Sunday 22 December 2013

The Christmas “Do”


Quiz

Everyone enjoyed trying to name the everyday articles photographed from different angles (if you call a porcupine quill an everyday item).  Prizes were awarded for the four teams with the highest scores.

The quiz was followed by the drawing of the raffle and afternoon tea with mince pies.

The Holly and the Ivy ....

Attractive festive displays were produced from a range of flowers, foliage and accessories.







 
 This was a new idea for most of us; a festive hanging basket for outside.  A tripod was used for the construction process.

 
 
 
Dates for your Diary

There is an exciting programme of activities for 2014 on the main Paxton website

Next meeting is on 3 January 2014

Friends of Paxton is meeting on 6 January at midday and would welcome any contributions of time and effort to help maintain the Paxton site.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

 Leeds Market
 

Annual Membership Fees for 2014 of £11.00 are now due

The Friday Forum meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at 1.30pm at the Paxton Hall.  Paxton Horticultural Society is located at 186, Kirkstall Lane, Leeds LS5 2AB.   The meetings are split between hands-on sessions, guest speakers and garden visits. A regular feature is the "Plant Table" where members are invited to bring their plants for discussion and advice.  Another feature is the "Sales Table where members bring plants and cuttings and produce they have grown to sell at a small cost to help the club funds.  For further information, please use the comments box or log on to https://sites.google.com/site/paxtonhorticulturalsocietycouk/Home

 

 

Saturday 7 December 2013

Champions; winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half. (Bum Phillips, American Soccer Coach)


Lineham Farm

Clare Beard told us about this residential facility which gives the opportunity to schoolchildren from inner city schools or with physical or learning disabilities to enjoy a wide range of activities in a rural setting.

 

The farm was set up as the charity of a former Lord Mayor of Leeds, Denise Atkinson, and relies on council and Lottery grants and donations from various businesses.  The farm currently hosts 24 children each week during term time and in the holidays other groups visit, such as children from Chernobyl.  It was evident from the video that the children benefited from their stay and enjoyed the activities on offer which include art, crafts, animal care, orienteering, mountain biking, archery and climbing.  The staff are real champions.  Click on to www.linehamfarm.co.uk if you want to know more or adopt an animal on the farm.   

Table Display

Forum members never fail to provide interesting examples of the pride or the problems of their gardens.  Here are some from this week’s meeting.

 Fragrant, winter blossom

 Eye-catching wreaths made by Gill

 Margaret brought along this stunning Christmas cactus, which gained her 2nd prize in the Late Autumn Show
 

Champion flower arrangers

At the final flower arranging class of 2013, trophies were presented for two categories:
Congratulations  to Avril  for scoring the highest number of points overall and ...
 Avril is holding the rose bowl she was awarded, now filled with her festive display 
Catherine was awarded the beginner’s cup

If you are interested in joining a class next year, including absolute beginners, please contact Kath (details on the Paxton website at the end of the post).

The Paxton Late Autumn Show

The November show proved successful and profitable.  Exhibitors came from as far as Hull, Scarborough and even Wendover in Hampshire, as this was the last flower show of the year.  Full details will be posted on the Paxton website.

Dates for your diary

December 20th:         At the next and final meeting for 2013 of Friday Forum there will be a Christmas Quiz, hands on festive flower arranging (please bring some materials) and, of course, mince pies.  

January 6th                Friends of Paxton meet at Midday

  

Annual Membership Fees for 2014 of £11.00 can now be paid

The Friday Forum meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at 1.30pm at the Paxton Hall.  Paxton Horticultural Society is located at 186, Kirkstall Lane, Leeds LS5 2AB.   The meetings are split between hands-on sessions, guest speakers and garden visits. A regular feature is the "Plant Table" where members are invited to bring their plants for discussion and advice.  Another feature is the "Sales Table where members bring plants and cuttings and produce they have grown to sell at a small cost to help the club funds.  For further information, please use the comments box or log on to https://sites.google.com/site/paxtonhorticulturalsocietycouk/Home