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THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY 2023
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Tonight's GARDEN CLUB AGM has been cancelled due to the icy conditions. Please note a new date has been arranged for FRIDAY 27th JANUARY.
Apologies for the inconvenience but we have to put safety first.
We very much hope you can make it on the 27th.
Andrew Dean
Chairman
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May 2022
Dear members
Please read this email carefully as it contains some very IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Unfortunately the visit to the Anderson's garden on Thursday 19th May has been cancelled due to Covid concerns.
Also the Social event which was planned for Saturday June 18th at the Parish Hall has been cancelled as it closely follows the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations. An informal visit to a garden could be arranged for those who would still like to have a Saturday out.
An IMPORTANT new date for your diary is Thursday 16th June when an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) is being held at the Parish Hall at 7.30pm. This has been called by the committee to decide the future of the Garden Club due to the decision by the current Officers and Committee to step down at the end of 2022. They feel it is time for a new direction and fresh ideas for the club.
Members will be asked to decide and vote (following the Garden Club Constitution rules) on 2 options;
1) To take the club forward in it's current form with a new team of Officers and committee.
2) To dissolve the club at the end of 2022 with the possibility of creating a more informal group (without a constitution or membership fees) which could continue to hold shows and have group activities such as garden visits.
Your views, ideas and questions are welcome at the meeting and if you are unable to attend please email, write or call the Chairman. It would be helpful to receive your intention to attend in person by return email.
We look forward to seeing you all
Andrew Dean
Chairman
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APRIL 2022
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Dear Member
This Thursday 21st April the Garden Club meeting at the Parish Hall is a much anticipated talk by David Usher about the Restoration of Hestercombe Gardens. The talk starts at 7.30pm so please come early to get your seat and refreshments!
Non members are very welcome for a donation of £2.
There will be a bring & buy stall where you can purchase biodegradable oasis for floral art at £1.25 per block; plus other items.
ALSO please come and get your geranium plants for the Summer Show 'Gardener's Challenge' where every member is invited to enter the same variety of plant grown on from a plug size specimen. They will be 25p each.
Huge congratulations to the team who put on a splendid Spring Show this year and many, many thanks to the volunteers who stepped in to help when the Chairman and Assistant Show Secretary both caught Covid and were unable to even turn up let alone help with any of the setting up! Well done everyone!
Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday,
Andrew Dean
Chairman
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February 2022
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Dear Garden Club Member
Our February Garden Club Meeting is this Thursday 17th Feb in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm.
We will be chatting about the upcoming Spring Show which has not been held for 2 years due to Covid. We probably need a reminder of what it entails, and the opportunities to have a go at exhibiting what we have in our gardens at this time of year. It will be a chance for members (and guests) to ask questions and find out how to get involved.
At the January meeting it was suggested the club might like to think about being ‘greener’ and the subject of using a biodegradable oasis for Floral Art was discussed. We have ordered a supply of this product and it will be available to purchase at Thursday’s meeting at £1.25 a block.
Non members are welcome and will have the chance to join the club. Refreshments will be available.
We look forward to seeing you!
Andrew Dean
Chairman
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January 2022
Dear Garden Club Member
At last the Garden Club is about to start after two years suspension. We will be holding out first meeting which will be our AGM on Thursday January 20th at 7.30pm in Cheriton Fitzpaine Parish Hall. We will be having a ‘bring and share’ pudding night with refreshments available (free).
Please, if you are attending, follow Covid rules which are; a mask to be worn at all times unless seated and eating or drinking; hand sanitisers will be available, and social distance wherever possible. Windows will be open so please wear appropriate clothing.
The new 2022 programme and Show Schedules will be available at the meeting.
Thank you for your patience and understanding over the last two years whilst we were unable to run club activities due to Covid restrictions. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kind Regards
Andrew Dean
Chairman
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The Christmas catalogue is available now for Christmas cards, gardening gifts and more....
The details of how to obtain a copy or to view it online are at the bottom of this letter.
February 2021
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Hello all
Our Treasurer Dee Marshall has completed the Garden Club Accounts which have been signed off and are available for you to see in her attached report.
It is unfortunate, but understandable, that the club has not been able to recoup expenses due to Covid, but the Committee and I will be working hard to organise events and meetings as soon as we have the green light to go ahead. In the meantime stay safe...we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Andrew Dean, Chairman.
Good evening all
In the absence of being able to hold an AGM, I thought that I should report to the membership by email and so I am attaching our financial statement for the year ending 31 October 2020, which John Wilson was kind enough to scrutinise for us.
The accounts are pretty self explanatory I think but if members have any questions then do please feel free to ask. My email address is dee@thelinhay.net.
I am sure it will come as no surprise to anyone at all that we sustained a loss of £461.41. Essentially a large part of this is down to the fact that we had invested a reasonable sum in the Spring Exhibition and of course this needed to be cancelled very late in the day. This expense will not go to waste however and it just means that we will not have this level of outlay ahead of our next show, whenever that maybe!
