dire! th the next few weeks. Jackie led the walk on the 17 and Jill Casey th helped on the 18 . The teachers were most The 14 th was sunny but there was a chilly interested to see how different the Reserve wind all day. We had decided (or it had been looked as they usually come to us in late suggested to us) to hold a Plant Sale in the autumn. On the Tuesday afternoon as we Field centre. We were rather uncertain about approached Stickleback Pond we saw a the response but our members are made of Mallard with 12 tiny ducklings. The mother stalwart stuff and several set about duck hurried to the furthest part of the pond propagating seeds. We were fearful that we as we walked down the path. The children would not have enough stock but on the 13 th were enchanted. Later in the afternoon when we set up our stalls we found that we Sheila said that she had a Mallard with 12 had so many plants that we needed every babies in her garden and one wonders how table available in the Field Centre. The she had managed to walk so far – or is this a support of our members and visitors was different brood? Brian Elton said that he had fantastic and we had an extremely busy seen a Mallard with eight tiny ones settling morning on the 14 th . Jim and Barbara were into the brooklime in Kingfisher Pond on the afternoon of the 18 th . Unfortunately the 10 children from St. Joseph’s who visited us on On the 16 th I had a new Volunteer helping that day missed seeing the ducklings. with a school visit as Veronica Spencer said she would see how she got on. There were On the 20 th I went to Farnham to see our old very large groups from Ash Walsh C. of E. friend Stephanie Warner, who is now living Junior School, as we had 1½ classes for each in Hatch Mill Nursing Home (Stephanie was session, 37 children in both morning and our Treasurer for several years). After afternoon sessions. One little boy had to be visiting I walked along the river bank to go taken round in a buggy, pushed by his shopping in Farnham and saw a Little Egret grandmother (!) so he had to miss out on in the water near the car park at the rear of the hill, but they did very well and even the Sports Centre. Early in the evening I managed the river path (thanks to Roy and walked in the Reserve and was very pleased the Conservation Volunteers’ work on the to see the Field being used as it should be – boardwalk). boys playing football, dogs playing together and groups of dog walkers chatting. To complete the day we had a Committee Meeting in the evening and I managed to We has a warm sunny day on the 21 st when stay awake! Roy led a varied and well planned walk for members of the Surrey Botanic Society who Honeysuckle is in flower on the 28 th and had asked to do a survey of plants in the Bramble has been in flower for at least two Reserve. Among the visitors I was very weeks – very early! pleased to see Brian Stevens who was one of our Conservation Volunteers many years Sunday 29 th – Oak Apple Day, ago. commemorating the restoration of Charles II in 1660. This was also known as “pinch bum Despite sunny periods on the 23 rd , it was day” as any child not wearing a spray of Oak getting much cooler, with blustery winds. In leaves on 29 th May had it’s bottom pinched. Scotland gusts of up to 100mph were This date was declared a public holiday by reported, damaging power lines and Charles II and continued until abolished in buildings (no mention of trees!). There were 1859. masses of leaves and twigs, particularly Oak, on the ground, and near St. Peter’s Park JUNE many tiny Crab Apples had been blown off The Glorious First! Which commemorates the the tree. There is an enormous Dryad’s Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 17 something, Saddle fungus in an Ash stump near the when the English Navy defeated the French. crossroads (where there was one last year). th Luckily it was only “breezy” on the 24 when On the 2 nd we could at last announce publicly two classes of year 5 children came from that The Rowhill Nature Reserve Society has Lakeside Primary School, Frimley to study received the Queen’s Award for Volunteers – the River Blackwater. They also went to the group equivalent of the MBE. We had Hawley Meadows to see how different it known about it for over two weeks but were looked further down it’s course. not allowed to say anything –see Sheila’s Chairman’s Ramblings. In the evening we divided forces: Don attended the Friends of Farnham Park in our On the 4 th Sheila and I were invited to Field Centre, to hear Mike Coates talk about Sharon Woodman’s Farewell party in the RSPB Farnham Heath Reserve, while Farnborough. We have known Sharon, the Sheila, Iain Scott and I went to the Council Mayor’s Secretary for many years and she Offices for the “Mayor Making”. The new has become one of our friends, so we are Mayor, Cllr. Alex Crawford had decided he very sorry to see her go, and hope that she would prefer to have the traditional “Rowhill will keep in touch with us. Buttonholes” presented at the full Council Meeting, rather than at the Mayor Making On the 7 th your committee had a group reception when there were so many people photograph taken outside the Field Centre present and there was so much going on. for a press release about our achievement

