Yapton & District Cottage Gardeners Society:
April May 2008 Newsletter

1 Elm Cottages, Church Road, Yapton, ARUNDEL, West Sussex, BN18 0EW

Dear member.

You may recall in my last newsletter (March/April 2008) I gave details of forthcoming events i.e. the Barn Dance, Spring Show, and the members meeting. Unfortunately, this year I missed the Barn Dance so was unable to see how many groups managed, and I am sure unintentionally to misjudge the timing or routine. I understand from those Committee Members who attended Ian did his best to keep you on the right track and a good time was had by all. Hopefully, the Committee can arrange another Barn Dance for Spring 2009. The Spring Show, well what can I say, despite the weather the hall was treated to an excellent display of exhibits with the spring flowers giving the room a sweet, fresh smell. The Show was also successful from a financial point in as much as we were able to boost the Society funds. Our final event mentioned was the members meeting when Mr. John Potts entertained approximately 25 members. Mr. Potts talk was `A Nostalgic Look At the 50's', and for many of us it certainly was a trip down memory lane. Whether we were school childrenn or a mature member in the 50's audience participation added to this enjoyable evening. I understand from Mr. Potts he now has a talk on the 60's so perhaps as a Society we can ask him back in the not too distant future. Who knows we may have a full house particularly those of us who can remember the Swinging Sixties. I suppose you could say that is something the Society has in common with the 60's - flower power and all that!!!

I also mentioned that as a Committee we would welcome any suggestions regarding outings or skittles evening, etc. but guess what - yes all quiet on the members front not one phone call or letter has been received so I can only assume that your Committee is working to what your requirements are. So taking us up to June is listed below the forthcoming events.

The Society's Annual Plant Sale will take place in the Janet Phillips Hall of Yapton and Ford Village Hall on Saturday 3rd May 2008. As in previous years there will be an excellent range of high quality summer bedding and vegetable plants, together with planters and hanging baskets, all at very competitive prices. Normally at this event we only have plants for sale and of course Carol collecting membership renewals. However, as this is another fund raising event, there will be the following tables selling cakes, cards, lace work, and something different certainly for this event Tombola. If the 3rd May is ringing a bell with you, that's probably because it is a Bank Holiday weekend, so you will have ample time where applicable, plant out any purchases, oh but before you leave the Hall don't forget to visit the refreshment bar - David and Terry do make an excellent cup of tea, or coffee if you prefer. Doors open at 10.00 a.m. and to avoid disappointment don't be late. One member has contacted me and offered to run a Member's Table at our events. This table is for the selling any good quality excess rooted plants. If you are able to donate any such plants please give me a ring on 01243 552822.

The Committee has arranged for a Skittles and buffet evening on Saturday 31St May 2008 at the Maypole Inn, Yapton. Tickets for this event are £10 per head on a first come, first serve basis and will only be available at the Plant Sale.

In case I am unable to produce another newsletter in June, here is a reminder that Saturday 21St June 2008 the Society will be holding its Early Summer Show, in the Janet Phillips Hall of Yapton and Ford Village Hall. Many of the classes in this Show call for Sweet peas and Roses, but there are also classes for vegetables, floral art, photography, domestic and of course the future generation of exhibitors the Children's section.. I did notice at the Spring Show Alan was selling some pots of Sweet peas which are the Spencer variety (the variety Exhibitors use). So if you need any hints, tips and advice on how to grow Sweet peas with long stems, the correct number of blooms, and staging them Alan will be on hand to give advice at the May Plant sale.

Back in January's newsletter I reported the sad loss of Kay Jackson. I have received a note from her son Jacques Pardi who has asked that I pass on his message through this newsletter. Jacques writes:

'May I express my heartfelt thanks for the kind expressions of sympathy that I have received after the death of my mother Kay Jackson. The donations to Chestnut Tree House amounted to £585. Thank you again Jacques Pardi.'

From time to time our Society is able to advertise its events through a newsletter that is circulated by Littlehampton Allotments and Leisure Gardens Association known to their Members as LALGA, no I did not say LAGER, but LALGA. Anyway, their Association is running a three day coach tour from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th of October 2008 exploring the Great Little Trains of Wales. The cost of this tour is £196 per person and includes obviously the coach travel, two nights, bed, breakfast and evening meal, two train trips and a visit to Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Due to timescales and the timing of this newsletter there may be a few remaining seats. If you are interested in this tour please contact Tony Squires straight away on 01903 714 271 for full details and a booking form.

Finally may I remind you that Subscriptions are now due and to save the legs of our aging Committee it would be appreciated if you could see your way to renewing membership at the plant sale on the 3rd of May. I'm off for a pint of lager or is it lalga and a bag of crisps. The cat can stay in tonight.

Best Wishes

Chairman