The Society’s Annual General Meeting took place on the November 18. The Chairman, Neil Ferguson, reported that 2010 had been another successful year in that the main objectives had been achieved, ie to encourage and foster an interest in gardens and gardening; to educate and inform and to provide a social focal point for Bidford and surrounding village residents. He stated that membership of the Society currently stands at 80 and the average attendance at meetings is 43. After a short summary of the year’s activities, the Chairman thanked Tessa Webb for so capably arranging our visiting speakers who have given us an insight into many varied subjects and provided inspiration for us all. Also thanked was Judy Smith, the Outings’ Secretary, for organising visits to five different gardens and who once again managed to conjure up some beautiful weather.

The Annual Show in August was very well supported, with members entering 180 exhibits. 2010 was the 40th Anniversary of the Society’s formation as well as the 100th birthday of our oldest member, Hilda Wakeham. In June a double celebration party was held in Lallie Cox’s splendid garden in Marlcliff. This year also saw the birth of the Society’s website: www.bidfordgardens.org and thanks were given to Laurie Dalton for setting it up. Together with the Parish Council’s website, this should be a good source of information for all newcomers to the area.

The Chairman concluded by thanking the committee for their excellent teamwork, the volunteers who had helped throughout the year and the members for their continued support. The Treasurer, Elizabeth Heneghan, reported that the Society was in good shape financially and therefore the current £12pa membership fee would remain for next year.

After reports on next year’s activities, the current officers and committee were re-elected on a show of hands. The Cup awarded for attaining the most points from each month’s competition during the year was presented to Annette Haines. Following wine and nibbles, the evening concluded with an excellent slide show of members’ photographs taken during the garden visits, edited and arranged to music by John Alexander-Head.

On the December 16, Fran Hales will present “A Christmas Demonstration.” Visitors are very welcome to attend our meetings (£2.50 incl. refreshments) at 7.45pm on the third Thursday of the month in the Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford on Avon. For further details, please ring Annette Haines on 01789 268974.