My
first year, as Chair of the Viaduct Gardening Club, has really been
an inspirational one for me. The dedicated and supportive committee
members, have yet again, fulfilled their brief and pulled out all the
stops to provide another year of wonderful memories for us all to
enjoy.
Exciting
and informative summer day trips were to Lancashire and Co Durham,
(where, in one garden I understand members were busy photographing
far more than the horticulture!) As usual, these trips were very well
supported by you all.
The annual holiday last year was to the
beautiful County of Herefordshire and although I am biased, everyone
agreed that it is a gorgeous place to visit.
The hotel was very
comfortable and the food superb. All of the amazing gardens on the
busy itinerary were delightful and varied in their attractions.
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| Visiting Sir Roy Strong's Garden |
Congratulations,
once again to Joyce (Johnston) for her hard work and diligence in
finding out about, and organising the trips and the holiday.
A
wide and fascinating group of monthly speakers have entertained us
all throughout the winter months. Topics have been both diverse and
interesting: with talks as varied as how best to grow bulbs to
learning all about our local wildlife and conservation management
schemes. Indeed, everyone who came to speak to us was very well
received. Thank you Christine (Davidson) & Ann (Oswin) for all
you work in arranging our speakers.
The Gardening Club's two
founding villages of Wetheral and Great Corby both hosted very
successful Garden Trails during the Summer of 2014. The highlight of
Great Corby's being the accessibility of Corby Castle grounds and
gardens. The Wetheral Trail saw well over 600 visitors descend on
that cool June afternoon and overall the event raised about £3,000
for various Charities.
I would also like to take the opportunity
to thank those who kindly opened their own gardens for the enjoyment
of the VGC members. Everyone loves to take ideas and inspiration from
visiting other people's gardens and your generosity is much
appreciated.
The Annual Plant Sale at Rickerby's was a huge
success and so too was the Autumn Plant Sale and Coffee Morning we
held in Down-a-Gate. Thank you to all of the donor's of plants and
the bakers of cakes. As you
know we have members who have now kindly volunteered to organise
both these plant sales in future – thank you Pauline, Joan and
Ruth.
Our
Financial situation is, as you have already heard, is in a very sound
position, and despite the tragedy of the recent floods, which has
temporarily destroyed our venue, I can honestly say that the Viaduct
Gardening Club remains a viable, entertaining and creative
organisation. Thank you Helen (White) for your expertise in all
things financial.
Thank
you to Denise & Alice for organising the raffle & to everyone
who has provided prises. As you know the raffle raises over £400
each year for club funds.
Our new tea rota is working pretty
well – more on that later, but meantime thanks to all who have
helped so far. Thanks also to our members who quietly &
practically help at evening meetings – usually seen wrestling with
tables and chairs in Down-a-Gate's cupboards!
Trish
(Rodgers), our helpful Vice-Chair, has stepped in on so many
occasions to support me and everyone on the committee. Thank you
Trish for standing in today.
Finally
many thanks go to our amazing Secretary, Lesley (Norman), who keeps
us all on an even keel and has such a happy smile for everyone.
Therefore, in 2016, things are set to continue in the manner
to which we have all grown accustomed over recent years. There will
be lots of interesting monthly speakers, enjoyable day-trips to
surrounding areas, local garden visits and a greatly anticipated and
fabulous Gardening Club Holiday to East Sussex.
However, may I
take this opportunity to highlight a very important issue?
Joyce
(Johnston) will, at the end of this summer, be stepping down from her
role as Trip Organiser and also Ann (Oswin) and Christine (Davidson)
wish to hand over their role as Speaker Organisers to other members
of the Club at the 2017 AGM.
Personal support and the opportunity
to " shadow" the vacating roles will be forthcoming to
those of you who have undoubted, if hidden, talents.
The
future success of this Club really does depend on those of you
who
feel able to contribute to its successful continuance.
And
fear not, help is always on hand and any future roles can be joint
efforts.
Lesley (Norman), has been extremely grateful to those of
you who have willingly offered to take on some of her workload during
the past year and into the future.
Therefore, in conclusion,
may I wish you all an enjoyable and prosperous Gardening Year. I hope
your seeds germinate, your plants flourish and your blooms be
many.......
Judith Jansen
Chair of the Viaduct Gardening
Club.
