The A,G,M, proved to be a pleasant informal occasion. There were many apologies for absence.  Well it was a nasty cold evening! The minutes of the last A,G,M, were rapidly passed and the mystery of the disappearing notice boards aired and settled.

Denis Holmes, our retiring Chairman gave his final report of another successful year of increasing membership, profitable plant sales and raffles, though the well attended shows always deliver a loss financially.  Retiring officials were thanked and plans delivered for 2010.

Joanna Manches' report was read, the Secretary pointing out our continued appreciation to the elders of the URC for the use of their comfortable premises, together with reports of well attended and interesting lectures and popular visits during the year.

Then Diana Terry, Show Secretary, reported on our colourful and well stocked shows, where vegetables excelled, whilst remarking that it would be nice to have more entries in the flower arrangement section.  She also praised her team of helpers and stewards for their hard work.

The retiring Treasurer, Jennifer Hearne, was unable to attend, but the financial distributed  and audited accounts were happily accepted and passed by the meeting.

We then progressed to the well merited installation of Brian Deaville, our president, as a life member.  He has been a rock and stay for 43 years!

Then came the sad departure of Denis from his position, but as he was re elected as treasurer we shall still have him around. Richard Terry was inaugurated as Chairman. Diane Balchin was thanked for her hard work on the committee, with special regard to refreshments, on her standing down, and Peggy Tilly was voted on in her place, so welcome to all new officials.

There followed a brief discussion about the presence of other nurseries at our annual plant sale and whether donators of plants should be financially rewarded.

Next our raffle and shuffle! The latter being the changeover to our question time team, namely Keith Pierce, our vegetable guru, *Hugh Searle, a new member and owner of an incredible number of allotments, Brian Deaville, master of innumerable specialities, and Denis, to keep them all in order. This talented team caught questions and hurled back answers on topics varying from the way to treat a newly acquired allotment to the sensibilities of out-of-their-depth water lilies. Volleys sizzled, we supped  and dispersed, saying farewell but all looking forward to another good year of involvement.

Next meeting 14^th December, when Mr P Paulding will speak on Streptocarpus Gloxinias and African Violets

Peggy and I would like to convey our thanks to everyone who sent cards and messages of sympathy, following the passing of my Mother Eileen Tilly. They have been a great comfort to us.