EATON BISHOP GARDENING CLUB
November Report.
Following on from our visit in July, to Nant y Bedd, the garden of Sue and Ian Mabberley at Forest Coal Pitt in the heart of the Black Mountains, Sue paid us a visit for our Meeting at Gardening Club in September, to give a talk on “Rewilding your Garden”.
This is very much the latest innovation in respect of gardening matters, but it would be difficult to find any one covering the subject as well as Sue Mabberley.
Over the years, like much of Europe, Britain’s landscapes have been drastically changed, denuded and degraded, rivers and streams rerouted and polluted, mainly to benefit a growing population, agriculture and the production of food.
As gardeners there is very much an opportunity to engage in rewilding by creating a wildlife friendly garden, stop using fertilizers and pesticides, choosing the right plants, selecting the best seed and choosing insect friendly plants.
Sue works very much with and not against nature, giving much thought to what grows best in her own environment.
The garden at Nant y Bedd is 1200feet up, in a valley in the Black Mountains, with short growing seasons, high rainfall, slightly acidic, free draining soil, surrounded by the shade of huge conifers – quite a challenge.
Sue very much encourages self-seeding plants and pollinators, attracting bees and insects and plants that require very little maintenance. Also, she has introduced “woodpiles”, set up wildlife corridors, introduced a swimming pond and very much creates her own compost.
Nant y Bedd is certainly a garden to visit to get some useful ideas on “Rewilding” and was recently featured on Television on More4’s series about National Parks with presenter Caroline Quentin, when she visited the Brecon Beacons National Park, in Wales.
Also, in September Members of Gardening Club were invited to attend the Herefordshire Growing Point Autumn Show at their headquarters at Headway House at Credenhill, Hereford.
Earlier in the year Julian Reeves, their Charity Manager visited Gardening Club to explain the work carried out by Herefordshire Growing Point.
This is where disabled and vulnerable people of all ages are introduced to gardening and get the benefits of Social and Horticultural Therapy.
Being outside amongst plants and carrying out gardening activities with others has been shown to improve mental and physical health, build confidence and make people happier.
Their sessions usually start in March, with activities to get the garden going, with seed sowing and bulb planting, getting beds ready and making things for the garden. There’s often repairs, maintenance and woodwork to do as well.
As the year progresses, the gardeners look after their vegetables and flowers and plan their Exhibits for the Autumn Show, which this year was held on the 28th September
A small group of us from Gardening Club attended the Show, in the afternoon, when the Gardens and Exhibits had been judged, this year by the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, who was also on hand to present the prizes.
Hereford Ukulele Group also provided entertainment during the afternoon, with tea/coffee and delightful homemade cakes being served.
It was most worthwhile to see what the tutors and volunteers had been able to achieve working with these most vulnerable people of all ages, with the Exhibits on display being of a very high standard.
In October we will be holding our Annual General Meeting followed by a Wine and Cheese Social.
A full Report on the Evenings activities will be given in the next edition of Tracking the News along with our Programme of Events for the coming year.
For our Gardening Club Meeting on Wednesday 22nd November, we are looking to welcome Rowan Griffiths, one of the dedicated team of gardeners based at the Hergest Croft Gardens at Kington, who will be talking on Hergest Croft’s collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Hergest Croft are quite rightly, very proud of their Rhododendron and Azalea collection and Rowan will also be giving hints and advice on their cultivation and maintenance.
The Meeting will commence at 7.30pm, visitors and guests are most welcome to attend.
Eaton Bishop Gardening Club.
Report for October 2023
VILLAGE SHOW
The Village Show, organised by the Village Hall Committee and ably assisted by Gardening Club Members, was held on Sunday 20th August in the Village Hall at Eaton Bishop.
Once again, we were very pleased with the participation from Exhibitors for the Show and this year we had in excess of 300 Exhibits plus an increased number of Exhibits in the Children’s Classes, with all Classes, in all Sections of the Show, being well supported.
We were pleased once again, to have the support from our colleagues at Allensmore Allotments, whose knowledge and expertise in growing vegetables is first class.
We were well supported in the Craft and Domestic Classes at the Show and again the standard of Exhibits was high.
This year we were rather pleased with the support in the Children's Classes, as this has been rather sparse over the past few years. Speaking with the Children taking part and their parents, once they do actually get involved, they find it quite enjoyable
There was a good response from people to view the Exhibits and there was certainly a good atmosphere and “buzz” in the Village Hall during the afternoon.
Tim Coleman, the Chairman of the Village Hall Committee, thanked all the willing group of helpers for staging another successful event. He also thanked those who supported the Show as Judges, Stewards, Exhibitors and Visitors and also our generous Sponsors for again making the day successful.
This was followed by the Prize Giving, which was handled by Charlotte Marshall, the Show events Secretary for Eaton Bishop Gardening Club
Following the Prize Giving, surplus produce and flowers were sold off, with proceeds going to Village Hall Funds
Our sponsors supported us very well again this year and we had some fabulous prizes in our Show Raffle.
