Framfield and Blackboys Horticultural Society

Archive from the past Parish Newsletters:

From the Parish Newsletter June/July 2008:

Preparations are well underway for our Summer Show on Saturday 9th August. The Show is the one event in the year when we can all get together as villagers and we would like to try and encourage more people in Framfield, Blackboys & Palehouse Common to be part of the Village Show. With this in mind we have arranged an informal get together on Tuesday 17th June 7.30pm at Framfield Memorial Hall. We would like to invite you to come along, have a drink and a chat about the show.

We have a couple of visits arranged during July and August. The first is at Wych Cross Nursery on Tuesday 8th July 10am this will include a tour of the Nursery and short talk (the whole thing lasting approx 1 hour). In August Doris Coles has very kindly offered to open her garden to members on Wednesday 6th August at 11am at Little Streele, Upton Mill Lane, Framfield. If you would like to come along please confirm with Doris on 01825 890500 (as always subject to the weather).

We had a talk arranged for Tuesday 22 July on 'How to present vegetables for the Show', regrettably we have had to postpone this.

Last month we attended the Framfield village market with a small stand. We plan to be there every month so please feel free to come along and have a chat.

Change to Schedule - Section 5

For all those gentlemen entering Cheese Bites into the summer show, please accept my apologies as I missed out an important ingredient - 200g of butter.

Jenny Bacon, Chair

From the Parish Newsletter April/May 2008:

The next event is a talk by Patrick Coulcher on ‘The Natural History of the Isles of Scilly on Thursday 27th March 7.30pm at Framfield Memorial Hall. Everyone is welcome, members and non members, wine and nibbles will be available.

Our next garden forum is at the kind invitation of Maria Andrews at Highlands, Etchingwood Lane, 11am on Thursday 8th May, please let Maria know if you able to come. As I have mentioned before the garden forums offer an excellent way to meet other gardeners while enjoying a stroll around a local garden that you would not normally get the opportunity to see.

You should all receive a copy of this year’s Summer Show Schedule with your Parish magazine. Please do take a look at the Schedule as we have made a few changes including some extra classes. I would like to pass my thanks onto Derek Tafft for all his hard work arranging the advertising in our 2008 schedule.

Many thanks also to those that have volunteered to get involved with the Summer Show, still more spaces available so if anyone else can help, please give me a call or drop me an email.

Happy Gardening

Jenny Bacon, Chair

From the Parish Newsletter February/March 2008:

I must apologise for the problems in reading the last edition from the Horticultural Society News I have been assured that this has now been resolved.

We have a few events lined up for the next couple of months the first being a ‘get together’ at Jenny Homewood’s garden at Acorn Cottage Bird in Eye to view her wonderful collection of snowdrops on Tuesday 5th February 11am - this is always subject to the weather and therefore please phone either Jenny direct or myself before hand. The second event is a talk by Patrick Coulcher on ‘The Natural History of the Isles of Scilly on Thursday 27th March 7.30pm at Framfield Memorial Hall. Please do come along, Patrick has been with us before and is an excellent speaker. Everyone is welcome, members and non members. Wine and nibbles will be available and it will give you a chance to meet other members of our Society.

I also have an appeal to make, although it may seem along way off we are already making plans for the Summer Show and thought it would be a good idea to start a ‘Show Committee’ - this will not involve heavy committee meetings or an onerous amount of work for one person, but give the community the opportunity to get involved and help with Framfield and Blackboys Summer Show. This could be just to help sell raffle tickets on the day for an hour or direct traffic into the grounds. If anyone would like to help & get involved please feel free to either give me a call or email me.

Jenny Bacon, Chair

From the Parish Newsletter December 2007/January 2008:

As the new chair of the Horticultural Society let me intorduce myself and family. We have two boys George, ten, and William, seven, and moved to Framfield in May 2002. We attended our first Summer Show that August which all the fmily enjoyed. It was a pleasure to have such a lovely traditional Village Show with all that came with it - Brass Band, lots of exhibits to view in the marquee and hall and Mrs Back-to-Front to entertain the children.

