AGM 4 Decmebr 2019

A good crowd of members joined us for the AGM.
Chairman Rick got through the formalities in half an hour or so. 
We made a small surplus in the last financial year, which is good news.
Roger H and Sandra E have retired from the Committee, but are joined by Chris D. Otherwise the rest are the same familiar faces.
Then it was on to our Christmas Celebration. Out came the hot Mulled Wine, which was very welcome on such a chilly night. Then there was lots of tasty food which many of those present brought in for all to enjoy. They must have done just that as there was very little left at the end of the evening.
Karen provided all the material necessary to create some Christmas wreaths. Several tables had a go and we ended up with four.
In addition, Jenny asked if a large outline star could be decorated. This is to provide an exhibit at the Christmas display at the Woodhouse Centre next door to the Red Cross Hall.

Choosing the materials for the wreathes

The star gets decorated

The star ready for the Woodhouse Centre

Christmas Wreath in preparation

One table completed two wreathes

Another on here

Then we have the four to admire

LEN STEBBINGS RIP

Len with his wife Pearl

We were saddened to learn that one of the local pillars of all things gardening, Len Stebbings died on 29 November 2019. In 2012 he moved to Lowestoft, but up until then he was resident in Oxted, and was a force for good in all matters horticultural.He was someone who the expression "green fingers" was created. Almost everything he touched seemed to grow, and flourish.
As an RHS judge and he was a familiar sight at many shows.
Not only a keen member of LODHS, he was an active participant in the Hurst Green Gardening Club, and as an exhibitor he was always up there with the best.
He was on our Committee for many years and his final role, up until his departure for the East Coast was President of the Society.
The following was written by Len's son and is worth repeating here:
"It is with sorrow that I have to announce that dad passed away on Friday November 29 at about midnight. He suffered a fall almost two weeks earlier and had been in hospital since. I was fortunate that I visited earlier last week and saw him while he was as outspoken as ever, but by Wednesday he was much quieter. I had to return to Ireland but was pleased to have spent time with him on what turned out to be his last days. He passed away surrounded by the rest of the family who have been so supportive of mum since.
Many people will remember him, either as Father Christmas in the Oxted area, through his horticultural endeavours, including as an NVS judge or as a teacher at Oxted County School.
Mum and Dad returned to their family home in Lowestoft several years ago where they enjoyed the support of our extended family.
Dad passed away just a few weeks off his 86th birthday.
Lamp posts and supermarket shelves need fear his electric buggy no more, but I am sure he is causing mayhem somewhere still."
In conclusion, those of us that came into contact with Len will retain very happy memories of him, his general exuberance and his enthusiasm for life.
Our condolences to Pearl and his family. May he rest in peace.