Our poor president for his lecture on Garden Festivals, had a prolonged struggle with a recalcitrant focus finder, which gave us an unusual type of moving picture.  He won in the end which was fortunate because it was an interesting subject:-

They were the result of a government idea to reclaim waste land and produce parkland and new housing for the areas.  Liverpool, Gateshead, Ebbw Vale, Stoke on Trent and Glasgow were targeted and Brian had been able to visit and photograph 3 of them.  Unfortunately Liverpool and Stoke on Trent have since largely reverted to their original state, but Glasgow has fared better.

Liverpool was an international affair and therefore fairly successful despite the lack of time provided,  Its world wide gardens tended to be rather sparsely furnished but complex pavilions and humorous statues were well worth viewing.

Stoke on Trent provided interesting gardens, such as the Derby Well dressing one and, being built on the old Wedgwood grounds, a fountain of bathroom fittings proved a popular centrepiece. Glasgow, like the rest had to produce a full display from April to October so the carpet bedding, among other lush and exotic plants had to be refurbished during the seasons.

Which reminded our Chairman to jog our memories:-
Our plants need potting up for our annual sale and cake makers would be very welcome to produce extra produce for our Spring Show.

Next Meeting is Monday 10.3.2008 when Keith Pierce will be telling us how to Start a vegetable Garden.