Upton-by-Chester Horticultural Society

Affiliated to:   The Royal Horticultural Society                                    41 Upton Lane
The National Chrysanthemum Society                           Upton,  
The National Dahlia Society                                           Chester
The National Vegetable Society                                     CH2 1ED
Tel: 01244 379976

www.uptonhortsoc.org.uk

 

NEWSLETTER – JANUARY/MARCH 2011

 HAPPY NEW YEAR

Dear Member

I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year. We certainly had a cold one didn't we, just let's hope the spring is much kinder to us so we can get out and enjoy our gardens.

The last meeting of the year is on 2nd February which is our AGM. Our talk is by Frank Hardy 'All our yesterday's. Don't forget to bring your bowl of hyacinths for the Table Top competition.

Membership

It is that time of year again when our memberships are up for renewal. Fees are remaining at the same cost as last year. It would help Janet our membership secretary a lot if you could fill in the slip on the reverse side of this newsletter and bring it with you to the meeting. If you can't make the meeting then please fill in the slip and send your membership to her, along with a stamped addressed envelope so that she can send you the membership card and programme. 

                                                                        Committee Members

The AGM is when we vote on any Officers or Committee members for the coming year. If anyone feels they would like to join our committee please let me know as it would be lovely to have you join us. We are always grateful for any new helpers to run the Society's events (we do have good fun).

                                                                        The Hut

The Hut reopens on the 12th February 2011. There has been a large delivery of all the essential things we need for the coming season so don't forget to go down and stock up. We have managed to beat the VAT  increase so our prices are very competitive.  Don't forget to get your gardening tools sharpened ready for the new gardening year.

                                                                        Trips

 Stoneyford and Blue Bell Cottage gardens

Rita is organising a trip Stoneyford and Bluebell Cottage gardens on Wednesday 11th May. If you would like to go please let Rita or I know and we can save you a ticket. They will be on sale at the February meeting. Our contact numbers are Wendy 379976 or Rita on 674578. The cost is £22 which includes  entry into the gardens, tea/coffee and cake or buscuits at both gardens and the coach fare.
Bodnant Gardens

Rita is also organising a trip to Bodnant Gardens on Sunday 5th June. Troy Smith, Head Gardener from Bodnant is coming to talk to us on the 4th May so it will be lovely to go and see the things he had been telling us about. The cost of the trip is £12.50 for National Trust members and £20 for non National Trust members. Again if you are interested please let Rita or I know and the tickets will be available at the next meeting.

                                                                        Spring Show

The Spring Show this year is on Saturday 26th March. Exhibiting from 9.30 on Saturday morning.
Last year the Spring Show was a great success on the Saturday so it is being held on a Saturday now going forward.
The Classes are very similar to last year but the full Schedule will be out at the February meeting. If you have any questions in the mean time please let me know.
We would like members where possible to write the varieties of their exhibits on the 'Name of Bloom cards'. We have had a lot of members asking what some of the flowers and plants are that are put into the Shows so it would be really helpful if exhibitors could write the names down for us.

 

Garden Trail

We are going to organise a Garden Trail again this year. If anyone would like to open their garden for us please would you let me know. I have already had some very kind offers so thank you very much.

 

                                                                        And finally

I would just like to say thank you to all the committee members who work so hard during the year to make sure our meetings and trips run smoothly (well almost!!), they all do a marvellous job. I would also like to thank all of you for all your support – it is very much appreciated.

 

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and see you at the next meeting.

 

 

Wendy Carman
Chairman