I have realised that my heading in the last Newsletter should have read 'Brambley's Ramblings' as in my first effort, I thought this was an appropriate heading and I will continue to use it.
Christmas has now passed and I hope you all had an enjoyable time. We should now have some time to spare to look at our plants, those who have heated greenhouses will be starting to think about taking cuttings. Hopefully not many plants have been lost with the severe frosts at the end of the year, the only good to come from frost is that it will hopefully kill all the bugs that have survived with the mild weather.
It has been a quiet time, the main event was the Social Evening held on the 17^th November at the Park Manor Hotel, it was a most enjoyable evening and everyone seemed to have a good time. It was agreed that the Multiple Sclerosis Society should benefit from the raffle and I am pleased to report that £46.00 was raised and the Society will round it up to £50.00. Many thanks to members, who provided raffle prizes, we really did have a good selection.
Some of you will not be aware that the April 2001 meeting will be the last one to be held at University College, Filey Road, and our meetings from May 2001 will be held at Queen Street Methodist Hall, in the Lower Hall. It is down a short flight of stairs but there is a stair lift which will be helpful for anyone with a disability. One aspect we had to keep in mind was car parking and there will be ample space available. Nearer the time all members will receive a map with directions.
Because of the change of venue we are unable to hold our Mini Show in the week preceding the Annual Show, but it will be held on Wednesday 25^th July and the mystery plants will be handed out a week earlier at the members meeting on Wednesday 21^st March, when we will be holding a Fuchsia Workshop.
It only remains for me to wish you all on behalf of the Committee a Happy and Prosperous 2001.
     Bye for now,     Chris

A Fuchsia Happy New Year

It was Christmas Day in the greenhouse,
I sought refuge amongst my plants,
Escaping from squabbling children,
The Turkey and chattering aunts.

Was it the Iced Champagne I'd been drinking?
Herald Angles sang carols non stop,
The standards had Spangles of tinsel,
With lovely Pink Fairies on top.

Baby Bright had hung up her stocking,
Beside that of young Billy Green,
There were Sleigh Bells and Mission Bells ringing,
And even Snow White could be seen.

I blinked - was it imagination,
No, the Christmas message was clear,
My fuchsias were saying "We wish you
Good Health and a Happy New Year."

Courtesy of the Louth & District Fuchsia Society Newsletter originally from H. Austin. I.o.W.

"Ken Pilkington was injected with a gramophone needle at birth" (Roy Walton)

But long may Ken keep up the excellent work he does, 'converting' so many people with a fleeting interest into enthusiasts with those fine demonstrations on the show circuit.