FRESH from their success in winning first prize in the village carnival, members of Cheriton Fitzpaine Garden Club held their summer outing on a warm and sunny evening.

A total of 25 adults and one eight-year-old travelled to Newton St Cyres Arboretum where they met their guide, Vaughan Gallaron.

The Arboretum was established in 1760 by the Quicke family, but had become very overgrown in recent times, when the family moved away from Newton House.

With the help of Sir John Quicke, the Friends of Newton Arboretum was formed at a public meeting in May 2010, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Volunteers maintain the beautiful woodland, including a 100ft high Californian Redwood tree.

The eight-acre site is open to the public at all times, and Club members vowed to go back to see the Autumn colours.

After their visit, a meal was enjoyed at the Beer Engine, before returning home.

Our next big event is the Annual Summer Show on Saturday, August 18 in the Parish Hall at 2.30pm. Admission is free, and there will be tea and cakes, a raffle and plant stall.

Our Autumn programme begins on Thursday, September 20 in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm, when Claire Hart will be talking about Metre Gardening.

Membership of the Garden Club is only £15 annually, and you do not have to have a garden to belong.

Mary Nunn