Gardening Club – Dec 2011

Recent Events

On Monday 3rd October we were entertained by the amusing Eric Barnes who enlightened us on the history of Catsbrain Farm. With his 73 years at the farm he witnessed many changes, from the beginning with no gas, no electricity and no running water, to present day automation. Life it seems wasn’t always better in the good old days!

Future Events

Our next meeting will be on Monday 5th December at 7.30pm. A festive evening with a talk by Pamela Clement on ”Christmas Yesterday”.

On Monday 9th January is our Annual Social Evening starting at the earlier time of 7.00pm. Please bring along a plate of food to accompany the drink and entertainment for the evening.

Gardening Club Update – Oct 2011

California State University Northridge Botanic...

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Recent Events

On Saturday 20th August we held our Annual Flower and Produce Show. Even though the number of exhibits were down on the flower side of the show, it proved to be a success ( more flowers next year hopefully).

Here are the results:

  • Challenge Cup for vegetables – Michael New
  • Bill Smith Trophy for best dahlia – Joanne Wright
  • Rose Bowl for flowers – Julie Wright
  • Flower Arrangers Cup – Rita Smith
  • Cookery Trophy – Angela Newton
  • Photographers Cup – June Weller

On Monday 5th September we were given an incite into the history of Park Rangers and their work today in the Swindon area. It’s hard to believe that as far back as the 1800′s rangers looked into how to preserve the countryside and how they are still pursuing their ambitions today. Did you know there are over 150 parks and open spaces in the borough?

Future Events

Our next meeting will be on Monday 3rd October at 7:30pm. We will be hearing about the history of Catsbrain Farm from its owner Eric Barnes. Knowing Eric as we do it’s sure to be full of stories that entertain and amuse.

Gardening Club – Sept 2011

Stourhead House. Owned by the National Trust, ...

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Recent Events

On Saturday 27th June we travelled to Mere to enjoy the delights of Stourhead. Our party contained a mix of members and non members making it an excellent day out.

On Monday 4th July we held our annual B.B.Q. at Catsbrain Farm. We were entertained by a group called O K Reunited, who along with the good food, drink and fine weather made for an enjoyable evening. Thanks to Eric Barnes for the use of his facilities.

Future Events

Our next meeting will be on Monday 5th September at 7:30pm. Our talk will be from a warden at Stanton Park, telling us about his work with the wildlife in Stanton and the Borough.

Gardening Club Update – July 2011

Cabbage and its cross section

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Recent Events

On Monday 16th May many of us were reminded of what life was like years ago with a talk by Pamela Clement on “Life from Victorian times onwards.” 

She commented on the reasons why our ancestors cabbages grew so well ( something to do with having no inside toilets) and how everyday products were used as “cure alls” inside the house and in the garden.

Future Events

On Monday 4th July we will hold our annual B.B.Q. at Catsbrain Farm for all our members ( the usual bring your own plate etc applies.) Entertainment will be by OK Reunited. Please remember the earlier start time of 7:00pm.

August brings the Annual Flower Show.

On Saturday 20th August is the Flower Show. Any members of the village or the gardening club can show their produce.

Whether you have a small or large garden everyone has something to show. Schedules will be available at the B.B.Q. or from Mike on 827807.

Help! My Cooking Apple Tree has a pest that comes back every year.

If you know anything about fruit trees then I would really appreciate your help to solve my pest problem:

Every year for the last 4 years, my Cooking Apple Tree has been afflicted with the same pest. Sometimes we get one or two apples growing but they don’t get to a good size and drop off before they are ready.

The Conference Pear Tree on the same wall is thriving and we are expecting a huge crop against next year.

Both our trees are espalier and cut back at the end of each season. We have also tried leaving out apple until the spring before cutting back, but it made no difference.

Any help or insight would be gratefully received.

Gardening Club Update – May 2011

Recent Events

On 4th April we all had an opportunity to meet two beautiful barn owls with their owners. Roger gave us an insight into owls and other native birds of prey. Although most are on the decline there are still plenty to be seen if you are observant.

Future Events

On Monday 16th May at 7.30 pm Pamela Clement is coming along to give a talk entitled “Victorian Garden Tools”.

Please note we still have spaces on our Stourhead visit on Saturday 25th June. Anyone interested please contact Mike on 827807. Open to non-members.

Prospect House – Open Gardens 2011

Green-fingered enthusiasts are being asked to open their gardens to the public to raise funds for Prospect Hospice.

Taking place throughout the spring, summer and autumn of 2011, Prospect Hospice’s Open Gardens programme offers the public a rare opportunity to discover the secrets of hidden and private gardens in our community not usually open to the public. Visitors will be able to explore some beautiful grounds and quiz the creators on the techniques used in bringing these unique spaces to life, in return for a donation to Prospect.

Daniel McNally, community fundraiser at Prospect Hospice, said: “It’s a really simple but effective idea, and from the feedback we’ve received, the public really seem to enjoy themselves.

In the past we’ve featured a variety of beautiful gardens, from amateur gardeners who’ve joined up with their neighbours to create a day out for visitors, through to a Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal winner, and an expert on the art of Bonsai. Some people also lay on refreshments, raffles and garden games to raise more money.

“It really about putting on an event that showcases your garden, creates a unique day out for visitors, and helps raise some money for Prospect. Its also a great opportunity to share your love of gardening with others.”

Prospect will release the programme of open days later this year. In the meantime, why not consider opening your garden to the public? If you would like to host an Open Garden, then please get in contact through www.prospect-hospice.net/opengardens or call the fundraising team on 01793 816161, to see how Prospect can help you make the most from your Open Day.

Gardening Club Update – April 2011

Recent Events

On 7th March we held our AGM. Most of the committee agreed to stand again and were thanked by the chairman for another successful year. Following the reports, we enjoyed a multi-sectioned quiz devised by Gloria Harmer.

Future Events

On Monday 4th April at 7.30 pm we will be having a talk entitled “Birds of Prey” accompanied by some special guests.

Stourhead House. Owned by the National Trust, ...

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We are hoping to take a trip to Stourhead on Saturday, 25th June. Stourhead is a beautiful National Trust house and gardens. Anyone interested please contact Mike on 827807 or Arthur. Open to non-members.

Gardening Club News – Feb 2011

Recent Events

On Tuesday 7th December George entertained us with his stories, humour and singing, which our members joined in with enthusiastically. On Monday 10th January we held our Members Social Evening along with Ukebox Jury. This made our usual annual party go down a treat.

Future Events

On Monday 7th March at 7:30pm is our A.G.M. followed by one of Gloria’s interesting quizzes.

Allotment News – Jan 2011

The Parish Council have arranged for a South Marston-based family run landscaping company to start work on 6 new allotments adjacent to the existing village allotments. Initial clearance work on the site will commence once ground conditions permit
access to the land.
It is the intention to hand over these six new allotments to the village residents on the waiting list by early spring.
This will leave the waiting list for allotments with one village resident and six non- village residents.
If you would like more information on village allotments or would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact the Parish Clerk.
Mrs Gemma Cheal on 01793 820529
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