The members held their monthly meeting at Stourbridge Institute on November 17 which was chaired by John Knight. He opened the meeting by welcoming both existing, new members and visitors, and said that he had now fully recovered from the illness that prevented him from attending the October meeting, he then introduced the speaker for the night Patrick Clement.

The president Eric Southall addressed the meeting and said how pleased he was with the entries for the monthly show, both quality and quantity, and how he was looking forward to the forthcoming Presidents Bow Tie Lunch at Churchill and Blakedown Golf Club.

The Guild Secretary Liz Hathway announced that once again Stourbridge had been awarded a gold medal for the towns floral displays and that long standing guild members, Una and Gerald Langley had as always contributed plants for display at St. Thomas’ Church, Market Street, Stourbridge. The speaker for the evening Patrick Clement a keen conservationist gave a most interesting talk about wildlife we encounter in our garden.

He currently tends his garden, an adjoining small woodland with stream which he bought, and now an adjacent plot which he rents. He said he understood that guild members who are very proud of their gardens wouldn’t welcome all forms of wildlife, but there are small adjustments that can be made to attract some creatures, like leaving part of our lawns uncut and planting more wild flowers, leaving small piles of logs to attract insects etc.

Patrick’s talk was illustrated with some wonderful slides, of creatures he encounters on a regular basis, and it was plain to see his passion for the subject.

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

The monthly competition had 24 entries which was 5 more than last year.

The first prize winners in the monthly show where as follows: 1 Cabbage E Southall; 3 Carrots J Boswell; 1 Flowering Pot Plant G Langley; 1 Foliage Pot Plant M Hodgin; 1 Apple Cake U Langley; 1 Lemon Meringue M Southall; 1 Jar Pickled Onions J Knight; Design for Diary Cover J James.

John Knight closed the meeting, wished everyone a safe journey home, and hoped everyone had enjoyed the evening. The next meeting will be held on December 15, which will be the “Christmas social evening”.

We meet on the third Monday of each month at The Stourbridge Institute at 7 for 7.30pm, when all visitors are welcome. For further details phone 01384 828654.