Stroud Gardening Club with speaker Graeme Mitchell, Director of Brightwater Holidays

STROUD Gardening Club had a break during the summer, but managed to fulfil two coach trips to Wall End Barn Nursery in Leominster, and Wisley Flower Show on September 7.

They were very successful visits, and the weather was superb on both occasions and enjoyed by all who took part.

Stroud Gardening Club also ran a very successful Plant Stall at the Stroud Country Show in July, and thanks to Louise Mourton, Sharon Pellatt, Lin Powell and Jan Davis for all help and assistance on the day, and thanks to members for their contributions to the plants donated for us to sell.

Our Autumn programme commenced on Wednesday, September 21, at the Bedford Street Congregational Church Rooms with Sharon Pellatt, our chairperson welcoming the audience and introducing our speaker, Graeme Mitchell, Director of Brightwater Holidays.

Brightwater Holidays are specialists in Quality Garden Tours, both in the UK and in other countries of the world.

The company was set up in 1992 by Graeme, mainly selling holidays in Scotland where there is no shortage of fabulous gardens to interest visitors, and also no shortage of islands to visit.

Since then, they have extended the programme throughout the UK, and each holiday has a tour guide who is usually a professionally trained gardener.

The company now extends the holidays to many worldwide gardens, including Monet's garden, Holland in Spring, South America, South Africa, Japan, North America, etc.

Graeme's talk was full of anecdotes, and kept our members amused and he happily answered questions after his talk and slideshow.

Sharon then thanked Graeme for a lovely evening, and everyone enjoyed refreshments with cakes made by Jan and Sharon.

The raffle was also drawn, and everyone had an enjoyable evening.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, October 19, at 7.30pm when our speaker is Trug and Hurdle Maker, Mr Carl Sadler.

All are welcome to this meeting, both members and visitors.