HHS NEWSLETTER - SUMMER 2014

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

It has been a great Spring and early Summer for gardeners and this has been reflected in our sales on Sunday mornings,which if not great, have been steady. It is amazing the difference decent weather brings. We do rely on our "regulars", so thanks for your support. I believe the only real problem many gardeners have experienced has been with slugs, if our sales of pellets is to be believed, as we have sold out and at the moment are looking around for the best deals to be had on new stock. We managed to snap up some bargains last year but this product can be very expensive.

Trading will now cease at the end of October instead of November, and this is our new blogspot. The aim is to advertise the products we have for sale and to show prices etc as this may help bring in new members. Please leave comments if you wish, see below, or email Karen at mensak@outlook.com.
Shed 3 (tools, sprays etc) has a good supply of household products such as detergents, cleaners and a very good drain cleaner. Shed 1 is full of all different types of composts and Shed 2 has all the fertilizers you require. Those of you that attend regularly will have noticed that George's son Peter has been helping us out, in fact he has become an invaluable member of our team and I would like to express my appreciation for his terrific contribution.

I will finish, as I did last year, with a request that as many of you as possible enter an exhibit in the summer show or at least come along and enjoy the evening (details below).

COMMITTEE MATTERS

The AGM was very poorly attended. Only a handful of members other than the committee attended. It's only an hour once a year and the committee are only your representatives so a little feedback/comments would be helpful.

Membership is slightly up on last year. Colin needs a collector for the Bexley Lane, Melville Road areas. Karen has recently volunteered to help out on Sundays so that's something different for you all. Not just " male old *****" on Sunday mornings! Karen has made an immediate impact by setting up this website, and it hasn't cost us anything yet.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

STOP THE PRESS - BRIGHTON TRIP ON SATURDAY, 6th SEPT - SOLD OUT! Those of you who have reserved seats and have still to pay please settle up before the day (I know who you are!).

QUIZ NIGHT - FRI, 24th OCT - 7.30 for 8.00 start - £6 per person - teams of 6/8 please (we will take a small number of smaller teams). Absolute maximum of 14 teams. Please book with Bob on Sundays or call 0208 306 2202 or 07786 744477.

SUMMER SHOW

Tina's room in Hurst Community Center has been booked once again on Friday evening, 22nd Aug from 6pm till 10pm and we will follow the successful formula of the past couple of years. This venue enables us to use both indoor and outdoor facilities if we wish. The categories are:

1. Runner Beans, French Beans, Broad Beans (5)
2. Tomatoes (5)
3. Root vegetables (3)
4. Courgettes (3)
5. Onions (5)
6. Flowers (displays or vases)
7. Any craft made in 2014 (painting, knitting, crocheting, carving etc)
8. This year, the "cake" category is trifle.
9. Photos (3) of your garden or items in your garden taken in 2014

Winners, second and third in each category will receive a small cash prize. Entry into each category will cost £1 and your entry will have to be registered by 7.30pm. If you attend, you will be able to judge the entrants and register your opinion, except for the Trifles which will be judged by a small committee. If anyone would like to volunteer to help on this evening please speak to Bob. This will not stop you entering the competitions. Last year was a great night, please make this one even better.

IN CONCLUSION

We had another excellent trip to Wisley and as last year, the coach was full and some. members missed out. All I can do is assure you that we will run this trip again next year and I will be prepared to take bookings as soon as we open in February. I anticipate the date will be in mid April. The cost next year will be £10 per person. I apologize once again to the members I let down this year due to my ineptitude.

Now it's not too late, go buy a packet of seeds and grow some exhibits for the Summer Show.

Bob