11 and also to be sent to the Queen’s Award The garden stretches down to Fleet Pond and Office. Les Warren took the photo as we the views from the upstairs windows must wanted David Searchfield, (who usually be wonderful. We were made most welcome takes our important photographs), to be in and we were able to sell preserves and a few the picture. Anyone who has access to The other Rowhill sales items, meet lots of Farnham Diary, the free paper produced by friends from other groups, RSPB etc. The tea Jean and Ted Parratt, will have seen this, and coffee was much appreciated and there otherwise there is a copy in the Field Centre. was a magnificent selection of cakes on sale. After a day of showers, some very heavy, Among the people we met were the mother with a cold wind, the evening was calm and and father of a boy who was a member of slightly sunny when the North Town Wives’ the Rowhill WATCH Group that Roy and Group came for a visit to us. Twelve of us Debbie ran for several years. Brian won the set out for a walk and were very surprised to Rowhill Young Photographer Competition find that the large Silver Birch tree by twelve years ago, which Catriona Smith used Stickleback Pond had blown over. There was to hold annually over several years. Brian no obvious evidence of disease, though last would have been about 11, he is now 24 and year it had been oozing a dark liquid, Roy has a Master’s degree in Psychology from said. Nobody had reported the casualty, but Stirling University. Just shows how one can it had clearly snapped off just above the root finish up after being involved in Rowhill. system. Brian Elton said that the previous evening there had been some quite gusty After such a lovely day yesterday, we wind, so had it happened then? It is quite reverted to “cold, wet and windy” on Sunday unusual for no-one to report the fall of a tree the 12 th and fewer than usual people visited this size. Luckily it had come down just off the Field Centre in the afternoon. As an the main path so the route through the antidote to the weather dear Pat Scandrett Reserve was not obstructed. brought us two bottles of wine as a celebration of our achievement in winning a The Council mower had cut the grass at the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. amenity end of the Field on the 9 th . In the evening we tried a new venture, our own The 11 th Farnham Cubs came for an evening Quiz Evening, as the speaker booked had on the 14 th . They were “lively” to say the been unable to come. Sheila must have least, but after one child had his nose spent a good deal of time compiling the bloodied by another and I had read the riot questions, and I am glad I was only helping act in no uncertain terms, they settled down as the paper involving numbers would have to play the “Birds’ Nest Game” followed by a completely floored me – I don’t do numbers brisk walk and all was well. (or mornings). Ellsie Russell’s team won. The “Bring and Share” supper resulted in a A different story on the evening of the 15 th lovely, tasty selection of food and we also when the 1 st Weybourne Brownies came to had a raffle. The evening was generally take their “Disability Awareness” badge. considered a success. Many of the girls in this group attend William Cobbett School where there is a Special Unit, We were invited to take part in the Fleet so the children are well aware of disabilities. Pond Society Garden Party on the 11 th , with the promise of a gazebo being supplied for We took a long circular walk to assess the us. As the weather had been rather suitability of the Reserve for people with unsettled recently, we were glad of this various disabilities and I taught the Brownies offer, but as it turned out, we needed the the way to guide a blind person, and also gazebo for shade rather than against the reinforced what they already knew about rain! I had read of the garden parties, but deafness. We finished up in the Field Centre never been able to attend one, even though where the girls looked at access, toilets etc. I am a member of the FPS. and told me that a row of coat hooks at low level were a hazard! Their comments were What a beautiful garden, owned by Nicolette certainly well-thought out and I was allowed and Richard Pike, who generously open it to present them all with their badges at the every year for this major fund-raising event. 12 end of the evening, by which time they had had not fully opened. It was on the exposed spent their pocket money in “the shop”. roots of the fallen Silver Birch, mentioned earlier in this Newsletter. They were an Back to the Seniors on the 16 th when observant group, bearing out the comment members of the Aldershot Civil Service made by Tony Grace in this month’s Retirement Fellowship came to the Field Countryman magazine: “The more we look, Centre for a walk and tea. One member the more we see”. preferred to stay in the Field Centre with Later in the day Roy and Debbie presented Sheila and chat, while I took seven on a the Mayor and Deputy Mayor with the circular walk before returning to the Field traditional Rowhill Buttonholes at a reception Centre for tea and a visit to “the shop”. in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Sheila and I were again invited to the Annual While I was waiting for the bus to Farnham Civic Service at Winchester Cathedral on the on the 24 th I saw two Housemartins flying 19 th and were allowed to nominate a high above the Weybourne Road. These “Service” family to go with us. Nicky Balchin, were the only Housemartins I have seen this with Jill and Grace were able to come and we year. I have noticed too that Swifts are now were all impressed with the service. We seen much more outside the town than was seemed to be sitting further forward than the case a few years ago. There were ripe when we went last year, so it was easier to blackberries growing by the River Wey in hear. Farnham – surely extremely early! Two Grey Wagtails were flying up and down the course In the afternoon I found a dead Mallard of the river and I noticed that several of the (female) in Kingfisher Pond and reported it very large Weeping Willows that grow on the to Pat Smith, but heard no more about it. It river bank have lost big branches, which was not there the following day when I seem to have snapped off in the recent passed the pond – had one of the winds. Conservation Volunteers picked it up, or had a fox found a supper ready laid out for it? It is now obviously baby bird time. The feeders in the garden are surrounded by Two classes from Velmead Junior School, young birds just getting their adult plumage, Fleet came to study habitats in the Reserve or harassed parent birds trying to keep up on the 20 th . Very unusual for us to have a with their demanding fledglings. The school booked for a Monday, but it was a Blackbird alarm calls warn their young about matter of fitting in with other school cats and Magpies. activities. Jill Casey helped me with both groups and gave me a lift to the Field Centre After a very few warm days it was pleasantly and back home again. cooler on the 28 th when a class of year 4 children from William Cobbett Junior School By the 21 st the blackberries were already came to survey minibeasts in two different well formed, though small and green. There sites in the Reserve. The morning went very were many wild raspberries, but they too well and Jackie and I were as always were small and very sour although well impressed by the excellent organization in ripened. A dog walker told me that he had this school. Unfortunately the weather was seen a Kingfisher flying over what is left of against us; by early afternoon it had turned Kingfisher Pond on two consecutive dark and chilly, followed by thunder and mornings about three weeks ago. heavy rain, so the visit was abandoned. We hope that the children got back to school A third class of children from Velmead school fairly quickly. came to the Reserve the next day; they seemed to be less attentive than the two When I looked out of the kitchen window previous classes, but they asked a lot of next morning it was beautifully sunny; a questions, which was encouraging. When we wood mouse and a very young Nuthatch reached Stickleback Pond the children were hanging onto opposite sides of the nut noticed a dragonfly which had obviously just feeder, enjoying a good feast. recently emerged from the pond as its wings 13 We had a mild sunny day on the 30 th when black moth nestling in a crevice in the hazel Miss Vicary’s class from William Cobbett tree near the bridge leading to the Bog Path. School came for their minibeast hunt. As the This was extremely well observed as the sun was shining in the Field we saw many moth nearly matched the bark in the shade. butterflies but fewer moths than on Tuesday; it was interesting to compare the Jackie led the groups, and we had another field insects with the very different creatures new Volunteer, Audrey Price, who joined us found in the woodland in the afternoon. for the morning session. Penny and Wilf Janet Drummond led today and she and the Timney reported that they had seen a children in the front of the class saw a Roe Kingfisher over Kingfisher Pond recently. Deer and kid cross the Disabled Trail. I was at the tail end of the crocodile and saw a On the 13 th I found a few ripe blackberries in different adult in last year’s coppice cant, but the Field – very early, but serious picking I don’t think any of the children were tall should start next week if the weather enough to see over the dead hedge, so they remains fine. missed it. Jean and Ted Parratt who produce the JULY Farnham Diary (free paper) had given us a very good write-up about our Award and Ted “Wonder is the seed of knowledge” sent us a laser copy of the article and group Francis Bacon 1561 1626 photo to be put on display.

