The October meeting of the Society was well attended. Fifty people, including six visitors, enjoyed the talk by David Morgan, the Worcestershire County Organiser for the National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk). David spoke on the topic - ‘Is My Garden Good Enough’ – with the idea in mind of opening your garden to the public on one or two days in the year for the NGS. He explained the background of the scheme which started with a Liverpudlian called William Rathbone who started up District Nursing after looking after his terminally ill wife. After many years and various inputs from Queen Victoria to the National Trust, in 1980 the NGS was set up as a charity in its own right and raises money for various other charities – both national and local. The County Organiser was introduced to help plan each area with gardens, publicity and volunteers. After ten years at the job, an engraved trowel is the prize! On accessing the garden, does size matter? No – generally it needs to be able to offer thirty to forty-five minutes of interest. This includes plants and vegetables, good planting schemes, structures, maybe rare plants and perhaps something a little bit unusual and quirky. David started and ended his talk with a self-composed poem and was full of praise for his gardener wife. The monthly competition – A Display of Autumn Leaves – was won by Frances Freeman, with Annette Haines, Tessa Webb and Janice Ferguson taking the next places. Our next meeting is the Society’s social evening and AGM on 21st November. Members are asked to bring a small plate of finger food for eating after the official business is over. Other meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7.45 pm in the Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford on Avon. Visitors are very welcome at £3, including refreshments. For further details please ring 01789 268974 or go to www.bidfordgardens.com Elizabeth Heneghan