Bexrose Bulletin
OCTOBER 2007
Published by the Bexleyheath & District Rose Society.
Patron:- Dr. David G. Hessayon MBE.
President:- Mr. B. Rainsbury
Vice President:- Mr. J. Elliott
Chairman:- Mr. A. Nunn
Vice Chairman:- Mr. M. Andrews
Hon. Secretary:- Mrs. J. Newton
Hon Treasurer:- Mrs. Z.Neale
Show Secretary:- Mr. A. Neale
Membership Secretary:- Mrs. M. Cornell
Miss V. Rochester
Other Committee members:- Mr. R. Jones, Mr. R. Pulling, Mrs. D. Carr, Mrs. D. Lemon, Mrs. J. Dyer, Mrs. E. Cleall.
Web Site:- www.bexrose.org.uk
Email:- postmaster@bexrose.org.uk
Next Meeting Tuesday 23rd October 2007
We meet once again at St. John Fisher Hall, Thanet Rd, Bexley where the hall will be open from 7-15pm for setting up. The meeting will start at 8pm until 10pm with a break at 9pm for refreshments and the raffle and of course a chance to chat to other members. Our speaker this month will be Irene Palmer. Her talk is entitled " A day with Darwin ". She will be telling us about Darwin's life at Down House and of the restoration work that is being carried out at the garden. The Floral Art subject for this month will be "Harvest Festival". Do try and enter as the money collected goes to our charity "Woodlands Farm Trust". Any excess produce would be gratefully received for us to sell for the same cause.
Dates for your Diary
October 9th & 10th Great Autumn Show Harrogate.
November 9th & 10th RHS London Flower Show.
Apple Day at The Woodlands Farm Trust Apples kindly supplied by Brogdale.
Woodlands Farm Trust, Shooters Hill, Welling, (Just past Thompsons Garden Centre) are holding their annual Apple Day on Saturday October 21st. Come and find out lots of things you never thought you could do with an apple. Entry is free and the farm will be open from 10am to 4pm.
Casualty Corner
We were sorry to hear that long time member Mr. Huckle from Dartford was in hospital after a fall which resulted in a broken shoulder. We understand that he is progressing well and hopes to go into interim care shortly. We wish him well.
It was lovely to see Pat Powell back at our meeting last month. She says she is managing to get about now and has made it to the Broadway on the bus although she will never be as active as she was before her accident.
Peggy Templeman, who injured her shin on the first day of our holiday to Northumberland is on the mend. Her surgery nurse is looking after her and her leg is healing well.
We heard through Lucy Whelpdale that Margaret Cole is out of hospital now and feeling much better.
We send her our good wishes.
Vanessa is out of hospital after her operation and is taking it very easy. She is being cared for by her family between her home and Whitstable. We send her our good wishes for a speedy recovery as we need her to organise our holidays for next year!
New President
As you know our President Wally Skinner died earlier in the year which leaves the post vacant. After discussion in Committee it was decided to offer the position to Ben Rainsbury in recognition of his work as Secretary for many years and recently as Vice Chairman, and all the work he has put in towards the Societies success over many years. He has graciously accepted and it was announced at the September meeting.
The Rose Growers Calendar by kind permission of Don Charlton
October
1. The last of the decent roses this month so make the most of them while you can. And keep up the good housekeeping.
2. While or after dead heading it is advisable to lightly prune rose bushes to prevent wind rock during autumn and winter storms. After pruning lightly firm the ground around each rose bush.
3. Finish the preparation of new rose beds in readiness for the arrival of your rose orders.
Northamptonshire trip Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd December 2007 (3 days - 2 nights)
We still have some vacancies for this trip. Cost £198 single £148 per person sharing. The cost includes bed, breakfast and evening meal, coaching and gratuities and entry to Wickstead Park Pavilion for a complete day of entertainment, lunch and afternoon tea. You can enjoy a train ride in the park, A show featuring west end artists and the talented Wickstead dancers. This event is run by the same company that put on the Thirston shows near Norwich. I know some of you have been there and enjoyed it very much. Ring Janet or Vanessa to book your place.