The squirrels are getting very hungry – there The Holy Trinity Women’s Hour Group came to visit the Field Centre in the afternoon of are many shredded pine cones and hazel nut th shells (unripe on the paths). the 14 (a few husbands came too, plus one small boy). I took 14 people, and the little The Rushmoor Urban Wildlife Group meeting lad, and including Natalie in her wheelchair on the 4 th was held in the grounds of as far as Stickleback Pond, when some Farnborough Abbey. We climbed a people went back the way we had come and slope/steps to a picnic area, which had been a few hardier souls braved the new Bog Path cleared, where we had coffee and Steve which one or two pronounced “challenging”. Bailey from Blackwater Valley Countryside We returned to Sheila and the remainder of Partnership gave a short talk on the the group in the Field Centre to enjoy tea cemetery in Victoria Road, Farnborough and and cake. the wildlife found there. In the evening Roy led our annual Summer Jackie and I met the third class from William Evening Walk in the Reserve. Carol Roberts Cobbett Junior School on the 5 th when it was was very observant and saw a butterfly on again warm and sunny in the morning for the ground near Stickleback Pond. At first it the minibeast survey in the Field. It clouded was thought to be a White Admiral, but Roy over in the afternoon when the children’s’ photographed it and subsequently identified visit had to be slightly curtailed, as one of it as a female Purple Emperor. The walk was them was sick. It was raining by 3pm so we well attended, with 4 visitors and 18 Rowhill hope they got back to school before then. Members; as dusk fell we returned to the Field centre for tea and coffee prepared for Sheila and I gave a talk about Rowhill to the us by Sheila and Katy Chilman.

