October 2017 Newsletter
Madam Chairman’s Piece
Hope you all had a great Christmas and happy New Year.
This Spring is looking a lot healthier than last year, when the future of WAGS hung in the balance. We start 2018 with our store manager Jayne Page settled in and supported by a number of other committee members and Jill, a WAGS member (although 1-2 more people would be really helpful). Our President Ros Lester is enjoying her role, Giles and his talented wife Flick are brightening up the store with new signage, and the rest of the committee continue to offer great support.
One of our members, Annabelle Padwick is working with Jayne, Ros and myself (as Show Sec.) to help promote WAGS, particularly with the local schools and in getting sponsorship for the show.
When the store opens 1st week in Feb, please remember to renew your membership for 2018 and do add your e-mail address (if you have one) to your renewal slip, we’ve included one at the end of this newsletter. If you can bring along someone new to join, they would be very welcome and we would be very pleased.
If you haven’t ordered seeds with your WAGS discount from Dobies, you can still do so. This is also the time of year to sort out your old seed packets, so remember the WAGS Store Seed Swap and do bring in your unwanted seeds to swap with something new, they can be half used packets or seed you have collected from your garden.
Sandra Halstead
Hope you all had a great Christmas and happy New Year.
This Spring is looking a lot healthier than last year, when the future of WAGS hung in the balance. We start 2018 with our store manager Jayne Page settled in and supported by a number of other committee members and Jill, a WAGS member (although 1-2 more people would be really helpful). Our President Ros Lester is enjoying her role, Giles and his talented wife Flick are brightening up the store with new signage, and the rest of the committee continue to offer great support.
One of our members, Annabelle Padwick is working with Jayne, Ros and myself (as Show Sec.) to help promote WAGS, particularly with the local schools and in getting sponsorship for the show.
When the store opens 1st week in Feb, please remember to renew your membership for 2018 and do add your e-mail address (if you have one) to your renewal slip, we’ve included one at the end of this newsletter. If you can bring along someone new to join, they would be very welcome and we would be very pleased.
If you haven’t ordered seeds with your WAGS discount from Dobies, you can still do so. This is also the time of year to sort out your old seed packets, so remember the WAGS Store Seed Swap and do bring in your unwanted seeds to swap with something new, they can be half used packets or seed you have collected from your garden.
Sandra Halstead
Store News
Hello from the WAGS Store!
Thanks to all our WAGS members who supported us through the first year without Colin at the helm. Between us we have managed to keep open and serving our fabulous keen allotment holders and gardeners.
During 2017 the popular stock items have been grow-bags, our many varieties of compost, grit, farmyard manure, Lawn-Weed-Feed-Moss, Black Plastic, 777, Tomato Feed, Blood-Fish-Bone, canes, Chicken Pellets, seed potatoes and onion sets.
WAGS News
2
We saw a flurry of store visits in Sept when our members collected their Dobie Seed catalogues and they will enjoy discounted rates on all the many products and plants.
We are getting ready for 2018 and have ordered a variety of Seed Potatoes and Onion Sets, please join us in February to purchase the new stock.
Many thanks to Richard Guppy, Sandra Halstead and Jill Hudson for helping to keep the store open during 2017. Thank you to Sandra, Bernard and Kevin for making all the store deliveries happen so smoothly. It has been a huge team effort! Any other members who would like to volunteer will be warmly welcomed.
Visit us in person every Saturday Feb-July, Sept-Nov 11am – 12noon in the WAGS Store in the Car Park of Centre 70, Goldsmith’s Lane near the Kinecroft, Wallingford, OX10 0DT.
Happy Gardening and hope to see you in store soon!
Happy Gardening
Jayne Page (your new Store Manager)
[email protected]
Hello from the WAGS Store!
Thanks to all our WAGS members who supported us through the first year without Colin at the helm. Between us we have managed to keep open and serving our fabulous keen allotment holders and gardeners.
During 2017 the popular stock items have been grow-bags, our many varieties of compost, grit, farmyard manure, Lawn-Weed-Feed-Moss, Black Plastic, 777, Tomato Feed, Blood-Fish-Bone, canes, Chicken Pellets, seed potatoes and onion sets.
WAGS News
2
We saw a flurry of store visits in Sept when our members collected their Dobie Seed catalogues and they will enjoy discounted rates on all the many products and plants.
We are getting ready for 2018 and have ordered a variety of Seed Potatoes and Onion Sets, please join us in February to purchase the new stock.
