We held our AGM which despite the atrocious weather was well attended. Next year we will need a new Show secretary or even 3 Show secretary's, one for each show. Please speak to a committee member if you would like to discuss what is involved in these positions and 'have a go'. Also we need more people to participate in running the shows and so to build up a team.

Our chairman Denis Holmes reported on a very successful year with a wide range of meetings and membership still growing. Denis will have completed 5 years service in 2009 and will need a successor to chair our very friendly gardening club.

After this we had an informative talk by one of our members John Vellam 'All about Trees.' John was head forester until his retirement at Hamptons He explained that he had grown up on an estate and always amongst trees. Having had several years training he went to Hamptons in his mid twenties. He told us that oaks will only grow in good soil and that timber standing does not get such a good price as the buyer cannot see what is inside. It is therefore important to know which trees to fell. Fencing is also important to keep out rabbits and deer. Roots must be kept moist in a natural growing condition. Once deer have damaged tree bark it is advisable to leave the tree as a decoy for them to return to.

Tubular protection is disappointing as wind and rain blow them out of the ground leaving young saplings vulnerable to rabbits Thinning is most important. Trees are vulnerable to aphides and fungi, trees are marked with paint when damaged to identify them.

Hamptons has 758 acres of woodland. Oak, Ash, Beech and chestnut providing hardwoods. The Scotts pine was introduced to Southern England in 1660. John likened trees to humans.....when young fine and slim. When old bumpy and knobbly!

A very interesting evening especially as it is all happening on our doorstep.

Next meeting 8^th December 2008 when we will have a talk ' The Holly Story.'