Farnborough Morning Townswomen’s Guild th at the Community Centre on the morning of On Saturday 16 , a very wet day we had a the 7 th , when we met several people we visit from Nigel Glogan, one of the S and SE knew. in Bloom judges – more of this in another section of the newsletter. Our last school for this term – Greenfields Junior, Hartley Wintney, came on the 12 th to A family came to the Field Centre on Sunday study the source of the River Blackwater. afternoon to buy Bullace jam to take to The children in the morning group saw a friends in Germany. They said that there is no word in German for Bullace. Referring to 14 the Flora Britannica there is no entry for celebration, the best birthday I have ever Bullace and therefore I cannot find the Latin had, and I am most grateful to everyone name. Does anyone know the answer? who came to help, to slave in the kitchen (mostly Eleanor Greenwood, my great-niece On the 19 th four of our selected Volunteers – – she really is a great niece), and to Sheila Roy, Debbie, Jackie and Carol went to the who gave me the most wonderful cake, Buckingham Palace Garden Party; this is also which went much further than we expected. reported elsewhere in this edition. On the Also to all the most generous friends who same day Sheila, Pat Scandrett and I went donated to either Rowhill or Hearing Dogs on the open top bus to see selected gardens for Deaf People. Carol came with her Hearing entered for “Rushmoor in Bloom”. This is Dog, Poacher. I’m still getting over the always an enjoyable day, despite the excitement. weather, which this year was at times wet. We are able to see parts of the Borough that are otherwise inaccessible and we feel it is a great privilege to go into so many lovely gardens. We had coffee at the Army Field Hospital, which has been very well landscaped, lunch at the Council Offices and tea at the Plough and Horses which had lovely hanging baskets.

“The gift of Nature is free for everyone to enjoy” – where did I read that – it doesn’t really matter when a statement is so true!

On the 20 th I picked ¾ lbs blackberries in the Field, and continued to pick most days, gradually increasing to 2 lbs on a good day.

On the evening of the 21 st Debbie th Wittenbury brought the 4 Hale Brownies – The 31 st – which was my actual birthday was 23 girls, one older girl, a toddler and 5 other warm and sunny; Sheila and Viv took the adults. We did a scavenger hunt and the Rowhill information stand and leaflets to the girls made collages with what they collected Rural Life Centre in Tilford for “Rustic – very artistic and imaginative. I was most Sunday” while the rest of the regulars impressed. manned the Field Centre and finished

