CHERITON Fitzpaine Garden Club has said farewell to two of its most avid members who have moved to pastures new in Ireland.

Paula and Charles Mossman were keen members of the club for 13 years, and Paula was Chairman for four years, helping to modernise the club and encourage new membership.

One of the highlights of her Chairmanship was the Big Birthday Bash held in 2016 for the Garden Club’s 90th Anniversary.

It provided a wonderful day of free entertainment for the whole village, including a talk by the BBC presenter Toby Buckland, along with refreshments, live music for all ages, and many children’s activities.

Paula secured funding from the National Lottery Awards For All fund which paid for much of the day’s events.

Another application for funding by Paula provided the club with much needed new tables for the two annual shows the club has become renowned for, and pots and compost for the Primary School Potato Competition which has been run by the club for many years to encourage young children to "grow their own".

Their beautifully kept garden has provided many prize winning flowers and vegetables for the Garden Club Shows and hosted social events for club members.

Charles has impressed the Floral Art judges with his beautiful displays, and they have both won many of the trophies presented for best entries at the shows.

Current Chairman Andrew Dean presented Paula and Charles with a photo album containing many of the club’s activities and involvement in the community which they took part in.

Andrew said: “The club is grateful for the hard work and eager participation of Paula and Charles, who will be sadly missed, especially for their wonderful show exhibits which made for keen competition and kept the standard very high.

"We wish them both the best of luck and much happiness in their new home."

Paula and Charles thanked the club for such a thoughtful gift.

Unfortunately the Garden Club has had to suspend all activities this year due to Coronavirus but we hope to be able to resume in 2021.

Information can be found on the website at: www.cheritonfitzpainegardenclub.com .

Ann Nixon