Astley Horticultural Society (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Astley Horticultural Society

9:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Astley

Vic Powell will take over from Michael Ecob as president following the AGM.

Mr Ecob is stepping down to move nearer to his family.

The existing committee agreed to stand again.

Chairman Derek Walker thanked the committee for all their hard work and gave his review of 2011. He was pleased to welcome new members and pointed out the highlights of the year including group visits, annual holiday to Norfolk, shows, Astley Open Gardens and social events.

He thanked Ann and John Guest for their donations of new shields for Junior and Senior Novice and an award for children. Thanks also went to Margaret Cook for her award for floral art.

Treasurer Mike Hughes, who had prepared copies of the accounts, said that due to rising costs members would need to pay extra in future for tickets for social events.

Social secretary Chris Russell spoke about the plans for the holiday to Sidmouth at the end of July and later showed slides of last year’s visit to Norfolk.

At the end of the evening there was a very special presentation.

Derek Walker praised Michael Ecob for his past endeavour and support.

Not only did he introduce the Open Gardens and summer socials to Astley, Michael was always a strong exhibitor in many local shows, gave talks to many societies, acted as quiz master, helped organise the centenary celebrations in 2005 and produced prize-winning roses and the heaviest crop of potatoes.

Michael is a well-known horticulturalist and has also encouraged others to enter the competitions, given advice to everyone, collected for Parkinsons and above all was always smiling even during adversity.

Derek presented Michael with a wonderful bronze hare for his new garden as a reminder of happy days in the village.

The next meeting on Wednesday, February 15 will be ‘An evening with Reg Moule and Paul Cook’ at the Village Hall.