Bulbs for the Spring Show
Mick Andrews has ordered a Hyacinth named Red Magic to be grown on by members and entered into the Spring Show. It is a rich fuchsia red with a red centre and scented. Cost £1 per bulb. He has also ordered daffodils to be grown 3 in a pot and entered into the appropriate class at the Spring Show. The variety is Tahiti a double daff growing to 16" with a strong upright habit. Cost £1 for 3 bulbs. If any members wish to order roses from the Cants or David Austin catalogues, Brenda Andrews will be sitting at the back of the hall at the next meeting taking orders.
Rose Table Show for September
Experienced
HT 1st M. Andrews 2nd D. Lemon 3rd No entrants name (Peace)
Floribunda 1st B. Rainsbury 2nd M. Andrews
Miniatures 1st B. Rainsbury 2nd D. Lemon 3rd M. Andrews
Points B. Rainsbury 8 M. Andrews 7 D. Lemon 4
Total Points M. Andrews 32 D. Lemon 25 B. Rainsbury 24 E. Purnell 6 A. Nunn 2
Novice
HT 1st J. Hetherington 2nd R. Harris 3rd J. Sweet
Floribunda No Entries
Miniatures 1st Not awarded 2nd R. Dowdall 3rd No Entry
Points J. Hetherington 4 R. Harris 2 R. Dowdall 2 J. Sweet 1
Total Points V. Pulling 21 R. Dowdall 19 R. Harris 10 L. Beadle 6 J. Miller 5 A. Nunn 4
J. Hetherington 4 R. Madden 3 P. Portch 2 J. Riley 1 J. Sweet 1
As this was the last of the Monthly Rose Table Shows the winner for the experienced class was
M. Andrews, and the winner for the novice class was V. Pulling.
The cups will be awarded at the AGM in February.
Death by Chocolate Tuesday 16th October 8pm
Jill Palmer will be hosting a Chocolate Party at 91 Mayplace Road West, Bexleyheath. The party starts at 8pm but if you don't like coming out in the dark all the chocolate will be on display from 10am. Selected chocolates will be available for tasting so that you can discover how wonderful they are. Come along and bring a friend. Prices start from 10p and payment for all orders should be made on the day.
Buses B16, 89, 422, 229, 492, & 469 stop outside the house opposite the Bricklayers Arms Pub. Buses 96, B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, & 132 stop at the Clock Tower and it is a short walk down Mayplace Rd West. YUM YUM, CAN'T WAIT !!
The trip to Northumberland
As usual we had an early start as we had a long way to go. The weather forecast was good for the weekend and we had a new driver Glen who turned out to be very nice and helpful and joined the group each day on our trips and also mixed in with the members at meal times. We made our way to Stamford for breakfast, some of us only made it to the George Hotel where we had a rather expensive meal, others walked up to the town. Unfortunately Peggy Templeman tripped up a step in the cafe and cut her shin badly, there was blood everywhere and her white trousers were spoilt, however she bravely soldiered on and managed to get through the rest of the day. We made it to Harrogate for lunch where many braved the queues at Bettys. We decided to forgo the privilege and opted for a half pint in a bistro and then a walk round the town admiring the floral displays which were magnificent. Our journey north had been so good that we arrived at our Hotel before they were ready for us and this caused some confusion . Eventually we were all settled and after a wash and brush up ventured down to the bar for a pre prambial drink which gave us quite a shock. £8 for a glass of wine seemed a bit exstotionate and members retired to their rooms after the meal instead of having a quiet drink and chat in the bar.
We were all looking forward to our trip to Alnwick as we had first visited the gardens before they were finished. The famous cascade was well worth seeing and walking up and this route took us to the Ornamental Gardens with the dove cotes on the walls and the crab apple trees which must have looked magnificent in the spring. Some of the planting in the parterre beds left one wondering a little but we could see that there had been a good display of Delphiniums, sadly now cut back. The rose garden was full to bursting and one recognised many of the David Austin Roses. These were planted with clematis which clung to walls and the arbours that we walked through. The area I found most fascinating was the water garden with its many different water features each in its own hedged room, you just had to stand and wait to see what was going to happen when the water got to the top or when the bowl was empty. The one I liked best was the one where the water spilled over the top of the bowl all the time but didn't fall straight to the ground but followed the contour of the sculpture down to the ground and it's reservoir. A very good idea was to have created the Poison Garden. unfortunately we didn't have time to join a guided tour but looking over the fence we could see lots of plants that we all have in our own gardens. After spending a most fascinating ten minutes in the ladies loo watching the beautiful glass hand basins change colour from green through turquoise to blue ( I am told they were in the mens loos too) we went off to the Castle which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. On our way we came across many young Japanese kids with their witches hats on and having their photos taken with the castle in the background. Harry is obviously big in Japan ! The castle has belonged to the Percy family since 1309 and we enjoyed a tour of the rooms. It was also interesting to read the Percy involvement in the Gunpowder plot. Sadly it was time to go home after a browse round the gift and garden shop. We thought the prices were rather steep, but everything seems to have been expensive up north so far. We didn't make it to the Tree House, but saw it through the trees, it was huge I bet the kids loved it.
