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Little Waltham Gardening Club - Programme for 2011
All of these events take place in Little Waltham Memorial Hall at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.
We are a small, friendly Gardening Club. We are NOT experts, but we’re learning all the time! We look forward to meeting you at some or all of our meetings.
The annual subscription is £7.50. Visitor's entry fee is £1.50. Refreshments and raffle at all meetings in the Memorial Hall.
For more information phone Margaret Williams on 01245 360042 or Pip Wickham on 01245 364319.
February 2012 meeting - "Widening Horizons"
Wednesday 1 February 2012 sees the first of our 2012 meetings (we don't meet in January).
To start the year, we will have a talk by Prue James called "Widening Horizons" - the life of an enterprising Victorian Nurseryman.
Prue will speak about her great uncle, whose horticultural business brought prosperity to an impoverished sub-tropical island. Today, more than a hundred years later, the island’s lily cultivation is the mainstay of its thriving economy.
The meeting starts at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. As usual, visitors are very welcome (£1.50 entry fee).
December meeting - report
Members of Little Waltham Gardening Club cast aside their usual worries about frost, drought and slugs and enjoyed a festive evening of quizzes, carols, and food and drink.
The highlight of the evening was a lively entertainment by the highly talented Little Waltham Drama Group. Producer Kathy Jiggins appropriately based the fun around garden-inspired songs and sketches, much to the enjoyment of the audience. This was real home grown entertainment.
There will be no meeting in January. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 1 February, at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, when Prue James will give an illustrated talk about the lily bulb industry entitled “Widening Horizons”.
November meeting - report
The November meeting of the Little Waltham Gardening Club started with a reminder to all members that we should be looking to place our orders for seeds and roses in the near future. All the bulbs available for the Spring Show were sold.
Fred Sheldrake started his presentation entitled ‘The Number 8 Wire Mentality’ by telling us all about WOOFING, which stands for Willing workers on Organic Farms. This practice is becoming popular in the UK but is more prevalent overseas. For 4 hours work a day, you receive your accommodation and food. Fred was able to travel around New Zealand for months at a time by woofing for various farms, vineyards and smallholdings.
By way of a slide show, Fred showed us how the New Zealanders had adapted old baths, basins, microwave ovens, in fact any old item that would normally have been thrown away, into something either useful or ornamental. The Number 8 wire is used extensively throughout New Zealand for fencing and by all accounts it has 1001 other uses for the canny kiwis.
7 December is the date for our Christmas Social, where all members will bring sweet and savoury dishes to sample and wine and soft drinks are provided. The Little Waltham Drama Group are entertaining us with humorous sketches and a song and dance routine and we will as usual finish off the evening with Christmas carols to welcome in the festive season.
October meeting - report
In the absence of Maggie Williams, Pip Wickham opened the October meeting of the Little Waltham Gardening Club with a mention that bulbs for the 2012 Spring Show will be available at our next meeting on 2 November. There will also be an Intersociety Quiz held at Hatfield Peverel on 20 October.
Peter Webb then commenced his talk entitled “The Good Life – Part 2”, which was most entertaining and a great follow on from his original talk in 2010. He mentioned how, 18 years ago, he and his wife Mary bought a derelict house and smallholding in Tolleshunt D’Arcy with the idea of mirroring Tom & Barbara in The Good Life. He read books on self sufficiency but soon realised that hard work and a good sense of humour were essential.
He and Mary keep poultry, sheep and pigs and, as they own more than 50 poultry, they have had to be on the poultry/wildfowl register and have the flu injection each year. He mentioned how with 75 mouths to feed he has had to be adaptable and last year, for instance, he caught 180 rabbits off his land and sold them. He has 6 acres and rents a few more acres off local landowners.
He made us laugh with tales of when he and Mary bought some Jacob sheep (a rare breed of small piebald multi-horned sheep) and wondered why the farmer they bought them from called them greyhound sheep. They realised after an hour of chasing round the field trying the catch them what the farmer meant !
One of Peter’s money making ideas was, in winter, to restore harvest wagons and sell them. His neighbour has Suffolk horses so they also use the wagons in local shows. We came away from the evening realising that self-sufficiency may sound idealistic and quite romantic, but is in fact, in Peter’s words “relentless”.
