WAGS NEWS
January 2002
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WAGS NEWS January 2002 |
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Inside This Issue
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Regular Items
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Chairman's Piece
We are approaching the end of another ‘interesting’ year in the garden. The weather continues to be as fickle as ever, causing all sorts of havoc with the natural growth patterns of our plants. Our membership continues to drop at a fairly alarming rate. We cannot put our finger on one particular reason for this. At times it looks like a simple case of the older members giving up gardening. Sometimes it appears to be because of the large Garden Centres offering a ‘shopping experience’. It may simply be that new people to the area do not know that WAGS exists and what it can offer them. It also seems that people have more disposable income. They are not concerned about price but prefer to have a large choice laid out in front of them, available over a long period and in the dry. It is becoming more and more difficult for WAGS to compete with the buying power of the larger outlets. However, I would like to remind members that Peter can order a very large range of tools and other garden items from a very comprehensive catalogue that he keeps in the Store. In all cases there will be a substantial discount off the list price. Also there are the very large discounts available on Dobies Seeds and plants etc. (see Shop Talk for details).
During 2002 I am hoping to achieve several goals:-
The first item is already underway thanks to our new Publicity Officer Liz England.
To achieve the others I need the help of existing Members. Firstly I challenge you all to persuade just one person that you know to join the society. Secondly I invite some new helpers to come forward to help at the store and with events by putting their names on our ‘helpers register’. Thirdly I would like you to let our Store Manager, or any committee member, know of things you would like done to improve the offer and availability of goods at the Store.
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Committee News
After the euphoria of gaining several new committee members during the last few months, we are to lose Edward Tearle who is moving away from the Wallingford area. Edward took over the post of Secretary from Peter, but I am pleased to report that Mel Jones has agreed to take his place from the beginning of 2002. I know that the rest of the Committee will join me in thanking Edward for all he has done in the short time he has been a member and wish him well for the future.
Bernard Novell
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Show Time
Following the success of the 2001 Show, I have already started work on the 2002 administration. Please let me know if you want to see anything added or changed. In the New Year I will be reviewing the Schedule with the help of our judges, so any feedback from members should be with me by the AGM.
We managed to gain some late sponsorship for the 2001 Show. Unfortunately full details were not available for inclusion in the Schedule or October Newsletter, although posters were displayed in the Show Halls.
I would therefore like to thank All Seasons Garden Services, The Comrades Club, Hornsby Dunmore, Slade Son & Taylor and Frank H Jenkins for their generous donations.
Bernard Novell
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Trips & Catering
Trips
I was again most disappointed that the last outing of the year had to be cancelled. However, we will try again this year to run three trips (please see diary). One in each - Spring, Summer and Autumn. I have a number of venues in mind and will hope to have some firm dates by the A.G.M., so please come along then and see what is on offer. Outings are open to all members, their families, friends and relatives.
The Wallingford Camera Club are interested in running a coach to Westonbirt in the late Autumn to see the trees illuminated at night, and wondered if some members might like to join them to make the trip viable. Please let me know if you would be interested. (Tel 01491 872388, or just leave a message).
Catering
THANK YOU to all those members and friends who helped with the catering during the past year. This includes all those generous people who baked and donated such a variety of cakes for the band concert and annual show and also the stalwarts who helped with serving refreshments and doing the washing up at these events.
Our next catering experience will be for the A.G.M. when cheese and wine will be served after the club business. If anyone is able to help on this evening in February, would you please let me know. Help with laying out the food, clearing away and washing up afterwards would be much appreciated.
Iris Novell
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A. G. M. Agenda
The 2002 AGM will be held in Centre 70 on Friday 8th February starting at 8pm. The Agenda can be found below. It will be followed by the usual sumptuous spread of cheese and wine for the princely sum of £3.00 per head (to include 2 glasses of wine or fruit juice). Please make an effort to come along and participate. I also hope that some of you will put your names on the list to be elected onto the Committee. We have a good size Committee at the moment, but could do with some more members to lighten the load even more. Please have a think about joining us and come and have a chat about what goes on. It really does not take up a lot of time.
