Members at the Annual General Meeting agreed to make Michael Ecob an honorary vice president to thank him for all his past endeavours for the group.

Michael, the past president who has been succeeded by Vic Powell, has now moved to Peterborough to be near his family.

Chairman Derek Walker thanked committee members for their tireless work. They work well as a team and as nobody wished to stand down Derek proposed they should stay in their posts for 2013. Everyone in the room agreed to the proposal. In his report, Derek said the society had flourished throughout the year, with many new people joining the ranks. The support at the three shows had also been excellent.

Derek thanked show secretary Robin Saunders for his continued effort and hard work in organising schedules and the shows. Derek also thanked Chris Russell for organising the wonderful coach trips in 2012 to memorable Highgrove, David Austin Ross and the superb holiday in Sidmouth. Coach trips for 2013 include one to Burghley House including a visit to see Mike Ecob on May 19 and another to The Dorothy Clive Garden as well as Hodnet Hall on June 30. There is also an evening visit with own transport to Bannut Tree Garden (Bromyard) on June 12. The main holiday will be a visit to the gardens of Northumberland with Johnson's Coaches on July 14-18, staying in Hexham. Treasurer Mike Hughes was pleased to say that the financial balance was healthy and that the group had sent donations to Acorns and Parkinsons charities.

After the business Chris and Roger Russell showed slides of the holiday to Sidmouth. Members wish to express their grateful thanks to Gill Spragg and Doreen Oliver who are stepping down from the kitchen as tea ladies.

On a very sad note, members send condolences to the family of Peter Rogers, a devoted member and friend of the society who passed away recently. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 20, when Duncan Coombs will be talking about ‘Gardens of China’. On Saturday, March 30, the Astley Horticultural Spring Show will take place. For more details, contact, Derek Walker on 01299 823270.