WAGS NEWS October 2002

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Chairman's Piece

Well with the show now behind us (see the Show report and Trophy Winners list later in the Newsletter) and the final trip of the year still to come (see Trips and Talks), we are rapidly approaching the end of another WAGS year. The weather turned out to be reasonable in the end. Not good or great just OK! In fact the last few weeks have been quite good and the farmers have been able to get their harvest in without much rain.

We have now gone all high tech. Myron Edwards has produced a brilliant web site that you can access through www.cranfordcomputers.co.uk/wags. Have a look and send us an e-mail to tell us what you think. There is a section for questions and answers, and suggestions on the content will be welcome. I will be checking the e-mail address regularly myself.

I really don't have anything else to say, except I hope that we can get over this blip and keep on going. The next Newsletter will reach you in January, by which time events may have overtaken us.

It was very difficult to have to type the paragraphs above because I know that there are a lot of supporters out there that do care about the society but are either elderly or have other commitments. However, from about 600 people who qualify as family members there must be some that are just retired and in a position to run our Store or Trips for even a couple of years. I will consider a "Job Share" for the Store, and don't forget that there is a small honorarium attached to that job, paid annually.

Assuming that we do get volunteers, the WAGS programme will be able to continue as previously and the huge savings we enjoy by shopping at the Centre 70 Store will still be available.

Please call me (Phone No. in printed copy of this Newsletter). Remember I do work full time, so evenings are the best time to find me at home. If you do get the answer phone, please leave a message and I will call back as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you.

Bernard Novell

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Show Time

Last year was the best we had had for a number of years. I quite expected to find that there was a slip back to the previous low turnout figures, but thank goodness I was wrong. Although the number of entrants dropped by 17% there were only 6.3% fewer exhibits.

I know that some people like figures to compare, so here they are:

There have been two lots of sad news since the 2001 show. Ben Buckingham, one of our most prolific entrants died, and more recently Norman Almond passed away. Both of them have brought a lot of competition to the Vegetable, Fruit and Flowers sections. They will be sadly missed.

I was honoured to receive a phone call from Ben's family offering to donate a new cup in his honour. The Ben Buckingham Memorial Cup will now be awarded to the exhibitor with the highest number of overall points from every section in the Show. I felt that this would be a very good way of ensuring that those who miss out on receiving the RHS Banksian Medal, because they had been awarded it during the previous two years, has a good chance of getting a cup to commemorate their achievement. Of course it is possible to get more overall points than the person awarded the medal as that is awarded to the person receiving the most prize money in Sections A, B, C, E, H.

Our visiting RHS Judges, Les & Phil, tell me that our Show was once again the best they had judged during the year. In particular the Vegetables were outstanding. They even awarded a special "Best in Show" Certificate for three Chrysanthemums grown by Cyril Baldwin. As those of you that came to the Show know, Cyril swept the board again this year. His total number of points was 85. Albert Reed came second with 59.5 and Tom Buckingham third with 49. Because Cyril was awarded the Banksian Medal last year, and Albert the year before, Tom carried it away this year. Cyril was therefore appeased by winning the Ben Buckingham Cup.

The Specialities section was very well supported. Jean & Ann had some tough decisions to make. I was summoned to help make a decision when it was found that one of the Fruit Tarts didn't have a top! After some debate it was agreed to include the exhibit but I think that the judges will need to firm up on their specifications for next year.

The most disappointing section was the Floral Art. Only one exhibit! Last year I was convinced that we had cracked this one by making it an open competition across the board. What happened?

The Craft section was one of the most difficult to judge again as there was such a variety of exceptionally high standard pieces.

The Children's sections were expanded back to three age groups with four classes in each and several new ideas within them. This attracted lots of entries in the young and middle age ranges, but only three in the 11 to 17 bracket. I was impressed with the scarecrows, but unfortunately two were bigger than the size allowed and therefore could not be awarded the prize that they deserved. It is very important that entrants read the specification in the schedule very carefully.

The catering was superb as usual and I think Iris had a number of extra helpers in a bid to keep up with demand. My warm thanks to all those that helped to make the day a success. I don't usually name names as you all know who you are but I am particularly indebted to my family (12 of us playing various parts in the proceedings). A special thank you to the judges, from near and far, but especially to the Mayor of Wallingford, Nigel Moor, for presenting the prizes.

Finally, those of you lucky enough to have won trophies, remember that if you wish you can have them engraved and claim the cost back from the society. If you have a trophy that does not have sufficient room left for engraving, please contact me or arrange for the base to be extended if possible.

Next year's show will be on Saturday 13th September 2003. Let's make it the best yet!

Bernard Novell

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Trips & Catering

Trips

Our trip to the Ball Colgrave Trial grounds went ahead as advertised and was, I am sure, much enjoyed by all members and friends who came. (See separate report). The weather was ideal for the occasion - sunny and warm. We were able to relax and listen to the band and eat our ice-creams before the trip home.

We have a full coach for the trip to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which I hope will be as successful and interesting as our previous day out.

Regarding the proposed trip to Westonbirt in November, I am still waiting for confirmation and information from the Photographic Club and will be in touch with members who have expressed an interest as soon as I have any details. If you think you might like to join us one evening in early November to see the illuminations please give me a ring (number in the printed edition of this newsletter) and do leave a message if we are unable to answer your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

With hindsight, it was perhaps just as well that we were unable to go to the Rose Gardens at St. Albans. I have recently heard and read several reports that were not very encouraging.

