GARDENING CLUB: On a glorious July evening, 24 members were guests of The Heart of England Vineyard at Welford-on-Avon.

The evening started with a glass of home produced sparkling Bolingbroke white wine. Members were welcomed to the Vineyard by Meriel Stanley who took them on a short tour of the vineyard, pointing out the distinguishing features of the nine different vines which are grown there.

The vineyard was created in 1994 and was the brain child of Miriam's husband, David, a physicist.

Sadly, David died earlier this year and Meriel decided to sell. However, the farmer next door had said he would be happy to take over the vines and she decided to stay. Such is the closeness of the fraternity of vine growers that they had shown up in force, back in the spring, to prune her 2,500 vines for her, all in one day.

Members were impressed with their evening at the vineyard and with the professional and knowledgeable guide. It was a memorable evening well spent.