Apologies for absence

Martin Allen (MA)(Treasurer), Pam Bishop (PB)(Chairman), Catherine Webber (CW), Carol Gaskell (CG)

In Memoriam

JA paid tribute to Stephen Mittins, whose death had been announced recently, and who had for a time (apart from anything else) been a member of the committee.

Minutes from last meeting held on 9^th March 2022.

No amendments. The minutes were signed by JA.

Open Actions :-

JR suggested that his wife might be persuaded to sit on the committee. All other items : done or on the agenda.

Review of Recent Events

Spring Show, 9^th April. This was the first ‘proper’ show since the pandemic caused the cancellation of most events two years previously. As such, it was a great success. There were 166 entries and teas took £100. However, despite much effort, there had been no children’s entries. This raised the question of whether or not to include junior classes in the Show. It was decided that – with children being the future of the Society – these classes would be continued pro tem.

Plant Sale 7^th May. Another success, with a profit of £338. There had been many donations of plants – led, as always, by Bryan Everest – the weather was fine, and nearly everything was sold.

Finances

See attached reports from MA.

Forthcoming events

Wisley visit 21^st May. All organised by SW.

Evening Garden visit to Titsey Place 5^th July. All organised by SW. When numbers are confirmed, she will organise wine and soft drinks. Rory Dryburgh, Head Gardener at Titsey, would not be taking a fee for showing visitors around, but donations would be requested, which would be given to his charity.

Autumn Show 10^th September. To be discussed in detail at the August meeting.

Garden Club 13^th September. JA will ask Ian Hayman (Tatsfield Aquatics) to give an update on Tatsfield Village pond (which he is maintaining) and recent projects.

JA will speak – topic to be decided.

SW

JA

JA

2022/2023 Yearbook

JA reported that the yearbook was virtually finished, only requiring decisions on some photographs, and he expected that it would be printed, and distribution could start, before the end of May.

Regular Updates

Subscriptions : CS : see attached report.

TIB : JA reported that plants (which had to be large enough and in bloom ready for the Jubilee celebrations, and which would therefore be expensive) would be delivered on Monday May 16^th . There were few planting volunteers. The theme was the royal colours of purple, white and yellow. The TIB committee had decided that some plants would be perennials, with not so many annuals.

Composting. JA reported that sessions were ongoing on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The rotary screen now had a new engine.

Website : DdA. No report. However, DdA had sent round a long email on the proposed new website, (see https://ths.tatsfieldvillage.uk ) which was now virtually complete, with requests for comments from all committee members.

Request for Garden Volunteers

SW repoted that Rory Dryburgh (Head Gardener at Titsey Place) had asked her if anyone in Tatsfield was prepared to help out as a volunteer on Wednesday mornings at Titsey Place. It was suggested that he should write a piece for inclusion in the Parish Magazine, and it was agreed that he would be welcome to put an article on the THS website.

THS Representative on Village Hall Committee

PM reported that the Village Hall committee was seeking a representative from THS (as a regular user of the hall) to sit on their committee. JA offered to represent THS, but would not be able to attend every month, so would require an alternate. PM will report back to the VHC.

Correspondence

JA had received an email from the Chartwell shop, requesting any spare plants that THS might have for sale in their shop. JA agreed that this would be a good idea if THS had some.

Any Other Business

PM explained that, at the last THS meeting, it was agreed that the committee would elect a new vice-chairman. JA indicated that he was willing to stand, was nominated by PM and seconded by SW, and elected unanimously.

SW said that she would be making the Queen’s Wedding Bouquet at the church for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The committee agreed to sponsor this arrangement for £20.