ASTLEY WI: Chairman Derek Walker was pleased to welcome many members to the meeting held May 17. During the next summer months we do not have the normal monthly meeting as we have a busy schedule planned with trips, holidays and the summer social. There will be seven gardens taking part on June 24 and June 25 open from 1-6 pm. These are Astley Towne House, Little Larford,Little Yarhampton, Longmore Hill Farmhouse,The White House Dunley,The White House Shrawley and Wood Farm. Parking available at each venue

Tickets/plans available at Astley Village Hall. Admission Adults £6 children free

(cream teas available at Astley Towne House and Longmore Hill Farmhouse)

Derek introduced speaker Adam Greathead "Duck Pools & Garden Divided."

We were pleased to welcome this energetic young man who was born in 1990.He told us that he started his interest in gardening while still at school. He had his first allotment whilst only 11. He first became interested in growing vegetables and chrysanthemums but later whilst still at school he was selling hanging baskets to his 6th form teachers.After leaving school he went straight into work at a plant nursery. Eventually his interest, dedication and endeavour paid off and he won the Princess Diana Memorial Award and found himself at Althorpe House when Earl Spencer presented him with his trophy. His parents and family are proud of him and are very supportive. His hard work over the last 15 years has gone from strength to strength and he is now Head Gardener at John Massey's 3 acre private garden at Ashwood Nurseries.His career blossomed and he has also been Chairman of Woolaston's Gardeners Guild over the last four years. He has won many cups, shields and medals across the Black Country and Worcs. It was interesting to hear that he is opening his gardens to the public for a charity called "No Limits"for Autism at Duck Pools Garden, Stambermill, Stourbridge on July 911-4pm.

Adam is also a judge and an avid plant collector and his photos are amazing. He knows the names of many plants and has his favourites. Over the years he has had a changing landscape and has a topiary, circular garden, rockery, ornamental theme, window boxes and collection of plant pots filled with geraniums, auriculas etc.

July 13 -17th holiday to Falmouth with Johnson's Coaches(booked)

July 29 Summer social with Carl Brent and Eternity (comedy/vocals ) Ticket only.