As usual Mr Holmes told us of local meetings which could be relevant this month, followed by the pertinent information regarding Secretts' evening, which will be from 6.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. on Wednesday 18^th November.  This is always a happy and friendly occasion, during which we meet friends over a complimentary coffee, have a fabulous 15% off our purchases and depart with a gift!

We then embarked, with Mr Yates of Merrist Wood, upon a journey through the history of the cottage garden, starting with the tiny piece of land allocated to the cottar, whose slave like status was useful to the over lord in Saxon times.

By the Elizabethan period cottagers were likely, besides a pig or bees, to have in their gardens cabbages, plants to treat ailments and herbs to conceal the rancid taste of meat which was off.  The housewife would plant and care for the produce, often cutting strewing plants to smell nice in the floor and discourage fleas. 20 salad varieties were then available.

The industrious French and Flemish refugees of 17^th century imported the idea of  'showing societies'. They planted unusual varieties of primulas, for example, in pots which they could carry round in cases and display. This idea became popular and men gathered in ale houses to drink and discuss their hybrids.

In the 18^th century hovels were considered picturesque and there was a debate between landlords as to whether to build pretty cottages and encourage little flower gardens, or to take the broad vista way of Kent and Capability Brown.  It was thought advisable to give tenants sufficient land on which to grow enough food so that families would be strong and healthy and useful.

In Victorian times magazines about gardening were printed and people became very interested in the details of rare and exotic species.  These were displayed as book illustrations, painted in unbelievable detail to hang on walls or even used to decorate crockery.

Finally we were shown slides of these intricate specimens, and bade an applauding farewell to our lecturer.  Sadly, then, Mr Jones reported to us the hospitalisation of our dear Dorothy Eade in Haslemere.  And after the raffle and refreshments we departed, thoughtfully, home.

Next meeting Monday 9^th November 2009 which will be the A.G.M.

The Cinema has got off to an encouraging start for the new season, with good response in audience numbers for both Australia and Slumdog Millionaire. Our next film will be Easy Virtue (Cert PG) starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Jessica Biel, and Colin Firth.  Based on a play by Noel Coward, it tells the story about a young Englishman who marries a glamorous American.  When she arrives she causes utter havoc to their staid English household.  The film will be shown on Friday 13^th November at 7.30 pm.  Tickets will be available from Batchelors Newsagents from 30^th October.  We look forward to seeing you there.