It was not long before I became a member of the society and gained my 10% discount from Stavertons (Available to all members) and later joined the committee.

We are always looking for new members to join the Society so if you would like to become more involved with the village and Summer Show please let us know.

Individual membership is £3.00 and £5.00 for a family. I have listed a few of the events already arranged for this coming year including a visit to Jenny Homewood's garden - Acorn Cottage, Bird-in-Eye, where she has an amazing collection of snowdrops, a talk by Patrick Coulcher on the NAtural History of the Isles of Scilly - 27.03.08 at Framfield Village Hall, a visit to Arundel Castle 3/6/08 and a demonstration by Maurice Malyon ob how to present vegetables for the Summer Show 22.7.08 - do come as everyone is welcome. We hold our AGM on Wednesday 7th November and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who as able to come for their support. Kathy has been in the chair for 9 years and made such a difference to the Society and the Summer Show, which would not be the success it is today without her support. She will be a tough act to follow but I will do my best.

Jenny Bacon - Chair

From the Parish Newsletter October/November 2007:

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of George Saunders - we shall miss his cheerful banter at our Summer Show - it just won't be the same without him.

Our show this year was a success on many fronts; the weather brought out more people than ever; the number of horticultural exhibits in the show was the highest since 1995, with the novice classes larger than expected, and the new format of a "fun" dog show was just that, enormous fun (particularly the fancy dress class) with a record number of entries. The Floral Arrangements Section was again a major attraction and the Cookery Section Judge had a very merry time tasting ten bottles of Sloe Gin! See results page.

I thought I'd share with you the remarks received in a letter from Len Stebbings, who judged the Flowers & Plants Section: "It was a real ‘Village Show’ and we have spoken about it to our friends. A wonderful display of vegetables & other exhibits, not forgetting the youngsters' entries The ‘Village Show’ on TV could learn a lot from real shows like The Framfield & Blackboys Horticultural Society. Up and down the country there are many excellent Shows put on by dedicated society and parish members. Well Done!"

Thank you everyone who took part and helped put it together.

The AGM will take place on Wednesday 7th November at 7.30pm at the Blackboys Village Hall Our guest speaker will be Alison Moody of Frogheath Landscapes, Burwash Weald, who will be talking about garden design and problems. Admission free, there will be refreshments and a raffle

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter August/September 2007:

FRAMFIELD & BLACKBOYS

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

SUMMER SHOW

Saturday 11th August 1.30 pm

Including Fun Dog Show

Entries in ring - judging from 2 pm

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

INCLUDING PUNCH & JUDY,

WHEELBARROW RACES THROUGHOUT THE AFTERNOON

SCARECROW COMPETITION

SIDE SHOWS, STALLS AND REFRESHMENTS

AT THE FRAMFIELD RECREATION GROUND AND IN THE MEMORIAL HALL

Admission to show £1 (children 20p)

Please note that all entry forms for exhibits should be delivered to Arthur Makepeace, or to Press & Banks not later than Wednesday 8th August 2007

For more information call Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter June/July 2007:

Please come along and take part in the summer show on Saturday 11th August and do have a go at putting some entries in - there is a wide variety of fun and challenging classes for all the family, with novice classes for beginners - we have a new class in the Fruit & Vegetable Section of the show for "A Funny Shaped Vegetable".

This year we will be hosting our very first Scarecrow Competition with a prize of £10 going to the winning entry and, as they were so successful last year, Wheelbarrow Races will be running throughout the afternoon with wheelbarrows once again being provided by Windmill Feeds.
We have changed the format of the dog show to a "Fun Dog Show" (which will not be judged under Kennel Club Rules) and to add to the fun there will be a Fancy Dress class for dogs (optional for owners!). There is no need to come early to register - just come along - entries (at £1 per class) will be taken in the ring and judging will commence promptly at 2.00pm. Everyone will be charged admission to the showground including dog owners (who haven't had to pay in the past) and this remains at £1 for adults and 20p for children.

Please don't throw away spare seedlings or spring plant divisions as we intend to run our Bring & Buy Plant Stall again and will be looking for plants.

