Akeley Parish Council

Our membership for 2007 rose to 66 ( from 52 in 2006) which almost brings us back to our 2004 level of 70 members. Could members continue to encourage their neighbours to join – the discounts at local nurseries alone are worth the membership fee of £2 per year.

Our annual dinner was again held at the Bull & Butcher, which always provides a good meal for village groups. We have booked again for this year for Friday 14^th March and the cost will be £17.50 (the same as 2006 & 2007).

The plant bring & buy was held at the village hall for the first time, this was an enjoyable afternoon as always. Could members please think ahead when planting seeds or propagating, and set some aside for the plant sale. We like to make a donation to a local charity from this event so it’s for a worthwhile cause. Our Charity this year was the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The BBQ was relocated to the Village Hall from John & Christine’s garden as the weather forecast was wet, for once they were right and the rain came just as the last food was being taken off the BBQ. It was still an enjoyable occasion but all agreed it is better in the garden.

The Annual Show was held on 1^st September at the village hall. There were 135 entries (156 in 2006 and 131 in 2005). Considering the weather last year and the fact that some members were on holiday for the day of the show this was a reasonable turn out. This year’s show will be held on Saturday 6th September and we will discuss further details for the show under any other business.

On the afternoon of 20^th October we held our Autumn plant swap at the village hall which, although a very different occasion to our spring plant bring & buy, was still a successful day.

On 25^th November we went to Silverstone Golf Club for a carvery lunch. This was very good value and easy to organise and has become a regular feature on our calendar.

At this point we always ask if anyone would like to join us on the committee. We are very grateful for those who give their time and gardens for our events through the year but it would be nice to see a new face or two at our Committee meetings. This year we met only 3 times.

Sherri Holland

Chairman

VILLAGE SHOW

cAkeley Gardening Club Annual Show

Saturday 5^th September 2009

There were a total of 151 entries this year which was an increase on 2008 even though the weather this year has again been difficult for gardeners.

The judges commented that the standard of exhibits this year was high and we were especially impressed by the men’s chocolate cakes.

We were very disappointed that only one child entered the children’s categories but Emily’s sunflower drawing & pizza were excellent.

Much of the produce was auctioned for us after the show by Mr. Stan Bennett and the profit from the show (£70) was donated to Willen Hospice, our chosen charity for the year.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the show – especially to our judges.

Prize winners were as follows:-

Most entries vegetables Mick Hurdman

Most entries domestic Mary Taylor

Best onions John Hockley

Best tomatoes John Norfield

Best exhibit vegetables Mick Hurdman (leek)

Best exhibit fruit Terry Cavender (apples)

Best flower/foliage collection Tim Earle

Most points vegetables Mick Hurdman

Most points flowers Tim Earle

Most points fruit John Hockley

Most points roses John Hockley

Most points baking & preserves Mary Taylor

Most points in show Mick Hurdman

Best chocolate cake Alan Taylor

The Ivy Land Award for most points in children’s classes was awarded to Emily Cavender .