WAGS NEWS

April 2010

Chairman's Piece

I have just been looking back at last year’s Newsletter, and note that I mentioned a harsh winter in 2008/9. Little did I know eh? By the time you read this, spring will have sprung and a long hot summer will be approaching (I sincerely hope) – if you can believe anything the weather people tell us.

Our AGM on 12th February was a bit of a non-event. Very few members turned up and none came forward to ‘volunteer’ to join the Committee, which you can see listed on page 2.

Two Committee Members stood down this year. We thank Barbara Caistor and Blondie Russell for their help, friendship and support over the years. I suspect we have not seen the last of them though.

So, with Barbara gone, we desperately need a new Catering person to mastermind those elements of our annual events that require food and drink. Is there anyone out there who could spare some time for this? If so, please call me for a chat about what it entails.

You will see elsewhere in this newsletter that Toni has not given up on trips. She is planning one to Kew in the summer. Please save the date, or better still see if you can be the first to get your name on her list. I won’t be far behind you. To try and make up the numbers for a full (and therefore cheaper) coach, we have invited the Wallingford and Chieveley Garden Clubs to ask if their members would like to join us. So you may even make some new friends.

Remember, if any members would like to receive their Newsletter by e-mail, Colin is collecting e-mail addresses when members renew subscriptions. If you would like to sign up to this but have already paid your 2010 subs, please send your e-mail address to wags@bernyn.plus.com so that we can compile a distribution database.

Happy Gardening!

Bernard Novell

WAGS Trip to Kew Gardens

Sunday 27th June
Cost: £20 per person, inclusive
Leave Wallingford 09:00 – Leave Kew 16:00
Contact Toni Littledale (see 'phone number in the printed newsletter or e-newsletter) to book and for more information.

Kew is a world leader in plant science research and conservation. It is also steeped in history and heritage. It has over 300 acres of beautiful landscapes and plant collections, but there is so much more to see. During your visit you can also enjoy guided tours, seasonal walks, fun activities for children, courses, exhibitions and a new gallery dedicated to botanical art.

A map of the Gardens is available at ticket offices when you arrive at Kew. If you intend to come with WAGS and don’t know what to see, why not have a look at the web site: http://www.kew.org/ (Note that the web site is unable to display the copy and pictures included in the printed/e-newsletter for copyright reasons).

Frances Watkins

Showtime

The 2010 Show will be on Saturday 11th September. Following the success of the 2008 Show, the 2009 one was a tad disappointing to say the least. We are not changing the schedule for 2010, as I think it has been meddled with enough in the last few years. Let’s let it settle a bit. To get you thinking about the items that need some advanced preparation, here are the titles for Art, Photography and the revamped Children’s classes:

Section I – Art & Craft – Open to all

Section J – Photography – Open to all

Section K – Children Only – Aged 5 to 15 years
Child must be over 5 and under 15 on the day of the show.

Watch out for the Schedule which comes out in July, and the new titles for Floral Art will be included too.

Remember, we’re looking for more entries this year, so make sure you plant enough seeds to get a good choice.

I look forward to seeing you on Show Day.

Bernard Novell Show Secretary

Wags Store

Potatoes (most varieties – £2.40 per bag, 2 kg or 3 kg depending on variety) and Onion sets (Red – 60p; Sturon and Stuttgarter – 50p per bag) are still available. The WAGS Store also stocks a variety of composts, fertilizers (by the kg), liquid fertilizers and tomato feeds, not to mention seed trays, string, labels, etc... Orders are still being taken for Dobies Catalogue – 10% discount on all orders. Leave your order at the store with payment – delivery is direct to your address. If you are able to help out on odd Saturdays during the year; please contact me at the Store or see telephone number in the printed/e-newsletter.

Colin Timmins Store Manager

Could you organise WAGS catering?

We need an enthusiastic person to organise the catering for our events. This includes providing the Cheese & Wine after the AGM (February); serving refreshments including Cakes & Teas at the Band Concert in August; and finally laying on a buffet lunch for the Judges and Stewards at the Autumn Show in September.

Although she has now retired from the post, Barbara is willing to work with someone initially till they feel more confident

Could you organise WAGS catering?

We need an enthusiastic person to organise the catering for our events. This includes providing the Cheese & Wine after the AGM (February); serving refreshments including Cakes & Teas at the Band Concert in August; and finally laying on a buffet lunch for the Judges and Stewards at the Autumn Show in September.

Although she has now retired from the post, Barbara is willing to work with someone initially till they feel more confident.

Assistant Store Manager

Can you spare a few hours on Saturday mornings? We are also looking for someone to help Colin run the WAGS Store.

If you would like to know more about what this entails, why not pop in to the Store (open 10.00–12.00 Saturdays) and ask Colin or one of the helpers.

If you are interested in either of these voluntary positions, please contact Bernard Novell 01491 873092 or ask at the WAGS Store.