Cheese and Wine Evening May 17th 2008

A full village hall was given a very interesting and informative talk on the creation and development of the gardens at the Dingle Nursery by Emma Maxwell. Emma described how the gardens were established in 1968 by the Joseph family and how that family had extended and developed them to date, and are continuing to do so. Currently they are being modified to give better access for wheelchairs and push chairs as the gardens are built on quite steep slopes. The slopes are traversed by a series of paths incorporating many steps, some of which have handrails for extra support. Also being created are picnic areas overlooking the lake. Seating and shelters are placed at strategically located spots for both the weary and for those wanting to get the best vistas of the gardens. Other areas have been set aside for children to play.
Emma gave details of the different plantings around the gardens with the Latin names tripping off her tongue but illustrating them for the audience with slides of the plants discussed. She also showed pictures of the gardens at different times of the year when the scenery changes with the seasons. The gardens are open all year round, except for a week at Christmas, and she felt it well worthwhile making visits throughout the year to see the different patterns.
Tony Birch, Chairman of the Show Committee, thanked Emma for her presentation who was roundly applauded by an appreciative audience.

Before her presentation, and after during a buffet enjoyed by all, the audience was entertained by Sue Scott on clarinet, and at the end of the evening a DVD of highlights from last year’s show (produced by Alan Duff) was shown.

All in all another successful event which raised approximately £365 for the Show funds.

Thanks to all who helped to make it such an enjoyable evening.