Back at the hotel someone had arrived in a helicopter which was parked on the lawn at the back of the hotel, this caused a bit of excitement for our members who thought we had come in style in our swish new coach.
Sunday and Glen ran over one of the hotels lights set into the centre grass circle as we were leaving, not his fault, someone had parked a car where they shouldn't. We made our way through some beautiful countryside to Seahouses where we were to pick up the boat to take us to the Farne islands and Lindisfarne. Jean Davis and Margaret Nunn elected to stay in Seahouses and luckily there was a festival going on that day so there was plenty for them to see and do. On the way in to the town we passed a field where people were flying kites of all shapes and sizes. There was a black and white panda, an octopus, a fish and other brightly coloured shapes, it took me back to the beach at Dymchurch where my Dad would get a kite up and then sit all day in his deck chair giving the string an occasional tweek to make it climb higher. Our boat trip took us first to the Farne Islands opposite Banburgh Castle where we saw seals playing in the water. All the lighthouses on these islands are now automated but some were manned up until the 1990s We also saw the island where Grace Darling lived with her father who was the lighthouse keeper and from which she made the daring rescue of the shipwrecked sailors. The channels are very shallow on the approach to Lindisfarne as there is a causeway that you can drive on at low tide so the captain of the boat told us how he had to line the marker posts up and then turn to line up with the castle, all very complicated but we got there in the end. On landing at Lindisfarne, which was another difficult procedure as the moored boats in the harbour all seem to have underwater lines attached to the jetty, we could either make our way to the Castle in one direction or to habitation in the other. We chose habitation but wished in the end that we had gone to the castle as the natives were not over friendly. We eventually found a pub that was willing to serve us some lunch and then we spent some time in the Winery where they sold Lindisfarne Mead. We had to then make the long walk back to the boat which would sail at 4-30pm with or without you as that was the latest the tide would allow for the return journey through the channels. We made it safely back to Seahouses and no one had been sea sick thankfully although the sea was a bit choppy. Some of our members had one of those silly moments when we got back to the coach and rushed off to the lady who had a stall selling wooden roses, £1 a bunch, in the most garish colours. Perhaps we should have a class for them in next years Summer Show.
All the meals had been very good at the hotel, they looked very small and pretty on the plate, works of art in fact, but it was surprising how much they filled us up. The wine was still expensive!
Glen found out that the car that had been illegally parked had belonged to the manager so he didn't feel so bad about running over his light!
Monday and we made our way on the pretty route to Vindolanda on Hadrians Wall. We had quite a long and steep walk down to the coffee shop but the coffee was good when we got there and reasonably priced as well! We saw the Roman garden and the temple that they had found. We spent lots of time looking round the museum which had all the artefacts that had been found on the site. They were digging on a section of the site while we were there and found a leather sandal which are quite common, a ring and a broach. Vindolanda had been a fort for a long time during the Roman occupation and a large settlement had grown up around it. Other later buildings had been found on top of the early barracks and bath house. A mock up of how the fort would have looked was built on the actual site and looked very imposing. We made our way next to Newcastle where we were to pick up our guide and tour the city. On driving round trying to find the pick up point we came across a film crew and loads of people with shopping bags, woolly hats, gloves and scarves standing on two corners of a street. Suddenly they rushed across the road and in several directions so we all waved as we passed hoping to get into the film. Later we found out that it was a Christmas advert for Argos. We passed the corner several times on our tour of the city and they were still at it. Our guide was very informative telling us the history of the river and the towns of Gateshead on one side and Newcastle on the other. Newcastle is a rather hilly town and you could wander round the town and not see the river. In one short stretch of the river there are 4 bridges, the famous Tyne bridge, a railway bridge, a foot and road bridge and the swing bridge. A little further down the river is the beautiful Millennium bridge which belongs to Gateshead. We were able to walk on this and it was quite a thrill especially as it gave a good view of the new theatre on the Gateshead bank. We were taken past the town hall and St. James' Park home of Newcastle United. Someone asked about the Angel of the North and the guide said he could take us out there if we liked although it was not on his regular city tour. So off we went down the ring road and we were able to park the coach and get out to take photos. They had cut an area into the undergrowth which was just the right length to get the whole of the statue into a photograph, how thoughtful. Its an imposing statue from afar and quite awe inspiring close to. We called in at Hexham on our way back to the Hotel. Unfortunately the crypt was closed in the Abbey which I really wanted to see as it is the oldest crypt in the country, never mind the church was well worth seeing and I could imagine the monks coming down the uneven stairs to attend their services.We had a wander round the shops and found the old gaol which was also closed, we had arrived a bit late in the afternoon but we did find a craft fair open with some very nice jewellery and some lovely water colour paintings of local scenes by local artists. We were all ready for our dinner back at the Hotel as we had had a very busy day.
