The Ewelme Horticultural Society held its AGM on the 26 April in the Watercress Centre. This was because our Village Hall had been booked by the Benson Players. The production was two one-act comedies which were very amusing and extremely well performed. All these nights were very well supported and sorry if you missed this excellent entertainment.
Barbara Perriton, our Chairman, said in her annual report:
"The Ewelme Horticultural Society’s finances are in a very healthy position after another year of running successful events. In fact, our reserves of about £4,400 are quite considerable but this does mean that, like any prudent organisation, we have a cushion against any considerable financial loss which might be incurred if, for example, it poured with rain on the day of our Annual Show and the public attendance was very low. The cost of running last year’s Show was around £1,700 and will almost certainly be higher this year.
In the last twelve months we have again run the Plant Sale in May, the Annual Show at the end of August and the Skittles evening in February. All very successful and enjoyable occasions – only made possible by our very excellent committee and the wives, husbands and many friends who always help us when needed.
I would like to make a special reference to the Skittles evening this February which was the most successful one we have organised, and one which drew in new people to what is a really good family occasion and I hope they will spread the word so that next year other new families in the village will support us.
This year there have been a few changes on the Committee and we were sorry that Hazel Sim had to retire but I hope that she will still help us when she can. We welcomed on to the Committee Gemma Benoliel and Tracey Perkins – both have been a tremendous help to us in the past and we were very pleased that they have joined us.
I am sure that sadly you will all know that Herbie Winfield has recently died. He is a great loss to the village and for very many years served on this Committee having been a founder member when the society was re-formed. His sound common sense and knowledge were always appreciated and we send our sympathy to his family.
Finally, two years ago I warned of the dramatic drop in entries for the Show and following our “Use it or lose it” campaign in 2005 we had a tremendous response with 450 entries from 95 different people but in 2006 things dropped off again to 330 entries from 65 people. We must try and encourage more people to exhibit again and would be pleased to receive any ideas as to how we can increase our numbers."
At this meeting we were very pleased to welcome Richard Roslyn, from Blewbury Manor who presented a photographic guided tour of the 10 acre garden with an in-depth commentary on the many plants and aspects. He was obviously a very dedicated man who not only knew every inch of the garden but who was also very proud of being a vital part of its development. We would recommend that you visit when possible. There will be several open days, the next being Sunday 24 June.
The next few words concern the following summer. So please pay attention! On Saturday 25 August we will hold a village fun day. Hopefully as follows:- early afternoon various stalls raising money for local causes; a hog roast will be in progress; at 6pm serving the food and opening a bar run by the Shepherd’s Hut; in the marquee we will hold a junior disco with prizes for the Olivia Newton-John and John Trevolta look-alikes; later in the evening our DJ will be pleased to turn the music down for the adults. You may rest on Sunday unless you are preparing your entries for our ANNUAL SHOW on Monday 27 August.
We shall be circulating a schedule to every household early in July. So please do support your Show. The Roke and Benson band will play at the Show; there will be a grand raffle in the main marquee; delicious home-made teas will be available; stalls will provide produce and preserves. There will also be a stall for the Guide Dogs for the Blind who always sell many interesting and useful items such as Christmas cards and calendars for 2008.
Cynthia Winfield, Secretary to the Ewelme Horticultural Society