We had a useful and convivial evening last month.  We renewed our lordly-priced subscriptions of £5.00 for 12 lectures, 3 shows, comprehensive discounts at local establishments and many other assorted benefits. Not least among those are the combined knowledge of enthusiastic gardeners who are all happy to share their acquired wisdom with any one with a problem and who hasn't one.  We are a very friendly and helpful lot!  In fact the evening ended with a slightly more formal question time involving Kim Budge, Keith Pierce and Brian Bond, all of whom have their specialist interests.

Prior to that we had an extremely unusual experience - that of a gentleman encouraging his wife to talk! Namely our chairman Denis Holmes persuading his wife Susan, a world renowned lecturer on euphorbias to deliver a mini  lecture on her varied subject. There are 2,000 in the genus, from minute weeds and tiny mounds of green to 90 foot trees and cacti-like plants of fiercesome spines and thorns.

This was followed by our forester member of much experience, John Vellam who noted the change in our landscapes caused by trees. Nowadays we have the increase in plantations and coppiced woodlands  whereas in the last century we have experienced the destruction caused by Dutch elm disease, the drought and fires of 1976, the hurricane of 1987 and the loss of many ancient beeches to bark disease, such as that presently affecting chestnuts. So far the oak survives ...just.

Next meeting 9^th February when Mr D Miller will be talking on Floriade 2002 and Keukenhof

We should like to draw the attention of all Springfield Surgery's patients to the fact that there is now a Suggestions Box in place at the Surgery. This gives a chance for patients to make any constructive and helpful comments, (anonymously if preferred), on the running of the Practice. You do not need to have an appointment; comments can be made at any time. You will find the Box, with paper and pen, near the magazine table in the Waiting Room.