GARDENING CLUB: The meeting began with thanks being given to members for the beautiful displays of flowers and handicrafts produced for last month's autumn show, which had been a great success. Special thanks went to Thelma Hunt for all her hard work as show secretary. Club members were asked if they would be interested in visiting Northumberland for next year's garden club holiday and a show of hands suggested there was sufficient interest to pursue this idea. Notice was given for a village hall fund-raising coffee morning with cards for sale to be held on October 22 at 10.30am.

The chairman introduced the guest speaker, Dr Roger Pringle, an expert on Shakespearean gardens. Dr Pringle's informative talk was an eye-opener for those who think of garden design and makeovers as a modern day phenomenon. Members learned that garden design and innovation was taking place in Elizabeth's times, particularly as explorers were making discoveries around the world bringing new plants and ideas to English gardens. Garden designs included elaborate knot gardens, mazes, water cascades and statuary. The audience was amused by the story of Queen Elizabeth playing tricks on the French ambassador by arranging for the water fountain direction to be changed as he was passing, consequently spraying the unsuspecting ambassador. Through Dr Pringle's extensive knowledge of gardening books of this era members learnt that the quality of books on design and cultivation was excellent in Shakespeare's time. The monthly competition, three Shakespearean plant stems, was won by Anne Wall.