clearing up from yesterday. Sheila and I were invited to the Mayoress’ th Tea Party on the 26 at which we helped sell bric-a-brac. AUGUST st Back to duty on the 1 when I met Gillian During my walk on the 29 th I met four ladies and Hayley from the Sunflowers Children’s one of whom was in a wheelchair. They were Centre in Aldershot for a site visit prior to a pleased to find a reasonable path for the children’s outing in the Reserve. Hayley chair, as they had already tried to walk with brought her son Elliott, aged 9 who is very it from the car park in Cranmore Lane. I interested in wildlife and who appeared to walked with them to the Field, where they enjoy the walk, which was essentially for the lingered for nearly an hour. adults to see the route I proposed to take on th the 17 August so that they could do their Rather a lot of people came to my “Open own risk assessment. It was a very hot day Day” at the Field Centre on the 30 th to help but lovely and cool under the shade of the me celebrate my birthday. Again Jean and trees. Ted Parratt gave us an entry in the Farnham th Diary, complete with a picture of a hearing On the afternoon of the 6 Jim and Barbara dog in training. It was a wonderful Hardiman took me to see the gardens of 15 West Green House, near Hartley Wintney. to head at the end of winter and the The gardens are well worth a visit (and the opposite way at the end of summer. The coffee and cakes excellent), but check back legs are double-jointed which helps the opening times before going. Red Squirrel to be particularly agile.