If you are able to spare a couple of hours on the day to help man a stall for the society we would be very grateful - please call and let me know so that I might put together the rota.

Forthcoming Events:
Tuesday 5th June - Gardening Forum with Valerie Clark at Hobbs Barton - please note this will be at 9.30am all welcome

Thursday 21* June - Visit to Hailsham Grange, Hailsham. 11.00am coffee/talk and tour of this divine small garden followed by glass of wine and light lunch. £9.50 all in or £4.50 excluding lunch. For further information please call Alayne Jenkins on 890580

Tuesday 10th July - Gardening Forum with Jennifer Graham at The Old House, Waldron at 11.00am - all welcome

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter April/May 2007:

You should have received with this newsletter the Schedule for the Summer Show. This year we have changed the format of the dog show to a "Fun Dog Show" (which will not be judged under Kennel Club Rules) and to add to the fun there will be a Fancy Dress class for dogs (optional for owners!). There is no need to come early to register - just come along - entries (at £1 per class) will be taken in the ring and judging will commence promptly at 2.00pm. Everyone will be charged admission to the showground including dog owners (who haven't had to pay in the past) and this remains at £1 for adults and 20p for children. Also this year we will be hosting our very first Scarecrow Competition with a prize of £10 going to the winning entry and, as they were so successful last year, Wheelbarrow Races will be running throughout the afternoon with wheelbarrows once again being provided by Windmill Feeds. We have a new class in the Fruit & Vegetable Section of the show for "A Funny Shaped Vegetable" and lots of fun and challenging classes for all the family.

Please don't throw away spare seedlings or spring plant divisions as we intend to run our Bring & Buy Plant Stall again and will be looking for plants.

Forthcoming Events:

Wednesday 11th April - Gardening Forum with Edna Abrams at Old Mill House, Blackboys

Monday 24th April - Visit to King John's Lodge, Etchingham by kind permission of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Cunningham - coffee, talk and lunch (lunch not obligatory) and then on to Merriments Gardens. Wednesday 9th May - Gardening Forum with Betty Davy at The Old Stables, Framfield

Thursday 24th May - Visit to Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Ockley, Surrey and then on to Vann (Gertrude Jekyll Garden) at Chobham for lunch and a short talk by the owner prior to going around the garden. For further information on prices and timings please call Alayne Jenkins.

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter February/March 2007:

Our first Gardening Forum of the year will be at Jenny Homewood's garden at Acorn Cottage, Bird-in-Eye Hill on Friday 23rd February at 11.00am. Jenny has an amazing collection of snowdrops and has offered to give a short talk on the different hybrids and cultivars. As it is not a large garden numbers will be strictly limited so please call Jenny on 763794 if you would like to come. Weather conditions in February could mean that the forum might be cancelled at the last moment but you will be notified by telephone should this be the case. You may wish to note the next two forum dates and venues:

• Wednesday 11th April with Edna Abrams at Old Mill House, Blackboys - tel: 890976
• Wednesday 9th May with Betty Davy at The Old Stables, Framfield - 890378

On Tuesday, 20th March author and naturalist, Wing Commander Patrick Coulcher will give an illustrated talk on the South Downs and the Cuckmere Valley at the Framfield Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Wine and canapes will be served, there will be no charge and all are welcome. There will be a raffle.

The Summer Show schedule will be circulated with the April/May Parish Newsletter. In putting this together and thinking about the show there are a few things you might be able to help us with:

We're collecting small gift items and vouchers (for almost anything) for our washing line tombola - you might have some unwanted Christmas presents that need a home.

We're looking for a quirky auction prize.

• Please don't throw away spare seedlings or spring plant divisions as we intend to run our Bring & Buy Plant Stall again and will be looking for plants.

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter December 2006/January 2007:

The AGM of the society took place on 1 st November and was well attended. Our guest speaker, Maggie Lamb, gave an interesting talk on "'Some Special Sussex Gardens" which gave us some ideas of gardens to visit in the coming year.

Arthur Makepeace, our Treasurer, reported that after four lean years, this year's Summer Show had yielded a profit of £447 and there was a healthy £2,284 in the bank at year end. It was agreed that with effect from the end of this financial year (30/9/2007) the annual subscriptions would be increased to £3 individual and £5 family.

