Sutton Gardening Club has had a very successful year so far, one of the highlights being a meeting scheduled for Tuesday 4th September at 11.00am at Walkers Nurseries, Blaxton, near Finningley, where Graham Bodle had organised a conducted tour of the garden centre.
Eleven members made the trip, others were double-booked, on holiday or had previous commitments. The group met at the shop and set off with Graham leading the way, describing various shrubs and trees along the route. At designated points the guide explained the aetiology of the site, how it evolved and how previous generations of the family were involved in the promotion and maintenance of the centre. Many changes have taken place over the years, with the owners attending flower shows and gardens nationwide throughout the year. All in an attempt to keep up to date with latest trends, bringing many new ideas back home to their customers. Some older parts have been retained and are loved by visitors and new ideas are introduced on a regular basis. Species are many and varied in this part of the centre and Graham chatted in general about most with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. It was a most informative walk and talk around only a small part of a large area of this well-known garden centre and enjoyed by all those present. Thanks to the gardening committee for organising the outing for members.
The group has launched details of a grand Christmas Raffle. It may be early but with the great prizes on offer it is certain to attract a lot of attention! Among the many prizes listed are: a helicopter flight for two people, afternoon tea at the Imperial Tearooms Retford, Kettlewells Coaches voucher, meat voucher from Sutton Galloways, voucher from Fifth Avenue (Retford). Other sponsors are Ye Olde Bell (Barnby Moor), Bacons Butchers (Retford), Torworth Grange and many more businesses and individuals pleased to sponsor the club. Tickets are now available from the committee or any garden club member. The draw is scheduled to take place on Saturday 8th December, with all proceeds from the event going to Sutton Gardening Club. Further details are available from promoter Mrs J D Kenney on 01777 709402.
For further information about the club and its activities available from Elaine Hauser on 07969 254920.