The next meeting of the Little Waltham Gardening Club will be on 2 November and is entitled “The Number 8 Wire Mentality”. This promises to be an interesting talk for those of us who make do and mend as well as for gardeners. Usual 7.30pm start at the Memorial Hall - all welcome.
September meeting - report
A large audience was attracted to the Little Waltham Gardening Club’s September meeting to hear Steve Bradley, broadcaster and writer, give excellent advice in his talk on Preparing the Garden for Winter.
There were many tips to lessen plant losses, as we all experienced last year. Primarily, it is important to ensure that containers do not become waterlogged by lying them on their sides to drain off excess moisture. Also, grouping and wrapping pots in newspaper to help insulate against the cold.
Alpines should be kept dry and perennials left with their top growth for added protection. He advised making new plantings as soon as possible whilst the soil retains some warmth and impressed on us the importance of forking lawns to lessen compaction and aid drainage. Bulbs in containers should be kept cool while a good root system develops and to avoid premature top growth.
All of this advice prompted a lively question and answer session which rounded off a most entertaining and informative evening.
The next meeting for the Little Waltham Gardening Club is on the 5 October and is entitled “The Good Life, Part 2”. If it is anything like Part 1, it promises to be a most interesting and enjoyable evening. Guests welcome.
On 2 November, our meeting will appeal to gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Fred Sheldrake will explain “The Number 8 Wire Mentality”. In New Zealand, they still have the attitude, don’t throw it away, it might come in useful ! Recycling at its best.
Second June Outing - Report
Our second outing in June started at the home of Barry Kaufmann-Wright in Wimbish, just outside Thaxted. Barry and his wife, Pat, made us feel very welcome with tea and biscuits on arrival, while we sat in the sunshine admiring their beautiful garden. Their 14th century cottage backs onto the River Chelmer although with the source of the river being just a short distance away, it is little more than a very small stream at this point.
With dark clouds hovering it was decided that we start our day in West Wood - an 80 acre ancient woodland which in olden days was linked with Epping Forest. This wood is now owned by Essex Wildlife Trust and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with rare orchids, many interesting trees and a veritable haven for wildlife.
We were able to see a buzzard’s nest, but mother and fledglings were not at home. Barry was an excellent guide and mentioned that oak trees used to be planted to denote the parish boundary. Some of the trees had small boxes fixed high up covered in roofing felt – these were bat boxes and the felt was to stop the grey squirrels from attacking the bats whilst they are asleep.
We were extremely lucky to see quite a few butterflies during our walk in the wood, including the speckled wood, the Essex skipper and the ringlet butterfly. Barry also pointed out the tway blade orchid, which takes 17 years to flower, the common spotted orchid and butterfly orchid. These were all quite beautiful but also quite small and if we had not had such a knowledgeable guide it would have been very easy to miss them. Towards the end of our walk, the rain finally made an appearance although we were fairly protected by the canopy of the trees.
After our lunch back at Barry and Pat’s house, we visited Sweetings Meadow, which is a one acre ancient wildflower meadow. Barry is a warden of this site in which six different orchids and 18 types of butterflies have been recorded. We were lucky to see the pyramidal orchid in bloom during our visit.
We finished off the day with a stroll around a local reservoir and were able to admire bee orchids flowering around the edge plus fairy flax, before the heavens opened again with yet another shower.
The 7 September is still some time away, but please put a note in your diaries for a former Chelsea exhibitor, namely Steve Bradley. As Ken Crowther is unable to make the meeting, Steve will be appearing at the Little Waltham Memorial Hall instead to provide us with advice on “What to do in your Garden Now”. Steve holds the RHS Master of Horticulture, has worked with Alan Titchmarsh on “Groundforce” and I am sure will provide us with an excellent presentation. We therefore anticipate a large turnout and ask non-members to contact Peter Lawson on 01245 361857 or Maggie Williams on 01245 360042. The cost for non-members is £2.50 per person.
June Outing - Report
Beth Chatto’s garden was the venue for our first outing in June. With warm sunshine and a gentle breeze, the 29 members and guests had a most enjoyable day wandering around the extensive gardens. The Beth Chatto Garden is renowned for its dry gravel garden, which is particularly relevant after such a dry spring. The Gravel Garden was started in 1991 as an experiment to see which plants would survive and thrive without irrigation, in the event of a hosepipe ban.