Many thanks to Richard Guppy, Sandra Halstead and Jill Hudson for helping to keep the store open during 2017. Thank you to Sandra, Bernard and Kevin for making all the store deliveries happen so smoothly. It has been a huge team effort! Any other members who would like to volunteer will be warmly welcomed.
Visit us in person every Saturday Feb-July, Sept-Nov 11am – 12noon in the WAGS Store in the Car Park of Centre 70, Goldsmith’s Lane near the Kinecroft, Wallingford, OX10 0DT.
Happy Gardening and hope to see you in store soon!
Happy Gardening
Jayne Page (your new Store Manager)
[email protected]
The Autumn Show
Another really enjoyable day. A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the show, it really struck me this year how much I depend on help and how well those who do help just get on and get things done.
Great to see those who were “new exhibitors” last year came back for more and a few people took schedules with the promise of entering next year. We had a lot more exhibits this year which was fab. I would like thank all our judges who give up their time to carefully judge each exhibit, and to the Mayor Mick Kidley for handing out the prizes and helping with the raffle. The Roke and Benson brass band kept us entertained and managed to get a good bit of playing done before the rain came.
Finally a huge thank you to our kind sponsors who support WAGS by covering some of the costs of staging the show; please give them your support:
Our Major Sponsors: Champions & Rowse
Sponsor of the Floral Art Section: Keri Harvey The Florists
Sponsor of the Children’s Prizes: Wallingford Bookshop
For giving us a discount on engraving for the trophies: Feetfirst
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and hope that all of you who took part, or came on the day, enjoyed yourselves too. Special thanks to those who stayed to help us tidy up at the end of a long day.
Picking out just a few of the highlights: Chris Ottaway, one of the new exhibitors last year, won the cup for “Best Effort” and he has promised me great things for next year. Peter Willis won the WAGS Top Gardener again this year, and Annabelle Padwick won Novice Top Gardener – so watch out Peter, she’ll be after your cup! Best news is that my French beans won “Best in Show Veg” then also won overall “Best in Show”, so I am a very happy bunny.
There were some lovely floral art entries and craft/art entries but again the bakery judges did not need my help, although I did manage to try a little of one yummy pie.
So thinking about next year I am really looking forward to seeing how the 1st timers continue to expand on their entries, to seeing yet more new faces and to see the return of a few people absent this year – you know who you are! As always please help the children to enter, they do enjoy it so much and yet so few enter. There is a list of Trophy Winners in this newsletter and we will put the list on the website.
For anyone who missed the show, the website will have some photographs, so do take a look: www.wags-wallingford.com. We didn’t capture all the exhibits, so if you have any photos, particularly of winning entries, please email them to me.
All you WAGS members out there, I look forward to seeing you on September 8th 2018.
P.S. If you have any ideas or suggestions regarding the show, please do get in touch with me, I would love to hear them.
P.P.S. Engraving your cups: please take to Feet First and obtain a receipt to get a refund from the Store.
Sandra Halstead
Another really enjoyable day. A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the show, it really struck me this year how much I depend on help and how well those who do help just get on and get things done.
Great to see those who were “new exhibitors” last year came back for more and a few people took schedules with the promise of entering next year. We had a lot more exhibits this year which was fab. I would like thank all our judges who give up their time to carefully judge each exhibit, and to the Mayor Mick Kidley for handing out the prizes and helping with the raffle. The Roke and Benson brass band kept us entertained and managed to get a good bit of playing done before the rain came.
Finally a huge thank you to our kind sponsors who support WAGS by covering some of the costs of staging the show; please give them your support:
Our Major Sponsors: Champions & Rowse
Sponsor of the Floral Art Section: Keri Harvey The Florists
Sponsor of the Children’s Prizes: Wallingford Bookshop
For giving us a discount on engraving for the trophies: Feetfirst
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and hope that all of you who took part, or came on the day, enjoyed yourselves too. Special thanks to those who stayed to help us tidy up at the end of a long day.
Picking out just a few of the highlights: Chris Ottaway, one of the new exhibitors last year, won the cup for “Best Effort” and he has promised me great things for next year. Peter Willis won the WAGS Top Gardener again this year, and Annabelle Padwick won Novice Top Gardener – so watch out Peter, she’ll be after your cup! Best news is that my French beans won “Best in Show Veg” then also won overall “Best in Show”, so I am a very happy bunny.
There were some lovely floral art entries and craft/art entries but again the bakery judges did not need my help, although I did manage to try a little of one yummy pie.