It was also agreed that we would continue with the Gardening Forums and the first of these would take place on Friday 23rd February at Jenny Homewood's garden at Acorn Cottage, Bird in Eye Hill. Jenny has an amazing collection of snowdrops and has offered to give a short talk on the different hybrids and cultivars. As it is not a large garden numbers will be strictly limited so please call Jenny on 763794 if you would like to come. Weather conditions in February could mean that the forum might be cancelled at the last moment but you will be notified by telephone should this be the case.

Also at the AGM I announced my intention to stand down as Chairman with effect from next year's AGM as I really feel the time has come for a change and to inject new energy and new ideas - I shall of course continue to help in any way I can.

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter October/November 2006:

Despite the very iffy weather on the day of the show, over 1,000 people came. The intermittent light blustery showers throughout the afternoon didn't seem to matter much to anyone. The drought conditions we've experienced this year didn't appear to affect the number of horticultural entries in the marquee with over 400 exhibits - the only class not represented being peas. It was also very encouraging to note that the number of entries was spread over a wider base of exhibitors. The entries in the floral arrangements section were magnificent and we had an excellent display of handicraft, cookery, photography and children's exhibits in the Memorial Hall where visitors also marvelled at the items displayed by the Uckfield Dolls House Club. Full results are published in this newsletter. Mrs. Back to Front and her Punch and Judy wowed the children yet again, the Mayfield Band played and George Saunders' dulcet tones permeated the wind and rain and made us all fee! as though the sun was shining full beam. The wheelbarrow races were a great success with the final being won by Andy Doherty and his son Jacob - our thanks to Windmill Feeds for lending us the wheelbarrows.

The dog show attracted entrants from far and wide and saw 98 dogs parading with their owners. Best In Show was an Elkhound "Jackson" owned by Andy Cheatham from Lancing; Best Puppy a Newfoundland "Connie" owned by Mrs. H. Carter from Blackboys; Best Novelty a Shi Tzu Cross "Maisy" owned by Linda Wallis from Maresfield; Best Veteran a Whippet "Phoebe" owned by Mr. Mackay from Eastbourne;
Best Local Dog a Jack Russell "Merkel" owned by Mrs. Ann Martin from Framelle Mount; Best Junior Handler Lucy Hankey aged 9 from Twickenham handling her Beagle "Bertie".

Please note that our AGM is on Wednesday, 1st November at 7.30pm in the Framfield Memorial Hall. Our guest speaker will be Maggie Lamb, who regularly lectures for NADFAS and her talk will be "Some Special Sussex Gardens". Please do come ~ all are welcome - tea & coffee will be served - there will be a raffle.

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter August/September 2006:

In case you haven't heard the Summer Show will take place on Saturday 12th August. Schedules are available from either Country Fayre, Rose's Pantry or Pure Plants. We are still looking for volunteers to help man stalls on the day so if you can spare an hour or two please call me.

Some dates for your diary:
Thursday, 24th August - a visit to West Green House Gardens near Hartley Wintney, Hampshire - restored by internationally acclaimed gardener and author, Marylyn Abbott. These gardens, surrounded by their neoclassical park studded with follies, birdcages, monuments and lake, provide a glorious backdrop to one of the most spectacular garden creations of recent times. We will travel by shared transport. The cost of £15.50 per person includes entry to the garden, introductory talk with coffee and lunch - we need a minimum of 10 people to make this visit viable - if interested please call Alayne Jenkins.

Our September Gardening Forum will be at Alayne Jenkins' garden at Cobdown Cottage, The Green, Blackboys on Wednesday, 13th September at 11.00am.

Tuesday, 19th September - in the morning a private visit to Siggle Wiggle, Chiddingly by kind permission of Mr. Paul Hastie and in the afternoon a visit to Marchants Hardy Plants, Laughton by kind permission of Graham Gough and Lucy Goffin. You can visit one or both - own or shared transport - there are no lunch facilities at either garden (so picnic or Pub lunch). For further details please contact Alayne Jenkins.