Catering

A very big THANK YOU to all the members who so kindly came forward with offers of help at the Band Concert, both on the day with serving, washing up etcetera, and with all the lovely cakes. We had an excellent variety and sufficient to store and serve at the Show. I would like to mention that several of the stalwarts were gentlemen and they are always such a great help with all the lifting and carrying. Well done and thank you all.

I still have a nice plate and box awaiting an owner! Unfortunately they have no name on them. If you think they may be yours please let me know.

I have a number of ideas for venues for trips next year, but I am still awaiting a call from someone willing to take over the arranging of trips. We do need to have a programme ready for the A.G.M. in February - so who will show willing.

I have greatly enjoyed the task and members who join us on the trips are always so co-operative and appreciative. Nevertheless, I feel that the time is right for someone of "less advanced years" to have a go.

Iris Novell

Colgrave Visit on 6th August 2002

WAGS' outing to Colgrave was a resounding success. We wallowed in a riot of new and old favourite plants. We walked among the trial grounds with pen and paper assiduously writing down the names of plants with the best intentions of ordering the seeds and causing a sensation in our own gardens next year. The bedding and hanging baskets must be seen to be believed, all were in pristine condition.

The facilities were excellent. The marquee cafe served inexpensive food and drinks, plus a few plants to buy, which satisfied the dedicated plant hunters. The lecture hall had a "Gardeners' Question Time" session, followed by a demonstration of Flower Arranging. I'm in favour of making this an annual event and when you just can't take in anymore you can buy an ice cream and enjoy the strains of the Brass Band.

Thank you, Iris for your excellent choice of visits through the year. We have been conscious of all your hard and dedicated work and it may have seemed that we have taken it for granted - not so. Please don't give up, we need you.

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Band Concert 11th August 2002

I know that Iris Novell will be writing an article about the band concert and her splendid helpers but, as overall organiser of the concert, I must add my most sincere thanks to all the wonderful ladies who made those delicious cakes for the refreshment of the audience and came to help with their dispensation. We are all, indeed, most grateful for all they did to ensure we had an excellent afternoon. As I have said before, we depend on the sale of those cakes for covering the cost of the concert. Thanks too, to all of you for supplying the cakes free of charge. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

Finally, many thanks to those who so generously contributed to the collection made at the concert

Gilbert Talbot

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Answers to July 2002 Crossword

The ROLLOVER crossword prize of 10.00 of Store Vouchers was won by Jean Calvin-Thomas. There were a number of entries, none of which were all correct, so the two with the highest number of correct entries were put into the draw at the WAGS Show. Apologies for the lack of clue to 3 down (answer - meant) and also for the spelling mistake on 7 down (Parenchyma). Nobody lost out on this answer however it was spelt.

Sorry, no crossword this time, as there is competition for space. Answers to the July crossword below.

Across 1 Scheme 4 Brussels 8 Cydia Pomonella 10 Ava 12 Scented 13 Allotment 16 Beauty of Bath 17 Yob 18 Strawberry 19 Up 20 Loam 21 Salt 23 Courgette 26 Rear 28 Okra 30 Lemontree 32 Modules 34 Victorian 35 Rhizome

Down 2 Hedge 4 Bench 5 Least 6 Lord Lambourne 7 Parenchyma (Parechyma or Parencyma accepted) 9 Ailsa Craig 11 Waterbutt 14 Story 15 Raspberry 22 Cloche 23 Carrot 24 Or 25 Totem 27 Seedling 29 Aromatic 31 Fruit 33 Sieve 34 Veg

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Shop Talk

Autumn Bulbs.

By the time you read this item the autumn bulbs will be in store.

Dobies

The Dobies 2003 catalogue will be in the store from the end of September. As in previous years I would prefer it if you could get your orders in by the end of December. Discount for seeds will be 35% for the main orders. Late orders (i.e. after end of November) will attract 20%. As usual, discount on all other Dobies items is 10%

Autumn onion sets are available at 40p per .25kg

Store Christmas Closing. The store will be open on Saturday 7th December 2002 and will then reopen on Saturday 4th January 2003.

Peter Hallett

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Trophy Winners at the 2002 Show

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W.A.G.S Programme of Events 2002

6th Oct Sun Visit to Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Nov Possible visit to Westonbirt Arboretum to see Evening Illuminations

Coach Trips - Deposit £5 per person when booking

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Discounts

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%
(Shrubs, herbaceous plants, pot plants, composts, bark, fertilisers)
2. Woodcote Garden Centre, Reading Road, Woodcote 10%
(Shrubs and plants, use with existing promotions)
3. Toad Hall, Marlow Road, Henley (Weekdays only) 5%
(Shrubs and herbaceous plants, NOT with any other offers)
4. Norman Cox & Partners, Scotts Common, Checkendon 10%
(All items except Fence & Trellis panels)
5. Lots O’ Pots, 3 Springfield End, Goring 20% End of Season Sale
(Hand thrown Spanish terracotta pots)
6. Turner Groundscare contact 07740 279471 up to 20%
(discount on new machinery only)
7. Wears Nursery, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell 10%
(Shrubs, plants, trees, alpines, composts, bark and fertilisers)

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.

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Editorial

The Last Word

A radical departure from the usual layout because we need to bring home the message about volunteers to run the Store. People join WAGS for a number of reasons but chiefly for the discounted gardening products that help them grow flowers and vegetables for their house and table. Some even win prizes for them at the Show.

Those of you who are active and would enjoy running a shop should seriously consider getting in touch with Bernard. The post may be shared, so please give it some careful and positive thought.

No crossword this time as we are pushed for space. Photos from the show have also had to be held over until the January issue. Contributions may be left at the Store - they will find me!

Tim King