Image Credits
The image used top right is painted by local artist Christopher Jarvis.
The image shown in the top left (Alan Haynes sign) is taken from a painting by John Grundy.
The image used top right is painted by local artist Christopher Jarvis.
The image shown in the top left (Alan Haynes sign) is taken from a painting by John Grundy.
Contact: Brenda Rogers
Tel: 01689 857209
Our Society, which was the brainchild of Roy Kitcatt, celebrated its 30th Anniversary last year. It is thriving with a membership of over 100.
The following is a taste of our programme of events for 2007:
Our talks are usually on the fourth Thursday of the month at 8 p.m in Halstead Village Hall. On April 26th we will learn about "The Work of the English Heritage Gardens and Landscape Team".
Our first Show of the year is on March 22nd when we look forward to a fine display of Spring plants and bulbs (if the vagaries of the weather allow!). Our Summer Sweet Pea and Rose Show is on June 28th, and our Autumn Show on September 8th at 2.00pm when members' produce is sold to raise funds for the Village Hall. Silver cups can be won at the shows, as well as vouchers donated by Polhill Garden Centre.
On May 12th our popular annual Plant Sale will be held outside the Village Hall.
Three coach outings are in the pipeline - the first an evening visit on May 24th to Torry Hill Garden at Frinstead, followed by a congenial pub supper. On 14th June we visit Goodneston Park Gardens at Wingham which has associations with Jane Austen, and on October 11th we visit the RHS garden of Hyde Hall following a talk by the Senior Gardener on 27th September. There is a limited number of seats on the coaches so early booking is recommended. (Brenda Rogers (01689 857209).
Further activities are on-going - particularly gardening at home and tending allotments in the walled garden at Halstead Place. Roy Kitcatt, (01959 532331) our Allotments Secretary, will be pleased to hear from anyone who wishes to join his merry band of allotmenteers!
Our members also support and encourage the children at Halstead Community Primary School who have formed a gardening club with one of our members, Jan Stewart, at the helm.
On May 20th several of our members are opening their gardens for charity. Two years ago we raised £3,000 with a similar event. This time the proceeds will be split between Wellchild and St Margaret's Church. The Village lends its support to the event - teas are served in the Village Hall and an Art Exhibition is held in the Parish Room. If you would like to enter your garden or offer your services, please contact Janet Simpson on 01959 533320.
New members of the Society are always welcome and the subscription is modest. We also welcome visitors to our talks, to join us on our outings and to exhibit in our three Sally Nicholson (01959 533184) is our Membership Secretary and would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to join our Society.
