Newsletter 26th October 2026

First and most importantly I must tell you a hugely important piece of news. One of our committee members has been murdered! MURDERED?! Yes! You heard that right, on our own doorstep too. We haven’t been able to read any statements yet, but we believe someone in charge, a Mr. Flaherty knows something about it. Until we know more………..
We mentioned last month that Ann Wales one of our long-standing members left a sum of money for the club to ‘Do something nice.’ We have decided to have an afternoon tea which will be free to all members. We may have to all pay a deposit, but we will let you know as soon as we find somewhere nice. We think that will be a lovely way to remember Anne by.
Gordon Baillie is our speaker tonight, Gordon, from Arley Hall, is a graduate in Horticulture from Strathclyde University and has worked on several estates over the years. Quite a few of us have been to Arley Hall at some time, so perhaps we will learn a few secrets about those beautiful gardens.
Last month we told you about the Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival on 4-6th December, we are calling our tree ‘Frosty Leaves’. When the festival is finished, the tree which we assume will be about 6feet high must be removed after the event, so we are looking for someone, somewhere, who would like a fully decorated tree, (no lights). But you will need to take it away yourself to its new home. Do you know of anyone who would like the tree?
Gwyn has been looking into Probable future visits, here is a selection, Holden Clough Nursery Trough of Bowland – John Foley. Bridgewater. (a cheap visit). Possible Afternoon or evening visits: Maureen Sawyer’s Garden, Southlands at Stretford, Norley Court, NGS Garden – open April to October for 20 visitors. Field 28 Daresbury- summer-recommended- produce herbs, veg and flowers for high-end restaurants. Arley, Foxhill, Norton Priory Walled Garden, Stretton Old Hall at Tilston, Rowley House at Swettenham (May) Barton Grange near Preston, Seed Processing Centre, Forestry England, Delamere. Possible Speakers, Hosta – Robert Barlow from Stoke-on-Trent. Wirral Bonsai Society. Norton Priory Walled Garden – Paul Quigley, Ranger Razvan Chizu from Crewe – highly recommended but expensive. North Cheshire Beekeepers. Dr. Richmond Dutton from Merseyside – highly recommended. Well! What do you think of those possibilities. Gwyn has been busy, hasn’t she. Well done Gwyn.
Our Charity box which is raised from donations of plants and equipment donated by members has £55 in it. That has been sent to RHS education to help train the next generation of gardeners. Please do bring cuttings etc. but remember to take them back home if left unsold.
Gwyn has also managed to find a good place for Afternoon tea and in remembrance to Anne, and also for the 25th Anniversary of our great gardening club. We think maybe 8th February, 2027. More details in next months’ newsletter.
Our speaker in November is Rev. Lucy Brewster Director of Foxhill House and Arboretum.
Don’t forget as a member of our club you can have 10%discount at Gleaves Garden Centre,
Enjoy your evening. Maureen Coxon Publicity & Newsletter.