CHAIRMANS REPORT 2011
The last year has been yet another good one for the Horticultural Society. It has been difficult deciding in what direction to steer the Society but I feel we have weathered the last 2 years and are being as well supported by our members as we were in the past.
Entries were higher this year in the childrens show and there were some fabulous animals produced from fruit and vegetables. The main show was as unpredictable as ever and entries were affected by a wet summer and by many of us being at the Strong Man event the day before. However the auction was as popular as ever as the crowd were encouraged by the auctioneer, Mr Robert Bunting, to part with vast sums of money for superb produce.
Open Gardens was another great success and as usual the village rallied round to help us with the organisation. As a Thank-You to our Garden Openers we held a buffet reception on the Sunday evening and it was lovely to see everyone there.
We have had 2 very successful trips which have been subsidised by the Society and have been excellent value for money. Both were oversubscribed and had waiting lists so it is good to see so many in the village keen to enjoy a day out with a horticultural theme. Many thanks to Glynis and Rebecca for organising them and sorting out the complicated lunchtime orders!
The Quiz night was not as well supported as in other years despite Bill doing a fabulous job as quiz master. It may have to be moved to a Friday to ensure more attendance as the chips and sandwiches need eating.
We have supported the Fit for All group in the village with a donation which allows them to provide pilates for the young and old. Unfortunately we have ceased our support for the school gardening scheme as Mrs Wilkinson seems to have control now and it was becoming quite a tie for our volunteers. We hope to see lots of the school produce being entered in the show as well as hearing that it is being eaten in school.
Mike Hart has finally decided to hang up his trowel and retire from the Committee. He and Dot have given much to the Society over the last few years and no doubt will continue to do so behind the scenes. I would like to thank him for all his hard work as Secretary, much of which is unseen and tedious but Mike has continued to beaver away for a number of years with a smile on his face.
The Society would not be a success without the hard work of the Committee – Anne, Liz, Helen, Mike and Lesley. They have worked tirelessly and have ensured that everything runs smoothly. Thanks must also go to all those who help when needed. The girls and Ladies who ensure the Cream Teas are a success, Glynis, Rebecca, Will Beasley (for the tombola), John Henbery, the Bennetts, those who open their gardens, Janet for letting us have the quiz at the pub, the Marshalls for returning the tables so promptly early in the morning, Arnold for setting up the film nights and Ed who has always been there to help set up the hall and tell us how to pack it away again.
I hope I am leaving the Committee in a healthy state and hope the new blood comes along and takes it into the future.
Nia L
PARWICH.ORG 
Nia has thanked everyone who has helped with events that the Horticultural Society has organised so well, but massive thanks need to go to Nia. She has worked so hard co-ordinating everything, and kept a sense of humour throughout. Well done Nia, you deserve a “rest” – and thanks to the rest of the Linnell’s, who have regularly been drafted in to do numerous tasks.