This month is traditionally a Garden Meeting – and this year we met at Conholt Park in the northern corner of Hampshire. A last-minute change of plan involved a great deal of work for Colleen Jackson and she came up trumps with this venue. With temperatures hovering around 30°C, members moved around the garden searching for the shady spots.
We were welcomed by John, currently the only gardener having sadly lost his colleague earlier in the year, who is responsible for the whole 10 acres of gardens – the lawn mowing on its own takes him seven hours. We were amazed as the lawns are large, but he told us he is a speed addict! He gave us free reign to wander where we wanted, and he made himself available for any queries or questions. He also very kindly provided insect repellent as there were some rather vicious horseflies circulating. Although we only had access to the gardens, we were informed that whilst the oldest part of the house is 17th Century, the majority was built in the early 1800s. The present owners purchased the property in 1992, since when they have been investing funds into the estate and the latest renovations are the greenhouses. Unfortunately, due to the temporary lack of labour these beautifully refurbished greenhouses, are currently empty.
Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits were provided in the kitchen and we all enjoyed the refreshments outside in the shade.
Our next meeting is on 26th July when our speaker is Judy Theobald and her topic is “Life – and other problems”. I have no insight into this, but I am sure members would be able to help her out if she runs out of inspiration!
Diary Dates:
07 July – Breakfast Club
12 July – Supper Club
14 July – Walking Group (cancelled due to continued heatwave!)
26 July – Monthly Meeting – 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall
28 July – Lunch Club
31 July – Reading Group
