HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: The AGM took place at the Baptist Church School Room, when the chair was taken by the president, Margaret Haines.

The treasurer's report was given by Ken Darbon, who said there was £2,668 in the deposit account and £1,650 in the current account. Subscriptions for the year are up, as is the monthly raffle. Regarding the annual show - door, raffle and tea money were all up on last year so there seemed no reason to increase subscriptions. Mr Darbon completed his report by saying that for now the society is in good financial shape. Chairman George Sloggett thanked Mr Darbon for keeping the society in the black.

The chairman said outings in the summer had been well supported even though due to bad weather the evening outing had had to be postponed. Kew had been superb and helpful with buggies for members not so nimble on their feet. The annual show had been a great success even though there were fewer exhibitors there were more exhibits. Thanks were given organisers. During the last year membership had increased by 25 per cent. President Margaret Haines retired this year and will hand the job on to Rosemary Russell, the secretary. He thanked Margaret for her two years' hard work. Margaret spoke on how much she had enjoyed her two years and thanked George for his kind words. She passed on her badge of office to Rosemary Russell. The new president suggested that as there were no resignations the committee be re-elected en bloc, which was unanimously agreed. The only vacant position was vice-president and Rosemary Kimpton proposed and Joan Mustoe seconded Tilly Fisher, who accepted. The annual day outing had not been agreed upon although several sites are being investigated. The evening outing will be the Old Rectory at Quenington owned by Mr and Mrs Abel Smith, who will also be hosting local sculptures this summer.

The entertainment section of the evening was Ray and Peter with their holiday slides of Eire, Heligan and Eden Project for Ray and the island of Madeira for Peter. The monthly competition for a jar of marmalade was won by Mrs Kimpton. The next meeting on February 9 will be an Any Questions night and the competition will be a vase of snowdrops.