The next day was Tuesday which meant we had to leave Slayley Hall and make the long journey south. We had been very lucky with the weather all weekend, bright sunshine and quite warm too. The hotel had been very comfortable and the staff very nice and helpful and the food excellent. The two door porters did all the hard work with the cases and helped Glen stow them in the coach. We were soon waving goodbye but our adventures were not over yet. On driving through West Auckland we came to a set of temporary traffic lights and as we were starting off again a stupid man towing a caravan jumped the red light and tried to squeeze past the coach but he had not taken into consideration the fact that we had moved forward a few feet giving him less room to pass and also we had large wing mirrors which caught on the roof of his van. Glen managed to push the mirror back into position and told the man to move back a few feet so that we could move up onto the pavement to give him more room, we could not back as there was a line of traffic behind us. The man either didn't know how to reverse his caravan or didn't know the difference between forwards and reverse gears on his car so he moved forwards and snapped the mirror in half and made an even bigger dent in the roof of his van. I noticed he had several dents in the side so I think he was quite a disaster where caravaning was concerned. Also his wife was sitting in the back seat of the car which speaks volumes about his driving. Details were taken and I have to say Glen remained remarkably cool throughout all this. Luckily he had a temporary wing mirror in the boot so someone lent him a step ladder and several of us held it and passed tools up to him while he made running repairs. We were soon on our way again and the mirror did a fine job and got us back to Bexleyheath safely. We stopped at Stamford once again for lunch and found a pub with a courtyard where we imbibed, sitting in the sun. We had a wander round the shops and decided this was the town to come to if you wanted some elegant and unusual clothes. The M25 was behaving it's self today and we were back in Bexleyheath before 6pm. Everyone was tired but we all agreed we had had a wonderful holiday. We didn't realise the scenery was so beautiful in Northumberland but of course it was made better still by the good weather and of course Glen's very good driving and cheery disposition.
Preparing for the Spring Show
Ben Rainsbury has asked us to remind members that now is the time to buy your Pansy and Polyanthus for entry into the pot grown classes at the show. Also don't forget that there are classes for flowering and foliage house plants so choose which ones you could enter and nurture them over the winter.
Secretary's Report on the September meeting
John Hughes came to speak to us this month and he took us on a journey through the high Andes. He visits South America every year from November to February which is their summer so there is plenty of Flora for him to photograph. He started off in Argentina but found that the exchange rate was so horrendous that after speaking to locals decided to take the bus to Chile where everything was much cheaper. He started off his treck in Chian showing us a slide of the Cathedral which was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1939. He made friends with the hotel owner where he was staying who offered to take him to the coast for a day as going by bus would mean staying over night. Here he found Brameliad (hardy pineapple plant)and also Nolana, a plant that survives on sea mist.
