HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: Over 60 members were privileged to listen and meet Julia Scott of The Walled Garden, Worcester, for anyone with the slightest interest in herbs this was a real treat. The biggest compliment to Julia was that no-one wanted her to stop, her talk was so fascinating. She brought dried and fresh herbs for sale along with copies of a book she has written on the use of herbs. The garden is open to the general public and private guided tours for societies, so members know where one of their visits will be next year.

A very deserved vote of thanks was given by Margaret Sloggett, the chairman's wife, who apologised for his absence due to sickness. Rosemary Kimpton, vice-chairman, ran the meeting on his behalf. Mrs Chris Northing ran the monthly competition of five cut narcissi which was won by Mrs Stewart. Schedules and raffle tickets for the annual show to be held on Saturday, August 27 are now available from Ray Fardon, telephone 821087 and secretary Rosemary Russell on 810388.

Next month's meeting will be on May 11 with Joe Meredith giving tips on How To Prepare Vegetables for the Table and Showing, the competition will be a vase of flowers. Names will be taken for the days outing in July. Finally, the date of the Christmas wine and cheese has been changed because of the concert at the Cotswold School. It will now be on December 17, 7.30pm, at the British Legion Hall.