The extensive variety of plants around the gardens was extremely impressive, with imaginative planting around the numerous trees and in and around the ponds. Many of us enjoyed tea and cakes in the Tea Room and finished off the day in the Nursery where a good selection of the plants seen around the garden can be purchased.
On Saturday 18 June, the Little Waltham Gardening Club has organised a day’s outing to Barry Kaufmann-Wright’s home in Wimbish. Numbers are limited but if you are interested in joining us please contact Maggie Williams on 01245 360042 or Pip Wickham on 01245 364319.
May Meeting - Report
It was “back to basics” and lots of audience participation at LWGC’s May meeting. Having decided that members would welcome more practical guidance, Robin Carsberg, a familiar and always very informative and interesting speaker, was asked to set the scene and then answer questions.
He first emphasised the importance of good soil preparation and conditioning with quality compost allied to careful selection of plants. A small greenhouse is invaluable to get “early starts” and enabling activity in all weather conditions.
Vegetables received special attention, recommending quicker maturing varieties to maximise limited space availability. Design advice was given too with attention to shapes, colour contrasts, the value of a dry garden area and seeking all round interest in the garden with the use of evergreen plants.
Many questions followed; covering pests, perennial weeds, watering tips, selection of suitable containers, use of fertilisers and specific growing problems.
A most valuable meeting appreciated by everyone.
September may be some time off, but remember to put a note in your diaries for 7 September for an evening with Ken Crowther of BBC Essex. He will be appearing at the Little Waltham Memorial Hall providing us with topical tips and advice during his presentation entitled “What to do in your Garden Now”.
The evening is organised by the Little Waltham Gardening Club and as Ken is a very popular speaker we anticipate a large turnout. Non-members are welcome and are asked to contact Peter Lawson on 01245 361857 pm@marionandpeter.plus.com OR Maggie Williams on 01245 360042 maggiewilliams40@yahoo.co.uk. The cost for non-members is £2.50 per person.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Spring Show - Report
The Little Waltham Gardening Club Spring Show went well this year, with many excellent entries. There were not as many daffodils as usual due to the late timing of the Show but this did not detract from the overall standard. The children’s section in particular showed wonderful imagination and it proved to be a difficult decision for the judge. However, the highest points for the 4-7 year olds went to Daniel Lewis, with the highest points for the 8-11 year olds and the best entry in the children’s section going to Eleanor Newport.
There were many winners on the day and members and guests alike walked away clutching prizes and cups. There are too many to mention but it is worth noting the following winners: Peter Lawson for the highest points gained in both vegetables and photography and the best entry in the Craft section; Janet Luckin for the best entry with her narcissi; Margaret Danger for the best in show for her tulips; Marion Khoshuei was awarded the Les Taylor Cup for the highest number of points in the General Section; Jean Butcher had best entry in flower arranging and Alison Jeffs received the Don Diver Cup for best entry with her rhubarb. Alison did particularly well as this was her first entry in the Spring Show.
Iris Diver and Alison Jeffs manned the plant stall, receiving over £75 in sales during the course of the afternoon. Further sums for the coffers of the Little Waltham Gardening Club were raised from sale of cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee and of course, the raffle.
At the end of the afternoon, Margaret Williams reminded us of the next meeting which is on 4 May and is entitled “Getting Started in my Garden”. This is aimed at those of us who are keen but are not really sure how to go about it. We look forward to seeing you there.
Report on our AGM and Flower Arranging Demonstration
The AGM of The Little Waltham Gardening Club held on 2 March 2011 was well attended. Iris Diver remains as President; Pip Wickham retired for the second time as Chairman with Margaret Williams taking over this role. Many of Margaret’s current duties as secretary of the Club will be taken over by Jacqui Girling.
Margaret mentioned that in the minutes of the AGM back in March 1983 when the Gardening Club was first started, Pip Wickham was Chairman, which showed Pip’s dedication and commitment to the Club. Pip will remain on the committee assisting the members with his wealth of experience.
Peter Lawson as treasurer completed his first full year in this post and informed the members that the accounts were in good health with an increase in membership to 53. The members of the committee were thanked for all their hard work over the past 12 months and Pip Wickham gave special thanks to Margaret Williams for her excellent work in obtaining such good speakers during her time as Secretary.
