Propagation Masterclass
39 members and 1 visitor attended our June meeting when Chris South came along to give us a talk and demonstration on “Masterclass in Propagation”.
Chris tutors at Elmstead Market and was very knowledgeable and passionate about horticulture. She showed us the best way to sow seeds (most of us sow too many) and a number of cuttings. She also showed us how it was possible to take several cuttings from one leaf of a houseplant. Even the most avid gardener amongst us felt that we learnt a great deal and I’m sure lots of people will now be trying out her ideas.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Our next meeting is on 28th July and is our annual social night. This year’s theme is “Mad Hatters Tea Party”. This is an opportunity for those of you who wish to dress as your favourite character from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ or ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ or please just come and enjoy the evening. There will be Themed Goodies to eat and Drink, Quizzes and of course a Raffle appropriate to the occasion. Have you considered making a ”Mad Hat” to wear to the Party – there’s a thought……………..
Cost to non-members is £5.00 and we would appreciate knowing in advance to assist with catering. Contact numbers are below.
Details of all our meetings and speakers can be found on the diary of the home page of the Winstred 100 website. If you would like further information about P.A.W.S please ring either of the following committee members: Alice Holmes 01206 735510 or Jane Anderson 01206 735505.
The Snow Queen Arrives Soon
42 of us descended on Clarice House Colchester on a wet and windy night for our annual Christmas meal. The setting was very elegant in this lovely old house and James and his staff made us very welcome. There was lots of laughter and chat, with everyone enjoying the chance to relax and talk to other members. The meal was really good with a few minor niggles, but nothing that spoilt our enjoyment. There were two quiz’s with lots of banter as to who had the correct answer and then everyone had a silly present from the lucky dip. All agreed that we had a super evening. Those members who could not attend missed a treat but, hopefully, enjoyed spending their £10 M&S voucher!
Nearly 40 members and 8 visitors came along to our November meeting to meet Angus and his Puppy Walker Marjory Culham. Marjory has worked with 23 dogs on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind and explained how it all works. Guide Dogs for the Blind are the largest dog breeders with 250 brood bitches. Puppies are weaned at six and half weeks old at the centre in Warwickshire before going to their “Puppy Walkers” who will look after them until they are 12/14 months old before they then go on to full training at Woodford Green where the real work begins. She explained how she taught them to be house trained (busy or big busy being the terms used) and learning to respond to their name as well as learning skills like using stairs, lifts, going to church, shopping etc. It was important that the puppies got used to different environments and noises. There is a 70% success rate in the dogs being trained with some not making the grade and being rehomed with other departments or the general public. She herself has a Labrador who wasn’t successful as a Guide Dog. There were lots of questions at the end as everyone was interested in this wonderful charity.