Christmas Lunch 2010
Once again we made the very short trip to Ye Olde Plough House at Bulphan where we made our way in, everyone succeeding to stay upright on the ice. We had had very icy and snowy weather over the past week or so but this had not deterred our intrepid ‘Lunchers’! Although the bar was busy the service was swift and I saw no one sitting in a corner gasping for liquid refreshment. We had time for our pre-prandial drinks before lunch was served bang on time in the Monks Barn. The Barn was originally built about 1650 at Dennington in Norfolk. All the timbers were numbered dismantled and were re-erected in their current position. The Barn was decorated for Christmas and looked stunning.
Following lunch we were entertained by Geoff Hales with amusing anecdotes and readings relating to gardening.
This was our second year at this venue and on both occasions we exceeded 80 people in the party. Next year we move to a new venue having secured a booking at Orsett Hall at a very competitive price.
Charity for 2011/12
Our Charity for this year is Perennial, Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society. This charity was established in 1839, which is quite a history. Perennial's vision is to be the automatic first port of call in times of need for all those who are working in, have worked in or retired from, horticulture.
When someone turns to them for help, they tailor their services to meet the needs of that individual. They always respect their clients and value their right to choice. You can read more at their website: www.perennial.org.uk
We are always happy to welcome new members. Why not drop in at one of our lecture evenings and see what you think.
Long House Plants is a small retail nursery run by Tim Carter.
All the plants are grown there and they have a range of interesting and unusual trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses and alpines, selected to be successful in the local soils. Plant sales are for collection from the nursery only, they do not offer a delivery or mail order service.
Organic Kitchen Gardens is based in Upminster,
Essex. Jackie Whitehead, who runs the
business, comes from a family of market gardeners and has grown her own
vegetables and salads for many years. She has recently studied City & Guilds
qualifications in Allotment Gardening and Organic Horticulture at the
renowned Capel Manor Horticultural College in Enfield and passed both with
Distinction, also winning an award for Best Student in Allotment
Gardening. Jackie is passionate about the benefits
of people growing at least some produce of their own in
whatever space they have available.
They offer a range of services to enable you
to grow your own vegetables and salads organically - from an initial
consultation, through to installation of your personalised kitchen
garden planted up in containers or raised beds.
Their aims are:
- to
enable you to grow food organically - no pesticides or chemical
fertilisers
- to allow
you to reduce the 'food miles' associated with your weekly shop
- to
make your kitchen garden attractive as well as productive
- to tailor solutions to our customers' needs