I am compiling this during the dark and gloomy days of a very cold December which, according to the weather men, has been the coldest December for 30 years. I think all plants people long for the light days of spring. I hope you will approve of the 2009 programme and that you will all continue to come along and support our little group. Attendance numbers were well down in 2008 and I wonder if this was in part due to the high cost of fuel?

OUR MEETINGS   are held at The Royal British Legion, Gotham, which lies on Nottingham Road, the main road through Gotham. The meetings are relaxed and informal! Please note that we no longer have a buffet meal at our meetings.

We charge £1.00 for admission to each meeting and this goes towards speakers expenses and room hire.

THANKS   Once again we extend our grateful thanks to the staff of The Royal British Legion in Gotham. They have made us feel very welcome.

RAFFLE   My special thanks to all who have donated much needed prizes at previous meetings. The proceeds of the raffle are vital to pay for the hall rental.

SECOND HAND BOOKS   Hazel and Chris Wood kindly started a second hand book sale at our meetings and it raises funds for the group. They and several other members have donated books. If you have any unwanted books, preferably on the subject of plants and gardening, please bring them along.

OPEN DAYS at FIELD HOUSE NURSERY   NURSERY In 2009 there will be THREE Auricula Open Days at Field House Nursery. They are on Sunday April 26th, 11am to 5pm, Saturday May 2nd 11am to 5pm, and Sunday May 3rd, 11am to 5pm. All are welcome! We need volunteers to keep an eye on the tunnels and to answer questions from the general public. Please let Val know if you can spare an hour or so. Helpers will get a free lunch!

SPECIALIST PLANT SALES   Val is organising five Specialist Plant Sales in 2009. They are at Chatsworth (April 19th and September 13th) and Renishaw Hall (May 10th and August16th). ‘Fanfare for Spring ‘at Renishaw Hall on February 22nd is a new event at which there will be rare snowdrops, hellebores, primulas, alpines and shrubs for sale. The garden will be also be open and there will be plenty of hot refreshments! It should be a great start to the year.

FINALLY   Thanks to all who attend our meetings and help to make them so enjoyable. Special thanks also to to members who have given talks to the group and who have travelled long distances to do so. I look forward to seeing you all next year!