Next he took a bus to the mountains, keeping an eye on his luggage all the time as he would not be able to replace his walking boots if his bag was stolen. South Americans are short people and have small feet John takes size 12s. His walk through the forest at 5,000 feet above sea level was on a volcano still giving off a strong sulphur smell but plants were happily surviving in these very harsh conditions. John did not recognise many of the plants or their genus but some seemed to belong to the carrot and parsnip families. He showed us a slide of a green flowered orchid which was quite happily living on Volcanic ash. The soil was black and burnt to touch it. This area is covered by snow for 6 months of the year and the summers are very hot and dry. On reaching the valley at 5,840 feet he found Renuncula 's Mimmulas, Lutius, Viola's and Aurisia all growing by the mountain stream. Further up the valley at 6,700 feet there was still snow and he found a wild sweat pea, Calcilaria and Stacchis. Further on, in the woods, he found poor mans orchid. He showed us slides of an area called Shangri-La which had been a ski resort but the track had been cut off by a volcanic eruption. Here he found orange Mutisia and pink and white Thrift. He said he was amazed that he found so many plants that we grow in our own gardens but they were happily surviving in these harsh conditions. Back down to 4,000 feet and he found cacti and one succulent ground hugging plant that he couldn't put a name to but measured 10 feet by 7 feet. He finished off the evening with a slide of a tree that looked like spaghetti with pink and white bracts hanging down. He brought quite a few plants for sale and of course members availed themselves of the chance to buy something unusual. It was a very enjoyable evening and members were quite surprised how many plants they recognised. ( please excuse the spellings of some of the plant names, due to printing dead line and the muddle the editor is still in after her house move, she was unable to find the relevant reference books to correct the spelling.)
Day Trip to The Chocolate Lady. Thursday 22nd November Cost £25
Instead of going to the Christmas lights and a fish supper this year I thought you might like to pay a visit to the Chocolate Lady over in North Essex. We will leave Bexleyheath and make our way up the M11 to Birchanger Services where we will pick up our guide. We will then drive to the pretty market town of Thaxted, ( Gustav Holst lived and worked here and wrote "The Planets Suite") . We will have morning coffee and then drive on to Saffron Waldon, a very ancient town where we will have time to take lunch and a wander round. In the afternoon we drive to Steeple Bumstead to meet the Chocolate Lady. She is a great raconteur and wit and I am sure we will have a jolly afternoon with her as she tells us all about the chocolates she makes. I am sure we will have a chance to taste and also purchase some of her products. We will be having a cream tea in the workshop ( included in the price ) and then make our way back to Bexleyheath. There is not much walking on this trip so those of you who are a bit short on walkability would be able to manage. If you are interested please ring Janet to book your place as soon as possible. This is a great opportunity to stock up chocies for Christmas!!
NORTHUMBERLAND COASTING
1. We set off on time with driver Glen, 2. An hour & a half in Harrogate
To Stamford Central Cafe, when Have tea in Betty's, you'll be back late!
Poor Peggy fell upon the stair. Police diversion down country lane
Her bleeding leg did cause dispair. But let Glen through to save him pain!
3. Slaley Hall in grounds so green & lush 4. Devious route taken to Alnwick town.
But the're not ready - what's the rush The weather did not let us down.
The meals have staggered times to book, The gardens pretty as could be,
But have great taste, well done the cook! Castle & grounds a sight to see.
5. Back to hotel, some used the pool, 6. Seahouses festival was on next day,
Others relaxed or sat on bar stool. Brief look before we sailed away.
Though drinks expensive hotel was grand. Watching Porpoise & seals with fishy
A helicopter had permission to land! smile.
Dodgy mooring up to the Holy Isle!
7. Lindisfarne Priory, Church with nesting bird, 8. Our return unites us with Margaret &
Bean Goose cafe fed some of our herd. Jean,
Sheila & Barbara nearly late for the boat. But Alec a wondrous sight he has seen!
Glen relaxed on his round trip afloat. Wooden roses for just a pound for ten!
Poor Mick was incensed he had to buy
them!
9. Cute kites at Seahouses continue to fly. 10. Interesting old relics we looked at next
Going back , heavy traffic we had to get by. day,
Evening social numbers thin on the ground! Where Roman garrison kept marauders
We used to take over bar & surround! at bay.
Diggers had just found new treasure - a ring -
Leather shoe and a comb the soldiers did bring.
11. Tour Newcastle with guide who well spoke forth 12. West Auckland road works caused a
See Millennium Bridge, Angel of the North. Fuss
The jokes at coach rear causing such glee - Caravan jumped lights, then struck our
Lost at the front! Couldn't hear them you see! bus!
Our wing mirror smashed we could not go.
Glen fitted a spare he had below.
13. We're on our way home, journey near done.
It's thanks to Vanessa we've all had such fun!
Driver and organisers, indeed the whole crew
The hotel was excellent, and weather too!
Many thanks to Vanessa from Dave & Ann Reynolds.