The visit to Pump Cottage in Weatheroak, near Alvechurch, lived up to expectations.

Who could not fall in love with the excess splendour of flowers, trees, trickling water and wild fauna and flora all ending at a magical, romantic setting with the rowing boat waiting to take you gliding into the distance like the ‘Owl and the Pussycat’.

Owner Barry Knee’s repartee and partner Sue Hunstone’s cakes lived up to expectations, making the evening a great success.

The club’s 2013 outings have now finished and the committee is considering 2014. Any ideas for talks or places to visit should be passed on to Olive Mason or Jean Smith.

The autumn programme begins on Wednesday, September 11 with one of the club’s favourite speakers, Reg Moule, talking about ways to make the most of autumn planted bulbs.

On October 9, Dr Tony Hughes makes a return visit to take the audience to Sardinia to show their beautiful spring flowers.

Meetings are held at Chaddesley Corbett Village Hall, with a 7.30pm for 8pm start.