The AGM was very well attended and three members volunteered for the committee. We finished the evening with a fascinating talk about the Chartist movement; organic gardening and what can be done with perseverance.

Surprisingly few members had visited or even knew about our nearest National Trust Property in Dodford. Neil Cook is head gardener of Hanbury Hall, Greyfriars in Worcester and Rosedene at Dodford and had helped in the fight to bring Rosedene into the NT’s portfolio. Against all odds Neil explained the reasons against accepting the property, it had no income, no access for vehicles, collapsing and sad. The council would allow no more that 20 visitors at a time. Rosedene is a grade II listed building in the village of Dodford and is steeped in history to an era of great political change for the ‘common man.’ A lot of time, money and passion were needed to complete this project.

Rosedene is a cottage built as part of the Great Dodford Chartist settlement. It is the best preserved example of a Chartist cottage built by the National Land Company .

On March 11 Adrian James will make you feel exhausted, amazed, admiring and truly grateful that you are not in his shoes. Adrian and Sheila had a beautiful garden in Kidderminster but wanted more land and an opportunity to extend their love of gardening. The development of ‘Langdale’ in Offenham has taken just over five years to create in this wonderful corner of Worcestershire.

Next meeting will be held on April 8. Time to book your places for our summer Outings.

See you all at Chaddesley Corbett Village Hall 7.30 for 8pm on March 11 for coffee and a chat with our gardening friends.