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter June/July 2006:

The Society will visit Edenbridge House on Wednesday 14th June. The house (not open) is part 16th century and the five acre garden was laid out in the 1930's as a series of rooms, with herbaceous and mixed borders, old-fashioned and shrub roses, alpines, ornamental trees and shrubs, water and gravel gardens, orchard and wildlife pond, kitchen garden and greenhouses. The plan is to meet there at 10.30am. Entrance fee is £3 coffee and biscuits £1.50 (payable to Arthur on the day). We may, if we wish, picnic in the garden but must vacate by 2.00pm. If you would like to join us please phone Alayne Jenkins by 6th June so that we have some idea of numbers. If you require or can offer transport please call Claire Dennis.

You may also wish to visit another outstanding garden on the way home; Old Buckhurst at Markbeech near Edenbridge, which is only open on Wednesdays from May to July. It is a one acre, partly walled, cottage garden set around a 15th century farmhouse (not open) and was featured in the Daily Telegraph, Amateur Gardening and on Sky TV 2004/5. Entrance is £3.

Our first gardening forum at Jennifer Graham's garden in Waldron was a great success, it really did give us the chance to chat about gardening ideas and problems over a cup of coffee and a biscuit, and J's embryonic garden was very inspiring. All are welcome to come along to the next forum which will be at Scaines Farm on the Lewes Road, Blackboys by kind permission of Sue & Eryl Thomas on Thursday, 29th June at 11.00am. Please call Sue to let her know if you're coming. The July forum will be at Derek Tafft's garden at 5 Palehouse Common on Wednesday 19th July at 11.00am likewise please call Derek.

On Wednesday 12th July we will be visiting Hailsham Grange, which is a formal garden designed and planted in the grounds of a former early 18th century vicarage (not open) and was featured in The English Garden and The Times in 2004. Entry £2.50 coffee and biscuits £1. We will then go on to Bates Green in Arlington where lunch will be provided (£7.50 or £10 with dessert) or we may take our own picnics. This is a plantsman's tranquil garden of 2 acres and has mixed borders with colour themes, and a shaded foliage garden giving year-round interest. It also has an organic vegetable garden with raised beds and a Monocotyledon garden (yes, that one had me reaching for the dictionary too!) which overlooks a wild flower meadow. Entrance £3 tea and home made cakes £2.50 (payable on the day) - own or shared transport - contact Claire Dennis.

Could anyone offer a new home to a mature Magnolia x Soulangeana - about 4/5 years old 7/8 feet high - no payment required - if so contact Jenny Homewood.

You should have received your Summer Show Schedule with the last edition of this Newsletter but if you didn't you can get one at either Country Fayre or Rose's Pantry or call me and I'll pop one in the post.

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter April/May 2006:

The Summer Show takes place on Saturday, 12th August and the schedule accompanies this newsletter. We'd really like to encourage more people to place entries in the show - even if it's just a bunch of flowers from the garden - you don't have to be an expert! Or dust off the dog - which doesn't have to have a pedigree! We'd also love to see more children joining in. The show is something for the whole parish and the more involvement from each of our villages, the better the show will be. We're always short of helpers on the day to man stalls so if you can spare a couple of hours we would be very grateful - please let me know.

The first of our gardening forums will take place on Wednesday, 12th April at Jennifer Graham's garden in Waldron. We will meet there at 11.00am for coffee and the idea is to share thoughts, problems and expertise in gardening and perhaps share seeds and cuttings. It will be very informal and free! It should be stressed that this is very much a "garden in progress" so please wear sturdy shoes or wellies. The address is The Old House, Waldron, which is the pink house in the centre of the village on the left if you're coming from Framfield & Blackboys. Parking is anywhere in the square. It would be appreciated if you could call Jennifer to confirm that you will be coming so that she has some idea of numbers. If you require transport please call Claire Dennis.

The next forum will be at 11.00am on Thursday, 18th May at Framfield Grange.

On Wednesday, 14th June we will visit Edenbridge House by kind permission of Mrs. M. T. Lloyd - this will be by shared transport - further details will be mailed to members nearer the time.

