A year has passed since I became Secretary of the Society and it has kept me busy, but I have had a lot of assistance from members of the Committee. Between us we must have done a good job as you appear to be happy with the results of the past year.
We are always pleased to hear your views so do not hesitate to let us know if you do not agree with everything.
We have had two speakers so far this year, James Naylor with his talk about 'Growing Roses' and Terry Morris on 'Growing Gladiolus', which was a change of direction from fuchsias. In March we had the Fuchsia Workshop which you were happy with, the only criticism being that you could hear the speakers on neighbouring tables, but this was due to the size of the room. At the new venue this should not be a problem and no doubt with experience we can improve on another one.
The A.G.M. was well attended with 55 members present. There were six vacancies on the Committee, four were filled with Ian Plewes, June Nash and Carol Tindall being re-elected and one new member elected, Ann Brooker, who as we all know is responsible for the refreshments and a very good job Ann does together with Aubrey and June. Talking about refreshments I must thank you all for the food brought for the buffet supper, it was enjoyed by all.
The Mystery plants were given out at the March members meeting and I hope  they are now coming along nicely with the tender loving care you will be giving them. All I can tell you is that it is a single flowered cultivar. Any member who has not yet claimed their plant can contact me to arrange collection but please check that someone will be at home, to save a wasted journey.
One thing that has become clear to me is that coach trips do not seem to be popular but do you prefer to go by private car and meet up for a meal on route? Let me have your thoughts on this and also any places you would like to visit.
Now getting back to fuchsias. I hope your plants from last year are now producing cuttings. If you have any to spare, the North Eastern Counties Fuchsia Group is looking for plants to sell at their plant sale at Hornsea on Sunday 13th May, with the money going to help with the costs of a display to be held in 2002, the venue yet to be arranged. If you have any plants please take them and maybe buy some more, or let me know as I hope to attend. The plant sale at Askham Bryan has been cancelled due to the College being closed because of foot and mouth.
Well, warmer and more settled days must be round the corner and let's hope that this year we will have a good year and that you will have some good plants to enter in the Show. We had a good Show last year and I hope that between us we can have another successful one again. If you have not shown before please don't be afraid to enter in the beginners classes as you are the exhibitors of the future.
                Cheerio,   
                                  Chris