I don’t know about anybody else but, with the vaccine program being rolled out, the slightly longer days and approach of spring, I feel that there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope that it is not too long until we can all get together once more.
I hope that everyone is keeping safe and well and very much look forward to seeing you all again one day soon!
With very best wishes
Dee Marshall
Treasurer
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December 2020
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Hello Garden Club members past and present.
It is time to update you all on what is going on (or not) with the club as it has been a long time since the last email.
Regrettably, the club can not hold any activities or meetings with Covid-19 still so prevalent for the foreseeable future, and new, tighter restrictions being put in place. I, the Chairman and the Committee have decided not to plan next year's programme as it is not possible to organise anything when there is so much uncertainty ahead. The Spring Show will NOT go ahead in 2021.
With regard to the AGM, which cannot be held for the same reason, the Committee has decided that all the Garden Club Officers will remain in their current positions until such time as an AGM can safely be held and voting can take place. They have not found anything in the Garden Club Constitution which sets out guidance or precedence for our current situation, so I have, with the agreement of the Committee made the decision to set aside the Constitution until normality returns and it can be reinstated.
Membership fees which have already been paid for 2020 will be carried over to whatever time the club restarts but if you have paid for this year and would like to have your membership fee returned please contact us to arrange for this to be done.
It remains for the Committee and I, to wish all of you a safe and healthy winter, and hope you have a Happy Christmas. We all long for the present situation to end and get back to normal life, not least so that our great club can get busy again and we can meet up as we used to! In the meantime we look forward to seeing you all sometime in the new year....we are off to look at seed catalogues and start planning for the new season!
Take care and stay safe,
Andrew Dean, Chair
Sent to the Crediton Courier....
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CHERITON FITZPAINE GARDEN CLUB PRESENTATION
Cheriton Fitzpaine Garden Club is saying farewell to two of it’s most avid members who are moving to pastures new in Ireland.
Paula and Charles Mossman have been keen members of the club for 13 years, and Paula was Chairman for 4 years helping to modernise the club and encourage new membership.
One of the highlights of her Chairmanship was the Big Birthday Bash held in 2016 for the Garden Club’s 90th Anniversary. It provided a wonderful day of free entertainment for the whole village including a talk by the BBC presenter Toby Buckland along with refreshments, live music for all ages, and many children’s activities. Paula secured funding from the National Lottery Awards For All fund which paid for much of the day’s events. Another application for funding by Paula provided the club with much needed new tables for the two annual shows the club has become renowned for, and pots and compost for the Primary School Potato Competition which has been run by the club for many years to encourage young children to ‘grow their own’.
Their beautifully kept garden has provided many prize winning flowers and vegetables for the Garden Club Shows and hosted social events for club members. Charles has impressed the Floral Art judges with his beautiful displays, and they have both won many of the trophies presented for best entries at the shows.
Current Chairman Andrew Dean presented Paula and Charles with a photo album containing many of the club’s activities and involvement in the community which they took part in.
Andrew said “The club is grateful for the hard work and eager participation of Paula and Charles who will be sadly missed especially for their wonderful show exhibits which made for keen competition and kept the standard very high. We wish them both the best of luck and much happiness in their new home”. Paula and Charles thanked the club for such a thoughtful gift.
Unfortunately the Garden Club has had to suspend all activities this year due to Coronavirus but hope to be able to resume in 2021. Information can be found on the website at www.cheritonfitzpainegardenclub.com
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NEWSLETTER SENT OUT 25TH MARCH 2020
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Hello all
I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe.
SUMMER SHOW
It is with great sadness that I have to announce the cancellation of the Summer Show along with all club activities until further notice. It has been a difficult decision but with so much planning and organising to be done in advance along with the uncertainty of the Covid19 situation I felt it only fair to let you all know well in advance. Along with the committee I will keep things under review and would hope that we will be able to restart in the autumn if we can.
With that in mind we are planning to have a Garden Club party later in the year for all members, everyone on the email address, and partners, courtesy of the club, to celebrate being free to gather together again and hopefully make up for a year in which all our activities were cancelled.
MEMBERSHIP
All paid-up members for 2020 will have the option of letting their membership fee carry over to 2021 in lieu of having nothing in return this year, or if you would prefer, have a refund. If you have not yet paid for membership (we are not accepting any more payments in 2020) and we are able to have any meetings later in the year we would ask for the usual £2 donation as a visitor.
SPEAKERS
The speakers we had booked for this year's programme have agreed to come next year so we will not miss out and it will be something to look forward to!
Please all stay safe and enjoy your gardens when you can...gardening is good for body and mind!
Our website will be updated with any news www.cheritonfitzpainegardenclub.com
Best wishes to you all
Andrew Dean
Chairman
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NEWSLETTER SENT OUT 15TH MARCH 2020
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As you are all aware the Corona virus is causing disruption in all aspects of our lives at the moment. We are having to consider the situation with regards to social contact and, of course, events such as ours in the Garden Club.
