The members held their monthly meeting at Stourbridge Institute on August 15 which was chaired by chairman Adam Greathead. He opened the meeting by welcoming both existing, new members and visitors. Adam thanked all those who had opened their gardens this year, and mentioned that £1,600 has been raised for the chosen charity Mind of Dudley. He then introduced the speaker for the night, John Massey MBE VHM of Ashwood Nursery.

Tom Thompson reminded members of the Annual Show being held at St James Church Hall Wollaston on September 3. Which will be open to the public at 2.15pm, with the auction of produce at 3pm.

The venue was full with many members and non members who came along to hear John talk about Summer into Autumn in his exceptional garden at Ashwood. He spoke of his mentors being some of the world's greatest gardeners, who had inspired him throughout his life. John showed many excellent slides depicting his summer garden, which is packed with a myriad of different shrubs and plants, each area having a different theme. He entertained us with humorous little stories about his dogs, and his visits to different parts of the world, from where he had brought back plants. His slides then passed to autumn, showing the same areas each with a different look. He mentioned that obviously he has a lot of help, in maintaining and constantly changing his garden, in particular from Adam our Chairman who joined him last year as Head Gardener. John had kindly offered to speak for free, but he was presented with the proceeds of the ticket sales, and a donation from the Guild for the charity he supports at Great Dixter, for which he thanked us.

All enjoyed the talk immensely and Adam thanked John, who was given a rousing round of applause.

The first prize winners in the monthly show: Five standard tomatoes John Knight; Five cherry tomatoes Gerald Langley; Salad (3 kinds) John Boswell; Nine shallots (1.5" or under) John Knight; Nine shallots (over 1.5") John Knight; One table arrangement Una Langley; Three dahlias John Boswell; One jar jam Una Langley; One carrot cake Anne Robinson; Seven home made biscuits Jenny James.

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

The next meeting will be held on September 19 and the speaker will be Pete Turner - Through the eyes of a magician.

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.