CHERITON Fitzpaine Garden Club’s first meeting of 2017 was a very lively one. Subscriptions (still only £10) were collected and programmes given out.

All members present were given a show schedules to study. “County members” joined with villagers to struggle with a fiendish quiz compiled by David Nunn. The winner was a team led by Andrew Dean, who also managed to run a well-patronised bar.

If anyone thinks a garden club is a stuffy institution they should come to one of our meetings!

Photographs taken by Claire Borlase of the Big Birthday Bash were displayed and, apart from a small number kept for posterity, members were able to take those they liked for a small donation.

Ellie Babbedge kindly lent us her IT equipment so that pictures taken over recent years, and compiled by Will Mefcalf, could be displayed on the wall.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, March 16 at 7.30pm, when Sue Fisher will be talking to us about “Container Gardening”. Visitors are always welcome.

Do not forget our Spring Exhibition on Saturday, April 1 at 2.30pm in the Parish Hall, when tea and cake will also be on offer.

There are open classes for photography, cookery and craft, also flowers, floral art and children’s work.

Schedules may be obtained from Ann Nixon in Barnfield Close, or from Mary or David Nunn.

Mary Nunn