Another “away” visit on the 8 th when I was I hope Dennis will forgive me for making this taken by Heather Ward and Kay Rodbard to a short report of a fascinating talk, but I am Wakehurst Place (Kew in the country). I had conscious that I am rapidly running out of not been there for several years – many in my allotted space in what is going to be a fact, as the foundations for the Millennium bumper edition of a Newsletter this time. Seed Bank were being laid when I went with another of our Members, Joan Crick. After On the morning of the 17 th it was mild, with tea/hot chocolate/coffee on arrival, we hazy sun; I walked to the Field Centre, headed straight for the Millennium Seed laying my “Caterpillar Trail” in Chestnut Bank, pausing on our way to look at the Glade on the way, ready for the walk for raised beds arranged as various habitats children from Sunflowers, Park and Maple with the appropriate plants growing. The Vue Children’s centres, with their leaders, Seed Bank was in an impressive, very light Gillian, Hayley and Anne. Eventually 17 building with excellent descriptions of the adults, 17 small children (under 6), 3 babies processes involved in preserving the world’s (one only 5 weeks old),and 3 children aged seeds. One could see through quite large (at a guess) 10 – 12. there were 6 buggies, windows into the laboratories where the so we made quite a procession going down different scientists were working. We took through the Reserve. “Woolly Caterpillars” is our time going round the displays and a great favourite, even with children who reading the explanations we were ready for have played it before. We even managed to lunch, followed by a leisurely walk round find two, which had escaped detection from part of the grounds. Heather and Kay are a group of children earlier in the year! When very knowledgeable about plants (as well as we reached the Field we did “Sticky Leaves” birds) and it was good to have Kay with us which are also much enjoyed, then half the to explain about the various New Zealand mothers settled on blankets for a picnic and trees and shrubs we saw. their children could play freely (and safely), while I escorted the rest of the group back to Our meeting on the 11 th was well attended the car park. By the time I had sorted when a long-standing friend, Dennis Bright, paperwork and had a much-needed coffee I came to give his talk “Focus on Wildlife”. made my way home via the Field where Dennis’s lovely pictures taken over a number everyone was very happily occupied - of years, covered his visits to Handa, mothers chatting and children playing hide Skomer and the Cairngorms, Aviemore, and seek and eating blackberries (without Dunbar Harbour and Bass Rock, with washing them – good). occasional diversions on the way. Some of these places Dennis had visited several We have at last slightly raised the price of times, sometimes alone or occasionally with second hand books to 30p (still cheaper than Mike Read (another of our favourite in the Charity shops) and despite this we speakers) or Chris Packham. sold quite a number on the 21 st during Sunday afternoon opening. Apart from pictures of so many species – Puffins, Gannets, Red Grouse with chicks, Bank Holiday weekend: Sunday was cool Great Black-backed Gull (can swallow a with sunny periods and showers, which were puppy while on the wing!) – we had sometimes very heavy. We had a surprising occasional “asides” such as the Otter number of people visit the Field Centre, photographed at a fish farm at Arlresford, among them Sheila McAllister who brought the huge numbers of Waxwings everyone us four bags of toys for sale or to give out as saw last winter, a Chaffinch which settled on prizes. Heather and Kay arrived with a large Dennis’ camera, moving up to perch on the cardboard box containing an empty bird’s lens (he had a spare camera handy) and Red nest. It was approximately 2’ x 1’ and about Squirrels. The latter moult twice a year, tail 2” deep made of moss and hair. There was a 16 very small depression (for the eggs) and scheduled tasks including Roy marking the another larger depression in the moss ant hills in the Meadow, so that Stuart from presumably where the birds took off to leave the Blackwater Valley Countryside the nest. The nest had been built in a Partnership could mow it on the following friend’s large letter box, and occupied the day. whole of the bottom of the box. We are still uncertain which species of bird made this Anyone who subscribes to the Kew Magazine wonderful structure; the friend said the bird should have by now seen the article (with was red and black but very small. pictures) about our President, Dr. Brian Spooner on pages 24 and 25 of the Autumn When I went out to put things into my Edition. compost bin later in the day I found a large wasp (it didn’t look big enough for a hornet) On Wednesday 7 th Sheila and I went to with what appeared to be yellow eyebrows Fontwell Park Race Course (see later report). (!) walking round the rim of the bin. Any For our meeting on the 8 th , we welcomed suggestions as to what this insect might once again Dr Peter Brandham a retired have been. scientist from Kew for another lecture: “From the Sea to the Sky”, covering his We opened the Field Centre on the Monday expedition to North West USA and the Bank Holiday afternoon when it was sunny Southern part of Canada. As always Peter’s and 12 people (including us) called in. talk was illustrated by wonderful slides and included hints on how to get the best out of On the last day of the month it was warmer, a photograph for those interested in the finer though cloudy. While walking through the points of photography. Reserve with my litter picker I collected two bags of rubbish, one of which was filled with The journey started on the Olympic recyclables. Peninsular, in Washington State, where it is very wet with a sombre West-facing coast September littered with fallen logs from the coniferous forest, which grows down to just above the Because of the Council’s decision to change high tide line. There are few flowers but we the Green and Global Day usually held in the were shown Yellow Lupins and Indian Paint Princes Hall in early October, to a “Go Green Brush which is semi-parasitic with some in Rushmoor Day” to be held in Aldershot green leaves (similar to Mistletoe). Saturday 10 th September, we decided to change the date of our Coffee Morning to the A few miles inland is the Hoh Rainforest, a 3rd . Although we had put a notice to this National Park, protected from the logging effect in our last Newsletter and it had been industry. It is very wet with 200 inches rain/ announced at our previous three meetings, year and forms a temperate rain forest, the Coffee Morning was less well attended which is a very rare habitat. Western than usual. However we know that a number Hemlock