Mangonui club members set for flower show

Plans are well in hand for the Mangonui Garden Club’s second annual flower show in the St John hall at Cooper’s Beach on March 17.

The show will be open to all, with categories including a children’s section, vegetables, succulents and cacti, roses, dahlias and cut flowers. There will be an embroidery display, raffles and food, opening for public viewing from 11am to 4pm, admission a gold coin donation.

All inquiries to Julie, phone (09) 406-0221, or Chris, phone (09) 406-2270.

Meanwhile, the club’s first meeting of the year was chaired by Trish Baker, in the absence of president Heather Thomas, with Annette Stanford as standin secretary. Barbara Curreen was serenaded and presented with a birthday card.

A letter of resignation meant one of the first items on the agenda was the election of a new secretary, Jan Parker.

Denise Alexander suggested visits to members’ gardens be part of the year’s meeting programme, several people indicating they would be happy to host such visits. Everyone was asked to take ideas to the next meeting.

With business concluded the trading table auction took place. This is a crucial fundraiser for the club and is always generously supported by members, in terms of taking items to sell and buying what others provide. The auction also generates considerable entertainment.

The floral arrangement competition Striking Red for Valentines was won by Iris Moore and Georgette Halliday, Chris O’Connor second and Trish Baker third place. The other competition results were as follows.

Mini-arrangement: Marcia McSorley 1, Chris O’Connor 2, Iris Moore 3.

Rose: Janette Dalzell 1, Jan Parker 2, Barbara Curreen 3.

Bloom: Annette Stanford 1, Jennifer Silcock 2, Bev Brake 3.

Cluster/spike: Lindy McLean 1, Chris O’Connor 2, Bethel McDivitt 3.

Fruit: Barbara Curreen 1, Iris Moore 2, five members 3 equal.

Vegetable: Janette Dalzell 1, Trish Baker 2, Jan Parker 3.

Herb: Janette Dalzell 1, Chris O’Connor 2, Trish Baker 3.

Foliage: Lindy McLean 1, Trish Baker 2, Jenny Knight 3.

The March meeting is on Wednesday at the St John hall starting 1.30pm. Contact Trish on (021) 278-3007 or Julie on (09) 406-0221.