Agenda
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Shop Talk
Members are reminded that seed potatoes will be in the store in early February. They will be sold in 3kg packs.
Seed Potatoes Types ordered are:
Earlies: Arran Pilot, Concorde, Epicure, Foremost, Pentland Javelin, Rocket and Swift.
Second Earliest: Charlotte, Estima and Wilja.
Main Crop: Cara, Desiree, Majestic and Pentland Crown.
Please note that because of the quantities left over last year, I have significantly reduced the quantities this year. To be sure you are not disappointed, remember they will be in the store early February.
Dobies Seeds will start arriving in early January. Please collect at the Store and pay for them then. The discount is 35% on all seeds. Bulbs, potatoes, onion sets and garden items are discounted 10%.
Plant orders are despatched directly to members’ homes. The copy of the order you receive will give the approximate delivery date. I would appreciate it if you would settle the account promptly after the plants are received. If you have any problems at all concerning the plants, please let me know as soon as possible so that remedial action can be taken.
Onion Sets will be ordered Jan/Feb for spring planting.
Peter Hallett
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W.A.G.S Programme of Events 2002
February 8th - A.G.M.
Apr/May - Trip (details to be confirmed)
May 18th - Plant Sale
June/July - Trip (details to be confirmed)
August 11th - Band Concert
September 14th - Show
Sept/October - Trip (details to be confirmed)
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Discounts
Discounts are currently available at the following businesses (if you ask first), on the production of your CURRENT WAGS Membership Card, which must be shown before the transaction is started.
1. Newington Garden Nursery,
Warborough to Stadhampton Road 10%2. Sheards, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell 10%
3. Woodcote Nursery, Reading Road, Woodcote 10%
4. Toad Hall, Marlow Road, Henley (Weekdays only) 5%
5. Norman Cox & Partners, Scotts Common, Checkendon All items except Fence & Trellis panels 10%
6. West Garden Machinery, Blewbury
New Machines only 10%7. Lots O’ Pots, 3 Springfield End, Goring 10%
Other businesses are under review. Please ask if discount is available and show your card. If you find a business which offers discount that is not listed, please let us know so that we can obtain terms in writing and publish details in the next Newsletter.
I will be writing to all local nurseries during the next few weeks. As far as I can tell Wyevale are still not willing to offer our members discounts at all. If any of you know of any likely local businesses that either are able, or you think may be willing to, offer WAGS members a discount, please let me know and I can follow up with an introductory letter and questionnaire.
Please use the most convenient way to contact us. Details are to be found elsewhere in this Newsletter.
Bernard Novell
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Recipe
Highland Treat
Mincemeat flan with a difference.
Ingredients
Butter 50g (2oz)
Plain Flour 100g (4oz), sieved
Cornflour 30ml (2tbsp)
Caster sugar 10ml (tsp)
Fresh milk 300ml (1/2 pt)
Whisky liqueur 30-45ml (2-3 tbsp)
Mincemeat 175g (6oz)
Fresh Whipping Cream 75ml (5tbsp), whipped
Method
1. Rub butter into flour until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Mix to a dough with 30-45ml (2-3tbsp) water. Roll out and use to line an 18cm (7 inch) flan ring. Bake blind at 200°C (400°F), mark 6 for 20 minutes.
2. Blend cornflour and sugar with a little milk. Heat remaining milk. Pour onto cornflour, stirring continuously. Return to pan and bring to boil. Cool sauce, by standing pan in a bowl of cold water and stirring continuously. Add liqueur, pour into flan case and leave to set.
3. Top with mincemeat and decorate with cream.
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Editorial
Editors Licence
Who would be willing to put pen to paper and submit an article on an aspect of gardening?
Anything will be considered; from tips to topics of interest. Let’s create a more diverse newsletter. I will always find space for a member’s article - it is YOUR newsletter. Please telephone, email or use the letterbox in Centre ‘70 where you can leave an envelope.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Tim King
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