is the dominant species, which of our regular supporters were still on grows up to 100 metres high. The seeds will holiday, and despite lowered numbers only germinate on the moss covering fallen coming we still managed to raise £171; Ros tree trunks. and Sue with the RSPB stall took £78, so we felt we had done quite well. Jill Balchin made The Olympic Mountains, further inland, have a wonderful number of scones and cakes, severe winters, but have good alpine species and with contributions from Viv Owen and at moderate altitudes. Plants shown included Janet Drummond, the produce stall was well Fritillaria atropurpurea, with yellow and filled. We even had some Quail’s Eggs, purple-mottled flowers and Douglasia donated by Chris Elton. laevigata which is a relative of the primrose, growing in mats with pink flowers. Peter We had some very heavy showers on emphasised the importance of Sunday 4 th , which rather cramped the photographing flowers in their habitats, as activities of the Conservation Volunteers, but well as taking close ups. they still managed to cover most of the 17 Going further inland to the East we came to Still further north and at a higher altitude, the Cascade Mountains with conifer forests Bow Lake has a marshy shore where Salix and broad-leafed Sugar Maples. Orchids barrattiana grows , a willow, with separate such as Listera caurina ( a small relative of male and female plants. Bearberry and the British Twayblade) were found. Kalmia microphylla are also found. Northward again, the Saskatchewan River Continuing East we came to Glacier National Valley (and higher still) grows one of the Park, astride the Rocky Mountains. Here most northerly growing orchids Peter has were lovely montane landscapes – Lake ever seen, this is Habenaria hyperborea with McDonald and Gunsight Mountain. Very high long spikes of greenish- white flowers; it was in the area is the Sunwapta Pass or Going-to growing among thousands of unbranched the-sun Highway which goes over the Equisetum sp. (a type of Horsetail). Another Continental Divide. The road is open only in striking plant found here was Elephant Head July and August because of the snow and named after the shape of the individual avalanches. Columbia Ground Squirrels were flowers which grow in spikes high above red seen here and among plants shown, pinnate leaves. Shooting Stars (Dodecatheon cusickii) a close relative of the Cyclamen. Eventually the Columbia Icefield was reached where it is very beautiful but so high We next crossed over to Cananaskis Country and cold that no plants of interest could be in Western Alberta on the eastern fringe of found. the Rockies, where fingers of prairie spread westward into the mountains. Butterflies are Well, what a wonderful journey! And I was too cold to fly early in the morning and are able to enjoy it all as Peter had provided me easy to photograph. It is also easy to take with a list of all the places, descriptions and pictures of Clark’s Nutcracker, a relative of Latin names. I just hope that I have given the Jay as it is very tame, even in remote his account justice! If anyone is interested in places. Prairie Smoke, Geum triflorum , is the complete list and the Latin names please abundant but flowers are almost always ask me for a copy. closed to keep the interior warmer than if the flower opened widely; however there is We are very sad that this is Peter’s last visit enough space to allow access to small to us in the capacity of speaker, as he is insects to ensure pollination and earlier giving up Club talks this year, but we hope seed-set in cold spring conditions. that he might pay us a social visit sometime and we are very grateful for his many talks Bannf, in British Columbia is a busy resort, given to us in the past. He first came to us in but high on the side of Sulphur Mountain 2001 and this was his 8 th talk for us. He tells there are alpines growing. us that he intends to make a book of his many pictures taken over his years at Kew Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: the latter is and we look forward to hearing when it will surrounded by a matching set of mountains, be published: in the meantime we wish Peter all the same shape and height. They are a very happy “retirement”. He says “Old known as the Twelve Apostles and are Scientists never die but are eventually swept shown with the lake on the back of a out of their rooms at Kew, with the dust”. Canadian $20 note. A busy week this! On the 10 th Sheila and I The lakes are both turquoise-blue, even on were out bright and early (Sheila bright that overcast days due to light-scattering by fine is, - I don’t do mornings!) to unload Sheila’s rock particles ground from the valley floors car in Wellington Street, Aldershot for the and remaining suspended in the water. “Go Green in Rushmoor” day; we had a covered space outside Costa Coffee, sharing Further north is Emerald Lake where the a large gazebo with Fleet Pond Society and yellow form of Aquilegia flavescans is found The Friends of Brickfields Park. We had as well as the Dwarf Canadian Cornel, here a planty of space for our display boards and low creeper rather than a bush or tree two chairs, and a large table to set out our species. fund-raising sales items. Although there was 18 some rain during the day we were well above the stalk, but the inside of the cup sheltered and had plenty of opportunity to was definitely pinkish. attract passing trade. Two young men were This week was a steady build up to Saturday interested in information about the the 17 th when we received the Queen’s Conservation Volunteers. Phyl Hobbs and Viv Award for Voluntary Service, about which Owen joined us at different times during the Sheila has written. I have not seen her day so we were free to go round some of the account yet, but I bet she hasn’t written other displays and there was plenty about how hard she has worked, cleaning happening around the town. the Field Centre, working out the details for catering and all the other tasks which go to During my “lunch break” I went to the make a special event a success. The rest of Princes Gardens where I saw the animals the Committee and certain members of the from Miller’s Ark, had a coffee (Fair Trade, of Society have supported Sheila, but she has course) and bought some things from the done the bulk of the work and the Society Triangle (Farnborough) Fair Trade stall. I should be aware of this. So- THREE CHEERS gave the African drumming a miss! We were FOR SHEILA! very pleased with the way the day had been planned. We met some lovely people and hope that there will be another “Go Green” South and South East in Bloom Day the year after next. Next year (2012) there will be a Victoria Day in Aldershot and This year Rushmoor as a Council did not we would like to take part in that. enter South and South East in Bloom,