So thinking about next year I am really looking forward to seeing how the 1st timers continue to expand on their entries, to seeing yet more new faces and to see the return of a few people absent this year – you know who you are! As always please help the children to enter, they do enjoy it so much and yet so few enter. There is a list of Trophy Winners in this newsletter and we will put the list on the website.
For anyone who missed the show, the website will have some photographs, so do take a look: www.wags-wallingford.com. We didn’t capture all the exhibits, so if you have any photos, particularly of winning entries, please email them to me.
All you WAGS members out there, I look forward to seeing you on September 8th 2018.
P.S. If you have any ideas or suggestions regarding the show, please do get in touch with me, I would love to hear them.
P.P.S. Engraving your cups: please take to Feet First and obtain a receipt to get a refund from the Store.
Sandra Halstead
Photography Section at the WAGS Autumn Show
Our photography judge Paul, very much enjoyed judging the entries at the show this year and we have persuaded him to offer us some advice and suggestions to help us all get the best from our photos:
With this in mind, below will be the classes for the 2018 Show Schedule, so you have lots of time to take that perfect picture. We have included ‘close-up’ again to challenge you to really get close–up this time!
Thanks Paul for all of your suggestions, and we’re all very excited to see everybody’s entries in 2018!
Paul Hallett
Photography Section Judge
Our photography judge Paul, very much enjoyed judging the entries at the show this year and we have persuaded him to offer us some advice and suggestions to help us all get the best from our photos:
- Take your camera with you when you're out - if you don't have your camera, you can't take a picture. Having said that, most of us have our mobile phones with cameras - so take lots of pictures on your phone.
- Have a note of the show’s subject titles and when you're out, take some pictures with the subject in mind - try to take a picture that accurately fits the title; much better than sorting through previously taken pictures to try to get a picture that might fit; they're rarely as good.
- Make sure all the basics are correct: is your subject in focus, is the colour on the print as you saw it on the day, is the exposure right (not too dark/light), make sure horizons are level, unless of course you want to add some interest by tilting the picture deliberately.
- Try getting a bigger print made and see how this improves the impact of the picture and try being a bit ruthless, concentrating the viewer’s eye on the subject by cutting any distracting detail at the edges of your picture off - careful use of scissors is fine.
- If your picture is a close up - when you're taking the picture try going even closer to get rid of any peripheral detail, if this isn't possible, try cropping edges off the finished print as above.
- When you're taking your picture, try different angles. Most amateur pictures are taken by photographers standing up and holding the camera to their eye (i.e. at about 5 feet off the ground), try crouching down, standing on a (steady) object or laying the camera on the ground - great for getting a whole new perspective - you may be surprised.
- Finally, try going on a trip with a friend who also likes taking pictures - you'll get ideas from each other, you can compare pictures as you take them and any long suffering partner won't have to stand waiting as you spend half an hour perfecting that winning picture - you can enjoy taking your pictures! And remember the camera gives you limitless possibilities to express your creativity, so have fun!
With this in mind, below will be the classes for the 2018 Show Schedule, so you have lots of time to take that perfect picture. We have included ‘close-up’ again to challenge you to really get close–up this time!
- Close-up
- A beautiful building
- What a mess!
- Transport
- Colour
Thanks Paul for all of your suggestions, and we’re all very excited to see everybody’s entries in 2018!
Paul Hallett
Photography Section Judge
Invitations from Wallingford Gardening Club
Isabelle Darby would like us to share with you a couple of dates for diary:
Thursday 12th October @ 7:30pm
Going for Gold at Chelsea: At the October meeting of the Wallingford Gardening Club, Dr Stephen Head returns to talk to us about exhibiting and competing at the Chelsea Flower Show. Steve is particularly proud of leading a team that won Gold and 'Best in Show' for a Courtyard Garden at Chelsea 2010.
Steve is a well known local environmental consultant, who is passionate about his interests. He is a popular speaker on gardening and wildlife having made many radio and TV appearances, and has been the national co-ordinator for the Wildlife Gardening Forum for many years. Steve has led several UK environmental charities, and was a board member of the Exmoor National Park Authority for eight years.
Thursday 9th November @ 7:30pm
Autumn Aspirations - looking forward to Spring: At the November meeting of the Wallingford Gardening Club, Paul Patton will present an illustrated talk “Autumn - looking forward to Spring”.
Paul is a professional horticultural consultant, plant pathologist, writer and broadcaster.
He will give tips on how to prepare a garden for next spring.
Both events will take place at the Ridgeway Community Church, Wallingford and visitors are very welcome £3.
