The members held their monthly meeting at Stourbridge Institute on 16th March, which was chaired by Adam Greathead our new chairman.

He opened the meeting by welcoming both existing, new members and visitors, he then welcomed Mary Hodgin back after her illness.

Although at the AGM it was thought that John Knight would take the post of Vice Chairman, he has decided to take a break, this left the position open. June Bowkley was nominated, seconded and then voted in.

There were no Presidents comments as unfortunately Eric Southall was unable to attend.

On Sunday Adam had received a call from the North Midlands branch of the National Vegetable Society, unfortunately cancelling their representatives talk this evening.

Adam then stepped into the breach and produced a wonderful talk entitled Winter into Spring. He showed many slides of winter flowering trees and shrubs that add colour to the garden during the drab winter months.

Most of the slides were taken in his own garden, although he did show some impressive specimens of the same from John Massey’s garden.

He has many hellebores, and the usual spring flowers, snowdrops, iris’s, daffodils, etc.

Adam has joined the Alpine Society and is now collecting many species.

Liz Hathway thanked Adam for a most interesting talk, that was put together at the last minute and the members responded in the usual manner.

The first prize winners in the monthly show where as follows: 3 keeping onion Mary Hodgin; 3 Leeks John Boswell; 3 Daffodils John Knight; 3 Miniature daffodils Una Langley; Victoria sandwich, Anne Robinson; One bakewell tart Mary Hodgin.

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 April 20. The speaker will be Ray Sturdy and the talk is entitled Whitley Court - the rise and fall of a Victorian Palace We meet on the third Monday of each month at The Stourbridge Institute at 7 for 7.30pm. For further details phone 01384 828654.