Once again, we are pleased that we had another successful Show, enjoyed by Exhibitors and Visitors alike.
We feel that “Village Shows” are part of our “Heritage” and Eaton Bishop are making every effort to ensure they continue.
VILLAGE SHOW 2023
Cup and Trophy Winners
Stan and Margaret Memorial Cup for “Overall Show Winner”,
with highest total points – Steve Wall 94points:
Runners Up – Billy Warren 65points:
Charlotte Marshall 30points.
Vegetable Classes – First Steve Wall – 84points: 2nd Billy Warren – 52points:
3rd Colin Morgan – 9 points.
Flower Classes – First Tim Coleman -13points: 2nd Chris Morris 12points:
Joint 3rd Steve Wall and Billy Warren 10points.
Handicraft Classes – First Jenny Crisp – 16points: 2nd Evelyn Corcoron 10points:
3rd Chris Morris 9points.
Flower Craft Classes – First Meryl Cain – 12points: 2nd Janice Goy 6points:
Joint 3rd Billy Warren, Chris Morris, Annette Morris
all with 3points.
Photographic Classes – First Clive Longbottom – 7points: 2nd Mike Sumner 6points:
3rd Janice Goy 5points.
Domestic Classes – First Charlotte Marshall - 25points: 2nd Christine Slade – 15 points
3rd Janice Goy 10points.
Top Vase Competition – First Chris Morris: 2nd Billy Warren.
Top Tray Competition – First Billy Warren: 2nd Steve Wall: 3rd Colin Morgan.
Award for “Best in Show” – Jenny Crisp for a “Domino” knitted waist-coat,
exhibited in the Craft Section of the Show.
Children Under 7 years – First Oliva Barnet 6points:2nd Joel Virgo 4points:
3rd Rex Gardiner 3points.
Children 8years to 12 years – Joint First Sophie Chester and Fin Virgo – 8points:
2nd Sophie Storey 7points.
Children 13 years to 16 years – No Entries.
SHOW SPONSORS:
THE COMET INN: CLEHONGER VILLAGE STORES: LOCKS GARAGE: ALLENSMORE NURSERIES: MADLEY PLANTS: TESCO BELMONT.
Many thanks for your generous support.
VILLAGE SHOW 2024
Following on from our Show this year we have arranged a special evening in February next year, for the benefit of people who are new to Exhibiting at the Village Show and those still contemplating taking part.
One of the official Royal Horticultural Show judges for Vegetables, Fruit and Flowers will be present, to give advice on how best to prepare and present your Exhibits for the Show.
Also present will be members of a local “Craft Group” to give advice on presenting Craft Items for the Show. We will also have a local qualified Domestic Science instructor to talk about exhibiting Cookery Items, Jams, Preserves and Chutney.
This event will be well advertised locally and, on the Internet, will be Free to Enter with Refreshments provided.
The Village Hall Committee and Eaton Bishop Gardening Club are hoping that by holding this event, we will encourage even more people locally, to take part in the Annual Village Show.
In October we will be holding our Annual General Meeting followed by a Wine and Cheese Social.
This will be on Wednesday 18th October at Eaton Bishop Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm.
News and Events for the Eaton Camp Historical Society
Will be published here
EATON BISHOP VILLAGE SHOW
SUNDAY 20th AUGUST
EATON BISHOP VILLAGE HALL
This month, we set out below points that need to be considered for those entering the “Cookery and Preserves Section” of the Show:
Baking.
Judges are looking for:
External appearance…..colour, shape and uniformity.
Internal appearance…..texture and even distribution of ingredients.
Flavour….. flavour and aroma. Must be good to eat.
- First impressions count, so arrange neatly on plate.
- Cover with cling film to keep clean and hygienic.
- Cakes should be well risen, of a good shape and a moist fluffy texture.
- No large air holes when cut open.
- Cakes should have a flat or slightly rounded top. Slight cracking on the top is acceptable.
- Wire rack lines should not be visible.
Always read the Schedule carefully, check weight, size or number.
Chose a suitable plate.
Give yourself time to set up
Jam Chutney and Pickle.
Judges are looking for:
External standard…..container, cover, label and appearance.
Internal standard…..colour, clarity, flavour, consistency, texture of fruit or vegetable.
- Should be in a 375 ml or 1lb clear glass jar filled to within 1cm of the top.
- There should be no air bubbles or Scum.
- Labels should show main fruit or vegetable, with the day, month and year of making.
- Labels should be straight between the seams of the jar.
- Chutney and pickle should be 2-3 months old, to allow flavour to mature.
- Preserves should be covered with a wax disc.
Marmalade.
- Any peel should be tender and evenly cut.
- Colour should be bright.
- Consistency should not be too runny or too firm.
- No air bubbles or scum.
- Slightly bitter flavour.