Kathy Gore

Do you throw away spare seedlings or Spring plant divisions?
We are looking for just such small plants
for our "Bring & Buy Stall" - so try potting them up
and bring them along or phone for collection on
the morning of the Show. All plants must be labelled
with species, colour, height and, if known, the variety.

From the Parish Newsletter February/March 2006:

There will be a talk by Graham Gough of Marchants Hardy Plants on the subject of Late Flowering Perennials and Grasses at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 16th in the Framfield Memorial Hall. Members will be visiting his nursery in September; Wine and canapes will be served, there will be no charge and all are welcome. There will be a raffle.

The first of our gardening forums will take place on Wednesday, 12th April at Jennifer Graham's garden in Waldron. The plan is to meet there at 11.00am for coffee and the idea is to share thoughts, problems and expertise in gardening and perhaps share seeds and cuttings. It will be very informal and free of charge. We have been asked to stress that this is very much a "garden in progress" so please wear sturdy shoes or wellies. The address is The Old House, Waldron, which is the pink house in the centre of the village on the left if you're coming from Framfield & Blackboys. Parking is anywhere in the square. It would be appreciated if you could call Jennifer to confirm that you will be coming so that she has some idea of numbers. If you require transport please call Claire Dennis.

The Summer Show Schedule will accompany the April/May issue of the Parish Newsletter. We're trying to generate some interest and entries for the wheelbarrow races - one idea was to try and get local companies to sponsor a wheelbarrow - a bit like Formula One - if anyone out there can help or has any ideas on how we might promote this please do let me know.

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter December 2005/January 2006:

The AGM of the society took place on 2nd November and was well attended. Our guest speaker, Heather Fooks, brought along an amazing array of gardening implements and gave a talk on "Tools of the Trade" which was both informative and very amusing.

The society has agreed to set up a gardening forum which will meet once a month for an hour or so at different gardens in the parish to share ideas and expertise in gardening and perhaps share seeds and cuttings and chat over a cup of coffee. It would be very informal and free of charge. The first forum will take place in April, full details will be posted in the Parish Newsletter.

If you are not a member of the society and would like to join please complete the form below and return it to Arthur Makepeace with the appropriate subscription fee and you will be sent your membership card containing the society's programme of visits and talks for 2006.

Membership of the society entitles you to a 10% discount at Staverton Nursery and if you're anything like me you'll recoup your membership fee in just a couple of visits!

Kathy Gore

From the Parish Newsletter October/November 2005:

Record crowds turned out for the Summer Show in August - it was a fine day and we were fortunate that the predicted rain held off until the end of the proceedings. There were over 400 exhibits on show and Fruit and Vegetable judge, Steve Saunders said it was very encouraging to see so many novices having a go. In fact, he said, one or two of the Novice exhibits were better than some in the main classes - the trophy for best exhibit in the Novices Section was won by Trevor Hince. Maurice Malyon was as usual laden down with cups at the end of the day and won the National Vegetable Society Silver Medal and Diploma and Mrs. Joan Turner won the National Vegetable Society Plaque for her onion exhibit. The Floral Arrangements Section entitled "They Lived Happily Ever After" showed exhibits celebrating Wedding Anniversaries and Best in Show in this section was won by Jackie Woodgate for her miniature creation. There were some outstanding handicraft, cookery and photographic exhibits in the Memorial Hall where the Uckfield Dolls House Club put on a wonderful display and held a workshop for children to make fimo models. (See full list of award winners.)

The dog show attracted 244 entries from miles around. Best In Show judged by Brian Ballan was Magic, a Welsh Springer Spaniel owned by Mr & Mrs. Tubb from Portslade. Best Puppy, Matilda a Labrador owned by Mrs. D. Mills from Nutley. Best Junior Handler was Holly Guichard aged 13 handling Inki, a Sheltie. Best Novelty judged by Ms Jo Worboys was Amber, a Mini Long Haired Dachshund owned by Mrs. McGlashan from Hastings and Best Local Dog Sasha, a Labrador owned by Gillian Cooke from Uckfield. They all had large rosettes plus goodies donated by Windmill Feeds.