It is with enormous regret that I have had to make the difficult decision to cancel all club events until further notice. There is also the possibility the Parish Hall may be closed for events such as ours in the near future.
The following events will NOT take place;
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The talk on pruning on Thursday 19th March
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The Spring Show on Friday 27th/ Saturday 28th March
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The talk on Hestercombe Gardens on Thursday 16th April
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Helping with the Potato Competition at the School on Tuesday 24th March
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The committee will be constantly reviewing the situation and very much hope that the Garden Club programme will recommence as soon as possible. We will keep you up to date on the club website at www.cheritonfitzpainegardenclub.com
Public safety is our absolute priority and although we are bitterly disappointed to have to take this course of action we hope you will understand the importance of taking the necessary precautions and following Government guidance in the fight against the spread of the virus.
We hope you will all stay safe and healthy, and hope to see life return to normal very soon.
Andrew Dean, Chairman
Cheriton Fitzpaine Garden Club Committee
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NEWSLETTER SENT OUT 11th MARCH 2020
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Hello All!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
As we are all aware there is a great deal of concern about Corona Virus and Cheriton Fitzpaine Garden Club committee are monitoring government guidelines closely. As things stand at this moment the club is planning to continue with the programme but please be be prepared for last minute changes or cancellation of events if the situation changes.
THURSDAY 19th MARCH 7.30pm Parish Hall
A talk is being given by the Head Gardener of Knightshayes on pruning.
Non-members are welcome (£2 donation).
An opportunity to pay for your membership if you have not yet done so. New members are also very welcome! (£12 per adult £6 per child).
OR pay by BACS online : Payee is Cheriton Fitzpaine Garden Club ; bank code 40-44-18 ; account number 61518445
SATURDAY 28th MARCH SPRING SHOW
The Garden Club Spring Show is open to members (and non-members in some categories) so please have a good look at the show schedule! Printed copies are available if you need one, or go to our newly UPDATED WEBSITE where you will find all the information you need and printable PDF copies can be downloaded. To get on the website please DO NOT ask Google but just put in www.cheritonfitzpainegardenclub.com as your search.
Entry forms must be in by 10pm on the Tuesday before the show (24th March).
We need volunteers to help with setting up on the Friday afternoon 27th March from 4pm, help on the day with selling raffle tickets, serving teas, clearing away after the show, and some cakes for the afternoon teas. If you are able to give a little of your time to help please email Jeannine Rundle on jeanninerundle1@gmail.com and let her know what you are able to help with.
If you have any spare plants we would love to have them for the plant stall.
Most importantly we need entries at the show so PLEASE have a go! There is no charge to enter. NB. You have to be a paid up member to enter Floral Art classes 10-15.
POTATO COMPETITION at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School.
On Tuesday 24th March at 11am the primary school children will be looking forward to planting their potatoes provided by the Garden Club ready to grow on and hopefully win the trophy (kindly donated by Jean Carr) in the Potato Competition. Club members are invited to help on the day (please bring a trowel, gardening gloves, and possibly a wheelbarrow if you are able). It is a team effort headed up by Jo Anderson. If you are able to come and help or have any questions please contact Jo by email jonander43@outlook.com
. If you need any further information about any aspect of the club please contact Andrew Dean, Chairman by email andycardean@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07970245350.
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NEWSLETTER SENT OUT 27th JANUARY 2020
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Happy New Year everyone! Welcome to a new year of Garden Club events and activities.
We kick off this year with our first meeting on Thursday 20th February at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. It is a workshop on how to make paper flowers, in particular poppies which are relevant to the 75th anniversary of VE Day, and can be used in one of the Floral Art classes in the Spring Show.
The cost to members and non-members is £4, and there will be a bar and tea and coffee available. Please book your place by contacting Deano on 07970245350 or 01363 866976 or by email andycardean@hotmail.co.uk
The 2020 programme and Show Schedules are now available and will be at the February meeting or contact Deano for more information.
If you wish to renew your club membership or become a new member for 2020 subscriptions are due now at £12 for the year. This can be paid in cash at the February meeting (Dee will be there to collect payments) or if you bank online you can pay direct to the club bank account; Payee is Cheriton Fitzpaine Garden Club bank code 40-44-18 account number 61518445
SPRING SHOW 2020 SATURDAY 28th MARCH
Please put the date in your diary!! Show schedules are available now and as always there are classes for members and non-members, adults and children.
Photography, cookery, crafts, Spring flowers, and Floral Art.
We will need help with setting up on the Friday 27th, and help on the day. If lots of people can spare even a little time the Show team will be really grateful.
PLEASE have a go and enter something...all classes are free to enter! It is all about creating a fantastic display for everyone to enjoy and having fun!
We look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy all the Garden Club has to offer in 2020!