A good number of members and visitors attended the February meeting when local historian, Sue Virgin, spoke about Upwey as it used to be. Upwey was an almost self-sufficient village with all the shops needed for everyday life. We were shown photographs of ‘then and now’ buildings with most commercial premises now converted to housing.

Our next meeting will be on March 7th when Bryan Madders will speak about ‘Dahlias for Pleasure’.

Our Spring Show takes place on March 16th in the Memorial Hall, Victoria Avenue, Upwey. There are classes in horticulture, cookery, flower arranging, handicrafts and photography. There is also a children’s section. All classes open to all. Full details can be found via the ‘shows’ link.

Daffodils in last year’s show

A new year and time to think of what to grow in the coming seasons. Remember to sow a few more seeds or take a few extra cuttings to grow on for our plant sale in May.

Our first meeting of the year takes place on February 1st at St. Nicholas and St. Laurence school at 7.30pm. This will be an illustrated talk by local historian, Sue Virgin, entitled “Upwey – A Walk Down Memory Lane”.

This promises to be very interesting, showing Upwey past and present. There have been many changes over the years with new housing and the loss of several shops and businesses.

Open to all, visitors pay £2 while members are free as usual.

We hope you have planted your bulbs in readiness for our Spring Show on March 16th.

Our November meeting was a real treat. The members who braved the weather were very well rewarded. Steve Groves, the Swanherd at Abbotsbury, gave us a really interesting talk on the swannery. He explained all about the swans and how they are looked after. Having worked at the swannery since 1989, he had a vast amount of knowledge. His talk was enhanced by some wonderful slides, including the birds, some rare, who have visited over the years. The whole talk was delivered without any notes, clearly a man who loves his job.

Our next event is the Christmas meal and quiz on December 7th. Members who wish to attend should book a place by ringing 813942 or emailing join@budhs.org.uk

Trophies won at the DFHS Show

Talks at other societies that are open to our members.

November 8th at 7pm Wyke Regis H.S. Rylands Lane. A history of Athelhampton House by the estates manager and the head gardener. £10 entry

Stourton Caundle H.S. 7pm at the Village Hall Trees for the Small Garden by Andy McIndoe, formerly of Hilliers Nurseries. £5 entry.

November 25th at 2.30pm at Colehill Village Hall. Dorset Hardy Plant Society Celebrity Speaker Developing the World Garden by Tom Hart-Dyke. Ring 07468 853009 to book a ticket.£10

December 2nd  2pm at Morden Village Hall. Nerines in the Garden by Bob Brown of Cotswold Garden Flowers. £5 entry.

Upcoming Events;

15th October  P&M Read, the local florists are celebrating 40 years in business. To mark the event there will be a Charity Bake-Off at the Memorial Hall, Upwey, including stalls run by local craftspeople. Refreshments, comprising teas and home-made cake, will be provided by our Society. Entry forms for the Bake-Off are still available from Read’s shop. The event is open to the public from 2pm.

All profits will go to ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ in memory of Peter Read.

2nd November  Steve Groves will give us a talk entitled ‘All About Abbotsbury Swannery’. This promises to be a very interesting insight into the management of the swannery as Steve has been involved for many years. 7.30pm at St. Nicholas at St. Laurence School. 

Our A.G.M. with Harvest Supper was held on 5th October.                                           The current officers were all re-elected. Colin and Sheila Seal stood down as Committee members due to ill health after many years of valuable service. All present signed a thank you card and a bouquet was taken to them the next day.

Those present enjoyed their ploughman’s supper followed by home-made apple cake.

On September 17th The Dorset Federation held their inter-society show.  A few members travelled up to Tarrant Keynestone with exhibits representing our Society. We did very well, winning four trophies. Best Vegetable Exhibit, Best Cactus, Best Home-made Spirit and Best Exhibit in the Domestic Classes.

There will be a display of the trophies at the November meeting.

Mark Read’s French Beans

Cactus Collection

Gardener’s Lunch Box

Ros and Terry’s Sloe Gin