VISITORS are always welcome on the first Monday of the month at Colwall Village Hall.

We meet for 7.30pm when there is a talk given by a person well versed in their speciality. Arrive early, meet the members and enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee.

One of many benefits of our Society for new members, joining in August through to December, is their membership runs until renewal in January 2016.

To tempt you, on August 4 the presentation is by Rosy Hardy.

Rosy, renowned owner of Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants in Whitchurch, is a successful Chelsea Exhibitor and winner of four Golds at Hampton Court. Her talk is on Late Summer Hardy Perennials.

Also on Saturday, August 9 is our 71st Annual Summer Show, in Colwall Village Hall from 2pm to 5 pm.

On Monday, July 7 we were entertained by David Usher who was head gardener at Hestercombe for 18 years and greatly responsible for the restoration of these gardens. T

hose of us, particularly your writer, with little gardening history were enlightened with mini biographies of the great Edwardian gardening duo Gertrude Jeykell and Sir Edwin Lutyens; it is their garden at Hestercombe that is David’s major restoration.

Monday also was the embarrassment of our chairman, Helen Picton.

David Taft our Secretary made a short speech and presented Helen with her wedding present from the Societies members.

Come early to Rosy’s presentation, make/meet friends and discuss your gardening interests (and challenges). We have many experienced and knowledgeable gardeners who are happy to answer questions. Subscriptions, payable in January, are £12; visitors are charged £4.

TIM BEAUMONT