THE members held their AGM at Stourbridge Institute on February 17. It was opened by John Knight, who thanked all committee members and everyone who had helped and supported him during the last year. The president Eric Southall also gave his thanks and said the guild had enjoyed another successful year.

He mentioned a very good weekend break and day trip. Also the monthly and annual shows went very well, including the president’s plant sale which was held over two weekends due to the extensive amount of plants generously supplied by members.

Liz Hathway, the guild’s secretary, added that the plant sale had raised £607.10 for the Samaritans at Brierley Hill. She also thanked June and Jim Baker for the work they did for the guild during the past year and many years previously. She announced that Gill Baker was retiring from her post as vice-chairman and thanked her for her services.

Jim Baker, social secretary, thanked everyone for supporting the events that had been organised during the year and also thanked Pat Hassell, assistant social secretary, for her valuable assistance.

The committee members and guild officers were then voted in en bloc.

A buffet was enjoyed during the break which was arranged by some of the members who were thanked by the chairman.

Entertainment was then provided by the guild’s president Eric and his wife Mary, playing a selection of traditional folk songs, Eric on mandolin and Mary on violin and harmonica.

Helen Troman, welfare secretary, recited a number of horticulture related poems, including Wordsworth’s Daffodils. Anna Willetts followed with an amusing little verse all about the joys of Elmdon Airport, with all its trials and tribulations.

John Knight closed the meeting and hoped everyone had enjoyed the evening.

The next meeting will be held on March 17. There will be a talk by Robert Barber entitled Sugar Beet History about the sugar beet factory in Kidderminster. The guild meets on the third Monday of each month at The Stourbridge Institute at 7 for 7.30pm, when all visitors are welcome.

For details phone 01562 720219.