Well, sorry for the delay in uploading this ‘blog’, but we’ve been trying to reinstate our home after the ‘never to be forgotten’ awful storm which occurred here in the village on Tuesday 23 July. So, moving on, what a show, the sun shone, the crowds came and created a wonderful village atmosphere which we hope was enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you to all those people who made the show a success by participating in some way and coming along to relax, see the entertainment on show and even join the continuous queues for ice cream!

The marquee looked and smelled fabulous. The young people excelled themselves again, with imaginative and creative entries. Our handicrafts section demonstrated people’s skills and talents. The photographic section, growing in entries each year was as popular as ever. In fact the village hall seemed to be full of chatter all afternoon as visitors enjoyed teas, cobs and homemade cakes. We also had a ‘hog roast’ this year to tempt visitors.Numerous attractions included the following; Carlton Brass, punch and judy, the amazing Dako Flying Angels (see photo to this blog), many stalls and exhibits and this year, the popular pony rides.

The presentation of trophies and awards was followed by the ever popular and lively auction with our fantastic auctioneer doing a great job.

We would love to hear your views of the show and any suggestions as to how we can continue to improve it in the coming years. Please send us your comments.

Gosh, yet another wonderful event held on a glorious summer evening, albeit inside the pleasant Lowdham W I hall. The event was very well attended by over 40 people, including members and pleasingly some new members of the society. The provision of a lovely buffet, wine and other drinks was most welcome, giving those attending nourishment to ‘tackle’ the horticultural quiz (quite relaxed and informal really). The time and effort taken by Nicola (our Chairperson) in compiling the quiz were very much appreciated. We were advised of forthcoming talks and visits planned for this year and some which we hope to organise for next year. Hopefully, this will generate further the increasing interest in the society. We also managed to get the names of ‘volunteers’ who have agreed to help at this years August Show. If you were unable to attend the summer social and would like to help at the show you may contact us through the website, Facebook or even Twitter. If not, we hope you are able to attend the show and this year, just maybe, enter some of your vegetables, fruit or other produce in the show. The subjects in the increasingly popular photographic competition are; Markets, Country Lanes, Celebrations and Trees. So come on ‘get snapping’. Well, you’ll be pleased to note ‘that’s all for now’!

We enjoyed a most pleasant balmy summer evening wandering around the 1 acre garden belonging to Kate and Peter who provided help and advice with regard to the garden, trees, shrubs and plants. Towards the end of the visit we were provided with a selection of ‘nibbles’, delicious cake, coffee, tea and wine, which was most welcome. The garden includes many interesting plants, mature trees and shrubs with interesting sections and quiet corners. Altogether it was another most rewarding visit which was well supported by a considerable number of society members and others who joined us for the evening. The garden (Charnwood) may be found in the ngs (gardens open for charity), Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire 2013 booklet – page 29. The garden is well worth a visit.

A selection of photos from the evening may be found within the gallery section of our website.

After a day of unsettled weather, with showers, thunderstorms and heavy rain the evening was fine, treating us to some glorious evening sunlight with contrasting shadows. The wildflower farm staff were most pleasant and informative, showing us round the 40 acres, and explaining the extensive work needed to produce wildflower seed, plants, native trees and shrubs.  There was a plant sales area for those visitors wishing to purchase plants and we also enjoyed tea, coffee and delicious cakes after the tour. If you missed this visit, it is worthwhile considering a visit on a lovely fine day.

Please note, there is a further selection of images from this rewarding visit in the gallery on our website (under Wild Flower farm June 2013), which we hope you enjoy. Simply click on one of the photographs to see a larger version, and from that image select the other photographs which will remain in the larger version.

Despite the overcast and cold weather, a successful plant sale was held on Saturday 18th May 2013 (9.00am – 11.00am) at the Lowdham Village Hall car park. Society committee members were in attendance to help and advise customers during the event. As can be seen from the image above, sales of summer bedding, runner beans, tomato plants, cucumbers and marrow plants went well, the plant trays quickly being emptied. We raised just over £240 from the sale, all of which helps to support the Society and the village events, trips and talks which we continue to hold. It was most refreshing that a number of people attending the plant sale asked for advice with regard to plants and gardening. Furthermore, some visitors enquired about joining the Society, either now or in the future. Overall, a really worthwhile local event in the village. Well done to all.