RANDWICK GARDENING CLUB.

Started in 1971 by a few amateur gardeners of the parish who wished to meet others with a view to broadening their individual experience in sharing knowledge by whatever means at their disposal.

(Calendar of events - see foot of page)

In those early days the garden centre revolution had yet to take off and the experts of the day were just voices on the radio divulging various bits of information and advice.

Most of our early members were children of the 1920`s and 30`s whose introduction to gardening came as a result of the second world war, when the government encouraged us all to "Dig for Victory" by turning every available piece of ground into a garden so that we could supplement our meagre rations by growing all types of vegetables in order to feed ourselves.

Most schools had their own designated garden to attend, in fact, the present Chairman's garden on the edge of the wood was the site most Randwick schoolchildren remember tending then and from which she is still removing the pile of stones they left 60 odd years ago.

Those were also the days when it was not uncommon for more than two housewives armed with buckets and shovels to compete for the same dollop of horse manure freshly deposited on the road by the large shire horses in use then. Many an argument started in this way. Happy days!

Now, a whole new industry has arisen where most things can be produced in nice clean plastic sacks which fit nicely into our motor cars and all types of plants and shrubs can be viewed practically on our doorstep. An array of experts, demonstrators and speakers on all aspects of gardening has also developed, benefiting clubs like our own which we take full advantage of. (SEE OUR 2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS BELOW.)

As well as organising a few day trips, the highlight of each year has to be the 5 day short holiday break in early summer to a hotel base from where several well researched gardens are visited each day. These are chosen by the committee, who must be doing something right to have held on to their positions on the committee for so many years. It's almost a job for life, as the present Chairman found out when she was bamboozled into accepting the post by founder member Barton Haines 14 years ago. So if the club is to continue for another 34 years, it is important to attract younger members to take over from the present committee in the very near future. With that in mind we welcome all new members who are interested in gardening to join us. This includes anyone who may live outside the parish as quite a number of our 70 plus members do.

Meetings are held in Randwick Village Hall on the second Wednesday of each month at 7-30 pm. Annual subscription for 2007 is £11-00 Visitors (Per meeting) £2-50 at door. Production of their Membership card entitles the owner to a 10% discount off all plants and garden sundries at Pound Farm "Whaddon"

Further information may be obtained from Mrs Iris Perry 01453 763225 or by E-Mail at Petersperry@btinternet.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 FOR  2008

 

Club Officers and Committee Members

Chairman Mrs Iris Perry 01453 763225

Vice Chairman / Treasurer Mr Stuart Gregory 01453 757757

Gen Secretary Mrs Marion Humphreys 01453 750411

Social Secretary Miss Ann Adams 01453 758353

Minutes Secretary Mrs Cilla Tidmarsh 01452 617698

Treasurer's Assistant and Rep. VH & PFC Mrs Betty Clark 01453 751796

Committee Member Mr Jim Tidmarsh 01452 617698

Committee Member Mrs Margaret Parish 01453 763942