The wheelbarrow challenge was a new venture this year and attracted a few very innovatively decorated wheelbarrows - prizes were given for fastest (which went to George Bacon - ably pushed by his father Jeremy) and best turned out wheelbarrow (which was shared by George & the Dragon (George Bacon) and "Bling" (Patrick Smith and Russell Simpson). Also in contention was the Ferguson Wheelbarrow with young James Ferguson actually surfing on top of it complete with ghetto blaster sound effects.

George Saunders compered the day with his usual panache, Mrs. Back To Front had the children (and quite a few adults) mesmerised with her Punch & Judy shows and the Mayfield Band played in between taking part in wheelbarrow races. There were many local charities present raising funds for their causes and the usual hoopla and coconut shy. One young lad, who spent most of the day and his month's pocket money bowling for the leg of lamb' did get the highest score but was devastated when he found he had actually won a voucher for a leg of lamb - he'd been bowling his heart out all day for Lego Land!

I'd like to say a big thank you to all those who helped with the show - your support is truly valued as it really couldnt have happened without you.

Our AGM will take place on Wednesday, 2nd November at 7.30pm in the Blackboys Village Hall when our guest speaker will be Heather Fooks who will give a talk on "Tools of the Trade" with a display of old and modern gardening implements. Do come along as I'm sure you will find Heather's talk both interesting and amusing.

From the Parish Newsletter August/September 2005:

Hope you're out there tuning up your wheelbarrows for August 13th! Thank you to all those who have offered to help at the Show we still need people to man stalls for a maximum 2 hour shift - please call me if you can help.

If you have any seedlings or cuttings for our bring and buy stall at the show either bring them along or call Sue Thomas on 890360 for collection on the morning of the show.

On 15th June twenty members of the society enjoyed a visit to Clinton Lodge in Fletching, the home of Sir Hugh and Lady Collum. The many gardens were inspiring, the views over great stretches of parkland quite breathtaking and the sun came out on cue. The afternoon was rounded off by tea and delicious sticky cakes.

Our next visit will be to Saville Garden at Windsor on Thursday, 15th September. This visit will be by coach departing Framfield/BIackboys at 9.00 a.m. arriving at Savill Garden late morning. Savill Garden covers approximately 18 hectares and was started by Eric Savill in 1932 under the auspices of King George V and Queen Mary. Areas of interest include the world's finest woodland gardens, herbaceous borders, rose gardens a large bog garden and the Jubilee Garden to name but a few. There will be a guided tour. It is anticipated that we will leave the gardens at about 4.00 p.m. The cost of the visit will be £15 per person. For more details and if you would be interested in joining us please call Claire Dennis.

From the Parish Newsletter June/July 2005:

On 20th April twenty-five members of the society visited Highgrove in Gloucestershire, the country residence of HRH The Prince of Wales. The gardens were inspiring (I've got quite a yen for a tree stumpery now) and it was only a pity we were there so early in the season and didn't see it in its full glory. We were given an extensive guided tour, a very welcome cup of tea and spent a small fortune in the shop. A very enjoyable day was had by all. On 27th April Desmond Gunner gave a very interesting and amusing talk on "What Trees Do For Us" which was very well attended.

Our next visit will be to Clinton Lodge in Fletching, the home of Sir Hugh and Lady Collum on Wednesday, 15th June. Clinton Lodge has a six acre formal and romantic garden overlooking parkland, with old roses, double herbaceous borders, yew hedges, pleached lime walks, a copy of a seventeenth century scented herb garden, medieval style potager, a vine and rose allee, wild flower garden, a canal garden, small knot garden and shady glade. The garden will be open to us from 2.00pm - cost of entry will be £5 and teas and sticky cakes will cost £2 (both payable on the day). If you would like to come please call Claire Dennis and let her know. Please also indicate if you require, or can offer,
transport to other members.

Thank you to those who have come forward and offered to help at the Summer Show - we still need more help! I do hope between all the gardening that you're revving up your wheelbarrows and getting into shape for the wheelbarrow races!!

Kathy Gore

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