CHAIRMAN Chris Williams welcomed members and visitors to the April meeting.

She reminded everyone of forthcoming events, which include the Cheshire Area of NAFAS Social Day on July 1 and a coach trip to Ness Botanic Gardens on Thursday, July 31. Tickets for this are £15 and will be available to buy at the May meeting.

John Thexton enthralled everyone with his demonstration Nature’s Gifts. The stage was filled with an abundance of unusual foliage and flowers and John, a plantsman, talked at length about his love of plants and of his skills at acquiring some of his rare and unusual plants.

In one of his designs he used the remnants of a rusty old coal bucket, attached to a rusty pole welded into a rusty wheelbarrow wheel and then suspended rusty chains from this structure. Green chrysanthemums, bells of Ireland and peach roses completed this design.

Anne Russell gave the vote of thanks.

The next meeting is on Thursday, May 8, when Bill Dixon, a National Demonstrator, will demonstrate Just William.

Sue Mansfield