It is the beginning of November and I still cannot get used to the dark days. I think all plants people long for the light days of spring. I hope you will like our programme for 2008 and that you will all continue to come along and support the group.

AUTUMN and WINTER MEETINGS   are held at The Royal British Legion, Gotham, which lies on Nottingham Road, the main road through Gotham. They take the form of Auricula Feasts, usually with a talk and slide presentation followed at around 4pm by a light buffet meal. The meetings are relaxed and informal!

FOOD   No hog roasts as in the olden days and certainly no clay pipes but there will be an excellent light buffet as usual and it will cost £3.50 per head. Please pay on the day. Drinks are not included in the cost. Please remember to let me know if you are requiring food so that I can give Pam the numbers. You can post me the form, telephone or email me. Booking forms for the autumn meetings are sent out in the summer.

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. Thanks also to Pam Stoddart of Gotham for doing the catering for us. She is doing a grand job!

RAFFLE   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 so please keep the prizes coming folks!

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   In 2008 there will be THREE Open Days at Field House Nursery. They are Sunday April 27th, 11am to 5pm, Saturday May 3rd, 11am to 5pm, and Sunday May 4th, 11am to 5pm. We are also hoping to hold a Primula and Auricula open day on Sunday June 22nd. 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 get a free lunch!

SPECIALIST PLANT SALES   Val is organising four Specialist Plant Sales in 2008. They are at Chatsworth (April 20th and September 7th) and Renishaw Hall (May 11th and August 17th).

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!