Isabelle Darby (01491-836867)
Advance notice of future events:-
Thurs 14 December - AGM and quiz, followed by mince pies and wine
Isabelle Darby would like us to share with you a couple of dates for diary:
Thursday 12th October @ 7:30pm
Going for Gold at Chelsea: At the October meeting of the Wallingford Gardening Club, Dr Stephen Head returns to talk to us about exhibiting and competing at the Chelsea Flower Show. Steve is particularly proud of leading a team that won Gold and 'Best in Show' for a Courtyard Garden at Chelsea 2010.
Steve is a well known local environmental consultant, who is passionate about his interests. He is a popular speaker on gardening and wildlife having made many radio and TV appearances, and has been the national co-ordinator for the Wildlife Gardening Forum for many years. Steve has led several UK environmental charities, and was a board member of the Exmoor National Park Authority for eight years.
Thursday 9th November @ 7:30pm
Autumn Aspirations - looking forward to Spring: At the November meeting of the Wallingford Gardening Club, Paul Patton will present an illustrated talk “Autumn - looking forward to Spring”.
Paul is a professional horticultural consultant, plant pathologist, writer and broadcaster.
He will give tips on how to prepare a garden for next spring.
Both events will take place at the Ridgeway Community Church, Wallingford and visitors are very welcome £3.
Isabelle Darby (01491-836867)
Advance notice of future events:-
Thurs 14 December - AGM and quiz, followed by mince pies and wine
Keri The Florist 2017 'CHRISTMAS' Workshop Dates
Create your very own Christmas wreath - made by you. All fresh material & sundries supplied, design made is yours to take home. Six Students per workshop. Workshops take place at Keri The Florist. Free parking.
Course Info:
Course Reference: KTFxmas2017 Course Fee: £40.00 per session
Sunday 3rd December: Traditional Door Wreath
Times: 10am-12pm / 12.30pm-2.30pm / 3pm-5pm
Sunday 10th December: Traditional Door Wreath
Times: 10am-12pm / 12.30pm-2.30pm / 3pm-5pm
All our Christmas courses are designed to give students an ideal introduction to floristry. You will learn a range of basic skills and will be able to construct simple designs with confidence. The course will cover basic techniques such as wiring & binding along with working with mossed frames & a selection of textured foliage. The course is aimed at beginners with an interest in floristry. Light refreshments will be supplied, and don't forget to bring along a friend to share the festive fun!
If you would like to book onto a workshop please contact Keri or Laura via email ([email protected]), call 01491 838005 or pop into the shop. Dates tend to go very quickly so please book ASAP to avoid disappointment.
Bookings unfortunately cannot be taken via Facebook. Payment is required upon booking & is non-refundable.
Keri The Florist, 1 Ayres Yard, Station Road, Wallingford, OX10 0JZ
www.wallingfordflowers.co.uk
Create your very own Christmas wreath - made by you. All fresh material & sundries supplied, design made is yours to take home. Six Students per workshop. Workshops take place at Keri The Florist. Free parking.
Course Info:
Course Reference: KTFxmas2017 Course Fee: £40.00 per session
Sunday 3rd December: Traditional Door Wreath
Times: 10am-12pm / 12.30pm-2.30pm / 3pm-5pm
Sunday 10th December: Traditional Door Wreath
Times: 10am-12pm / 12.30pm-2.30pm / 3pm-5pm
All our Christmas courses are designed to give students an ideal introduction to floristry. You will learn a range of basic skills and will be able to construct simple designs with confidence. The course will cover basic techniques such as wiring & binding along with working with mossed frames & a selection of textured foliage. The course is aimed at beginners with an interest in floristry. Light refreshments will be supplied, and don't forget to bring along a friend to share the festive fun!
If you would like to book onto a workshop please contact Keri or Laura via email ([email protected]), call 01491 838005 or pop into the shop. Dates tend to go very quickly so please book ASAP to avoid disappointment.
Bookings unfortunately cannot be taken via Facebook. Payment is required upon booking & is non-refundable.
Keri The Florist, 1 Ayres Yard, Station Road, Wallingford, OX10 0JZ
www.wallingfordflowers.co.uk
Membership
WAGS membership is £4.00 per household and valid for one year. To renew for 2018, please complete the form below and bring to the store with your payment. Newsletters are distributed by email – news is generally posted at the website too.
A few printed copies will be available in Store for those don’t have Internet.
WAGS membership is £4.00 per household and valid for one year. To renew for 2018, please complete the form below and bring to the store with your payment. Newsletters are distributed by email – news is generally posted at the website too.
A few printed copies will be available in Store for those don’t have Internet.