GARDENING SOCIETY: The chairman welcomed more than over 50 members and four visitors to the January meeting in the Crawford Hall, an excellent attendance on such a cold winter's night.

The evening began with the Rev David Hall, who spoke about the forthcoming Parish Church fund-raising project entitled Miniature Gardens and Shoebox Interiors to be held over the weekend of May 7/8 2005. For information, contact Mrs Jane Hall on 01789 772217.

To start the New Year's programme members were pleased to welcome Barry Locke, head gardener of the five Shakespeare Birthplace Trust properties situated in and around Stratford. Barry and his team of 12 look after these gardens and are also responsible for 200 hanging baskets displayed throughout the town. All the plants are grown from seed in their own nurseries.

The monthly competition, Something Colourful from your Garden was won by Lally Cox, second Archie Hancox, third Pam Smith and fourth Jane Reed.

The next meeting will be on February 17, 7.30 for 8pm in the Crawford Hall. Ursula Key-Davies will speak on hellebores. Competition: Three floating hellebore heads.

For information contact Annette Haines on 01789 268974 or Neil Ferguson on 01789 772708.