Newsletter 2007 Autumn / Winter

Since the last newsletter the Society has displayed at several orchid events - The BOGA show at Dinton Pastures, Wraysbury Orchid Event, and the OSGB Autumn Show.

Three important events are coming up soon,

  1. Our Christmas social.
  2. Our Annual Show
  3. The AGM

The Christmas Social is on Sunday December 16th a chance to chat to members without having to stop for a speaker. Please bring along some festive edibles and a raffle prize wrapped in Christmas paper. There will also be a table for judging plants as usual, so don't forget to bring along any plant you think worthy of judging, or for the show table. At the Christmas meeting we will have details of our programme for early 2008. The most important thing to note is that due to circumstances beyond the control of the Committee, the AGM has been postponed from January to March. It is hoped this will become a permanent feature which will always be held on the second Sunday in March avoiding the London Orchid Show. The Annual Show is on Saturday February 16th . We are again returning to The Barn, Viables, Harrow Way, Basingstoke RG22 4BJ, which proved to be a popular venue, easier access and plenty of free parking. We will have similar format as last year. Ratcliffe Orchids, Plested Orchids, Laurence Hobbs Orchids, Just In Glass and Plants Plus (stockists of orchid sundries), and perhaps a table selling costume jewellery with an orchid theme. If you want any specific plants or sundries from the above traders, do get in touch with them, they will be happy to bring special orders along to the show for collection.

So far we have received an acceptance from Thames Valley Orchid Society, we are still awaiting replies from other invited Orchid Societies.

With regard to the show please keep your eyes open for any suitable gifts to donate for the tombola table, there are plenty of bargains in the shops before and after Christmas. The tombola table has proved to be a popular and profitable item in our show.

As ever we will need as many helpers for various tasks throughout the day from 8.00am until finish of show, a form has been prepared and will be circulated at the December and January meetings, for members to indicate their willingness and availability for required tasks during the day.

Flyers for the Show will be available at the January meeting.

RHS Wisley will be holding their Special Event - Orchid Weekend on 19 - 20th January. A display of orchids by McBeans in the plant centre, plus demonstrations by Jim Durrant, times can be obtained by ringing 01483211113.

Also on Monday 30th January, Janet Plested and specialist RHS staff will be holding an Orchid workshop and talk - designed to assist beginners and keen growers. At a cost of £49 for RHS members, and £59 for non-members this includes lunch and refreshments.

I hope you have rescued all your orchids from the garden and have tucked them up for the winter. Still keep a lookout for pests.

Please return any silverware for engraving ASAP.

I hope to see you all at the Christmas Social.

Norma Burgess

Chairman