The members held their monthly meeting at Stourbridge Institute on October 20 which was chaired by vice chairman Adam Greathead. He opened the meeting by welcoming both existing, new members and visitors, and said that the speaker for the night was John Guest. He then introduced Midlands Air Ambulance representative Adam Williams, who had come along to accept a cheque for £801.15, which was raised at our Presidents plant sale. Adam told Guild members about the functioning of the Air Ambulance, which has no Government funding and is purely a community service funded by the community. Every mission costs £2,500.00 and last year there were over 40,000 missions. The County Air Ambulance is 23 years old and needs 6.5 million pounds annually to maintain the service The Guild storekeeper Gerald Langley bought along seeds and blood, fish and bone for sale, and reminded members to order seed potatoes, because this October 26 the shed closes and will reopen in February 2015.

The speaker for the evening John Guest who had brought along a selection of 19th to 20th century garden tools, explained to the guild how they had originated and their uses, and said they were full of memories.

John’s talk was delivered with many amusing anecdotes from his life, and he also announced that this would be his last talk.

Adam Greathead thanked John for a most interesting talk, and the members responded in the usual manner.

The first prize winners in the monthly show where as follows: 5 potatoes E Southall; 5 dessert apples J. Knight; 3 beetroot E. Southall; 1 vase of flowers M Hodgin; 1 jar chutney M Hodgin; 6 fruit scones M. Hodgin; 1 8”

apple pie U Langley.

Adam Greathead closed the meeting, wished everyone a safe journey home, and hoped everyone had enjoyed the evening.

The next meeting will be held on November 17, which will be a talk entitled by Patrick Clement “A wildlife garden for all “ . The group meets on the third Monday of each month at The Stourbridge Institute at 7 for 7.30pm. For further details phone 01384 828654.