At the end of the official business for the AGM, tea and coffee was served followed by a vote on the best logo for the Little Waltham Gardening Club. Members had been working on suitable designs since the last meeting in February. The winner with the most votes was Peter Lawson, whose design was a flower with LWGC in the petals, you will be able to admire on future posters and publicity for the Little Waltham Gardening Club.
Following on from the Logo competition, we were provided with a Flower arranging demonstration by Jean Ridgewell. Jean has many years’ experience in the florist trade and was able to impart some very useful tips when arranging flowers. Always cut stems on the slant as it is easier for the plant to draw water and to put in an oasis. We also learnt that cut roses will perk up if given sparkling lemonade!
Jean made two beautiful flower displays, one of which utilised a box used for toiletries. She mentioned that showing plants in threes or fives generally worked well. Jean included many spring plants in her display including pussywillow, dogwood, forsythia, pieces of conifer and crocuses.
Jean Ridgewell is one of the judges for the Little Waltham Gardening Club Spring Show, which will be held on 16 April. Non-members are welcome to enter and forms will be available on the day for anyone wishing to join the Gardening Club.
Report on our February meeting
We had an excellent turnout for our first meeting of the new year which started off with the chairman, Pip Wickham, confirming that the annual Spring Show was to be held on Saturday 16 April and would include entries for Spring flowers, vegetables, flower arranging, photography and baking.
One of our members, Ray Girling, has made a lovely new sign for the Little Waltham Gardening Club, which will be used at future outdoor events and all the members showed their appreciation with a round of applause.
Pip announced a competition for designing a logo for the Gardening Club and asked all members bring their proposed design to the next meeting to be held on 2 March. There will be a prize for the winner.
Our speaker for the evening, Neil Catchpole, then entered the hall dressed in a Suffolk Horseman’s suit which consisted of a very smart waistcoat, jacket and trousers, together with a brown derby hat. The waistcoat and jacket pockets and cuffs were decorated with lines of buttons made of horse hoof. Neil explained that the suit had been given to him by the widow of a countryman saying that he could have the suit if he agreed to carry on the tradition of singing the country folk songs.
Neil’s own family are very closely linked to the Essex countryside, and he has found details of his ancestors as far back as 1796. Then they were farm labourers but in more recent times have worked as keepers for local estates. His great grandfather was head keeper at the Braxted estate which is of course renowned for the 11 mile wall skirting the estate grounds.
Neil who was a tree surgeon for many years, now works for Dedham Vale as a landscape and diversity officer. He regaled us with many tales of the old quirky ways of the countryside and how times were hard for the people going back over the last 100 to 150 years.
With a good, strong voice, Neil sang us a few folk songs starting with an East Coast fishing song. He was an excellent speaker, talking at length of the timber trade and gave us an insight into the best way of planting hedges and trees. He brought with him many examples of the wooden tools that were used by the craftsmen in the old days and many of the members took the opportunity of chatting with him after the talk.
The next meeting of the Gardening Club will be on 2 March when we have our AGM and also a flower arranging demonstration by Jean Ridgewell.
3 August 2011
Charity event. Details to follow.
7 September 2011
"What to do in your garden now" - topical tips and advice from former Chelsea exhibitor, Steve Bradley. An opportunity for all gardeners, both experienced and otherwise, to find out how to round off the gardening year, prepare for next Spring and put the garden to bed for the Winter. There will be a question and answer session open to all. Steve holds the RHS Master of Horticulture, has worked with Alan Titchmarsh on “Groundforce” and I am sure will provide us with an excellent presentation. We therefore anticipate a large turnout and ask non-members to contact Peter Lawson on 01245 361857 or Maggie Williams on 01245 360042. The cost for non-members is £2.50 per person.
5 October 2011
"The Good Life, Part 2" by Peter Webb. More humorous tales of the challenges faced and overcome by Peter and his wife, Mary, during their continuing quest to reach their goal of self-sufficiency.
2 November 2011
"The No.8 Wire Mentality" by Fred Sheldrake. In New Zealand, they still have the attitude "don't throw it away, it might be useful". No.8 wire it seems can be used to fix almost anything - recycling at its best!
7 December 2011
Christmas Social. Details to follow.
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