although a number of individual groups did Our friend Sharon Woodman, formerly the so – Aldershot Town Centre, Aldershot Mayor’s Secretary, came in to see us on th Allotment Association, the Austen Road Sunday afternoon, the 11 , bringing with Residents and Shaftsbury Court Sheltered her some jars of honey which we hope to sell Housing. As there was a new category for in “the shop”. It is delicious, Hampshire Conservation, we were persuaded to enter Honey and sells at £5 a jar, which is very Rowhill into this group. reasonable.

The Conservation Volunteers led by Roy and Still helping us with items for fund-raising, Debbie, worked even harder than usual and Sheila McAllister also came this afternoon nearly completed the Northern path and with some more toys for us to sell. Our New boardwalk as well as carrying on with other Zealand friend called in to bid us farewell as routine tasks. she returns home during the week; we shall miss her. Our Judge, Nigel Glogan, had agreed to

come to Rowhill on the morning of Saturday Although wet and windy early, the sun came 16 th July after he had judged the allotments out by mid-day and it was a lovely afternoon th in Aldershot, and then to visit Austen Road on the 12 . Near Andrew’s Pond I found Residents after lunch. masses of bright yellow ear-shaped fungi growing under Oaks and Hazel, among the It was wet! Sheila had previously prepared a leaf-litter. Checking carefully with Dr portfolio looking at the past, present and Spooner’s book (The Collins Guide to future of Rowhill, illustrated by photographs Mushrooms and Toadstools) it fulfilled all the by Roy and several other members. Whilst features described for Lemon Peel Fungus we provided tea and coffee and hoped that (Otidea onotica ): inner surface yellowish the weather would improve, Roy gave a with pink tints (pink dots in my specimen), PowerPoint presentation (beautiful pictures 4-9 cm high with short whitish stalk. Outer as usual when taken by Roy). However it surface yellowish, scurfy. A couple of days was not to be! The rain came down harder later I found a clump of the same type of and harder as our Judge, accompanied by fungus under an Oak tree growing at the Roy, Debbie and Carol set out to view the side of the Spine Path, just above the Field. Reserve through sheets of water! They This time they were growing on bare earth returned to the Field Centre for hot drinks and when I tried to pick one it broke off 19 and a sandwich lunch, which we had organisation was excellent. The contingent prepared whilst they were out. Despite from Rushmoor did well, especially the group waterproofs and boots they were pretty wet, from Shaftesbury Court which was top of the but our judge seemed not to mind the Sheltered Housing category and they have weather, which improved anyway, and the been invited to go to the National Finals at sun shone when he went on to met the St. Andrews at the end of September, residents of Austen Road. (subsequently we have heard that they have We waited for the results and heard nothing decided it was too a long journey for them, till mid August when we received an and it has been agreed that their award will invitation to the Award Ceremony at Fontwell be presented on home territory). Well done Park Race Course on 7 th September. As this to them. was a weekday and all our Conservation Volunteers were working, Sheila and I When it came to the Conservation Category elected to go knowing that having received we waited to hear our name called and were the invitation we had won something for completely surprised and delighted to entering. receive a Gold Certificate, a great surprise as this was our first time of entering. When we We left the Council Offices by a Voluntary saw our marks sheet we found that the Services minibus and picked up several Conservation Volunteers had achieved 85% - ladies and a gentleman from Shaftesbury what a splendid result!! Court on the way. We had a lovely journey to Sussex, going through a lot of countryside I knew, and arrived at Fontwell on good time for the awards, along with about 400 other people.

We trooped into a reception hall where cold drinks, tea and coffee were on offer, and then up to the awards hall, a very large area with huge windows overlooking the racecourse.

The proceedings were introduced by Geoff Loader Director of Communications for Southern Water. He told us that Southern Then we had our photo taken with Chris Water had supported S and SE in Bloom for Collins and our certificate. We were almost 10 years and this was the 11 th Presentation too excited to eat lunch, however it was Ceremony to be held under its auspices. He excellent and very well served, and it was a said that it was increasingly important to long time since breakfast, so we did it conserve water and the message was “save justice! There was wine too for those who water, save energy, save money”. wanted it.

He then handed over to Peter Holman, After lunch Chris Collins gave a short talk, Chairman of S and SE in Bloom and Jim urging us all to get children interested in Butress, former Chairman of Britain in Bloom gardening, so important for the future. Judges, who announced the recipients of awards in the numerous categories. The We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon, with winners were then photographed with their lovely pictures of the many entries, which trophies, with Chris Collins (“Who is he?” came from a wide area ranging from Kent to Sheila and I said to each other) No doubt Dorset. everyone else will know that he is a past presenter on Blue Peter – my excuse for Our certificate and photo has already been ignorance is that I don’t have a TV. framed and put on display in the Field centre. We have the complete list of entries There were many people there but the and awards, available in the Centre. proceedings went extremely well as the 20

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