ASTLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: The speaker on September 21 was Paul Green who runs his nursery aptly named "Greens' Leaves" with his wife at Newent, Glos. They specialise in a diverse range of Australian plants, rare shrubs, foliage plants, choice grasses, phormiums, honeysuckles, bromeliads and special dark leaved plants. He had experience at Pershore Horticultural College but now dedicates his time to his own nursery and the Plant Hunters' Fairs where people can buy specialist plants at stalls with their own range and personality, RHS Medalists etc.This makes the perfect gardeners' day out The Nurserymen are skilled, experienced and have full knowledge and enthusiasm. Members were captivated by his amusing talk and seeing the pictures and enjoyed the opportunity to purchase different plants at the end of an interesting evening.

Autumn Show Saturday September 1: Show secretary Robin Saunders was extremely pleased to see a good turnout of many enthusiastic members and villagers on a wet miserable day.The Show brightened up our afternoon..The quality of entries in all sections including vegetable, flowers, fruit, cookery, craft surpassed all expectations. There were 23 exhibitors with 187 Entries. There were some gigantic pumpkins and enormous marrows,the cookery and preserves were a delight and the floral art entries were exquisite.We are so pleased to work in partnership with Astley C.E. School.Their art display in the committee room from each age range was amazing and it was difficult to judge the winners. Show secretary Robin, Nina Saunders and Brenda Knott will go to Astley CE School Assembly on October 21 to present winners certificates.

Rosettes: Best Exhibit Flowers DerekWalker Best exhibit floral art Lyn Hughes; Best exhibit culinary Chris; Russell Best exhibit craft Simon Knott; Best single exhibit fruit and veg Derek Walker; Best in show horticultural Derek Walker; Best in show domestic Lyn Hughes. Cups: Acorns Shield Robin Saunders; Jack Wyn Shield Derek Walker; E Eager Cup Chris Russell; Joss Williams Rose Bowl T Hall. Autumn Show Cup Best Hort. Derek Walker; Best in Show Domestic Shield Lyn Hughes; Caswell Cup 3 tie G Saunders and D Walker J Greenhow Cup 3 shows Derek Walker; Children Under Eleven 3 shows G Frost; Golden Globe Heaviest Onion Derek Walker; Ted Moseley Pumpkin Challenge ( Pumpkin 76" circumference) Simon Knott; Horticultural Novice Shield Roger Russell.

November 16 David Tideswell "Garden Birds Autumn/Winter"; December 14 quiz followed by American supper.