Click here for printable version: ODGC newsletter June 2025
ORLETON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB
JUNE 2025 NEWSLETTER
ODGC Newsletter June 2025
THANKS TO:
Nicola and John Richardson for the refreshments this month.
Thanks also to the members now helping to put out and clear away the chairs for the meeting.
THIS MONTH’S SPEAKER:
Catrina Fenton on the “Heritage Seed Library”
Catrina is Manager of the UK’s collection of heritage vegetable seeds and her team is made up of staff and volunteers working at the headquarters in Ryton, Warwickshire, in an organic demonstration garden and out in communities and back gardens across the UK.
28th OCTOBER 2025:
Our booked speaker – Pip Smith – has had to cancel for personal reasons but has agreed to speak in October 2026.
We have been fortunate to find a replacement at short notice – Kevin Alviti.
However, I can’t give you the title of his talk as yet because he says he has probably already given us his full list so will write a new one for us!
VISIT TO FIELD FARM – THURSDAY, 10TH JULY:
The visit is arranged for 10th July, 2025 at 2.30 pm. This visit will be a “make your own travel arrangements” and there is plenty of parking space.
Kim has now sent me the directions for those who have not been before, so I will be writing to those who have booked to check on car sharing spaces and dietary requirements.
The visit consists of a walk / talk tour of the garden followed by tea and cakes in the barn. The cost of the visit is £10 per person.
There is still time to book and please pay via BACS if possible. Click here to view.
LEOMINSTER IN BLOOM – TUESDAY, 8TH JULY:
Leominster in Bloom is holding a talk at Grange Court at 7.00 pm on the 8th July by Tim Shelley from the Haygrove Community Garden project.
Tim will be speaking on ‘Using Green Spaces for Education, Therapy and Community’ — exploring how we can better support those in our community who may feel isolated, and how we can help children connect with nature and learn where their food comes from.
It is free to attend and the bar will be open for refreshments, and they will also be holding a raffle in aid of Eaton Barn Community Garden, a wonderful Echo project supporting people with learning and other disabilities.
WIGMORE VILLAGE SHOW – SATURDAY, 30TH AUGUST:
Are looking for some judges for their annual show to judge fruit, vegetables and flowers and are wondering if any of our members are interested in judging.
Their show is very casual, mostly have beginner sort of growers enter these classes but there are a handful of more experienced competitors. Last year they had around 3-6 entries in classes. This would be a really good opportunity for someone who hasn’t judged before to have a go.
If you are interested, please contact Hannah at wigmoreshow@gmail.com and her phone number 07837 750179.
SEED COMPANIES:
Several years ago, we offered discounts through two seed companies – Marshall and Thompson & Morgan.
T&M stopped their scheme but have made contact to say they are starting a new one. The details seem interesting but, after the initial purchase of £100 net (the same as Marshalls) contact would be direct with a scheme code.
Do enough members use T&M to make it worth my while looking into the new scheme? Please let me know if you are interested.
OUR NEXT MEETING IS OUR AGM – 29th July:
For new members and those with short memories, our procedure is thus: the AGM is held promptly at 7.30 pm, but normally lasts only about half an hour. The remainder of the evening is a shared supper – we all bring food to share, one savoury and one sweet plate, that are put on the central table, plus you bring whatever you would like to drink. Bring your own crockery, cutlery and glasses and remember to put your names on any plates, etc being put on the centre table. The Club supplies bread, butter and cheese and there are supplies available if you wish to make yourself a tea or coffee BUT don’t forget to wash up after yourself!
There have been no suggested amendments to our Constitution or Rules nor any volunteers to join the committee so the formal side shouldn’t take too long.
The 2026 programme is now complete and will be announced although it will be a little time before it will be available on our website.
The Hall will be open from 7.00 pm and help would be appreciated to set up all the tables.
44th ANNUAL SHOW – Saturday 16th August 2025:
The Schedule is available on our website in both booklet Click here and A4 version Click here
When looking at the schedule and thinking of what you can enter, please remember we have all had the same growing conditions this year and remember what our Vegetable judge – David Griffiths – always says “don’t prejudge your entries, it is his job to do the judging”.
If every member puts in at least a couple of entries, it will make for a successful show.
Jane and her band of helpers have everything under control for a very successful show.
Monica
