The annual meeting took place on Wednesday 7 February at St Paul’s Church.
Meeting notes
2024 annual meeting notes
South Bristol Gardening Club Annual Meeting 2024
Wednesday 7th February 2024
St Paul’s Church, Southville BS3 1AS
Present: Matthew Symonds, Jenny Bhambri-Lyte, Elizabeth Dale. Sophia Richards, Rita Cormack, Angela Chudnicki, Anne Dockery, Peter Loy-Hancocks, Chery Loy-Hancocks, Sue Blacklaws, Claire Crowsley, Kevin Steer, Sarah Slade, Jenny O’Neil,Elizabeth Jackson, Lynn Clarke, Elaine Beckett, Olive Esposito, Margaret Luton,Alison Hancock, Jennifer Wakenshaw, Medea Walker, Nicola Howell.
Apologies: Shirley Downey.
1. Appointment of the steering committee
At the annual meeting thanks were given for the committee for their work over the past year to keep the club running – thanks to Shirley Downey, Sarah Slade and Matthew Symonds, and also to Elaine Beckett and Jenny Bhambri-Lyte who have supported the committee while not being members.
Shirley Downey has stepped down from the committee and her role as treasurer, thank you Shirley. We are delighted that Jenny O’Neill has offered to stand as Treasurer.
Jenny O’Neill was elected as treasurer by show of hands (no objections).
Matthew Symonds as Secretary and Sarah Slade as a committee member were re-elected by show of hands (no objections).
2. Financial Report
Accounts were presented and there were no questions.
As of 1 January 2023 the club bank statement stood at £1849.33, the closing balance of 2023 was £1946.33. In 2023, the club made a surplus of £183 including petty cash.
MS said the membership renewals will be sent out shortly and that Membership price will remain at £25 this year for full year membership, with a reduced pro-rata fee for members who join part way through the year. payment by bank transfer is preferred but we will accept cash payments at club meetings.
3. Minutes from the 2023 annual meeting
Copies of the minutes were read by club members. There were no questions. Minutes accepted by show of hands.
4. Review of 2023
MS gave a run through of the club talks and visits that had taken place in 2023.
End of official business.
5. Talk from Ben Barker
Ben outlined the work of My Wild Bedminster and BS3 Wildlife (voluntary organisations) and the importance of wildlife habitats in gardens.
Contact for more information
Website: https://www.facebook.com/…/bs3wildlifegroup
Email: mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com
6. Speakers for 2024
MS gave a run through of speakers for 2024 (see below)
Club speakers for 2024
Wednesday 6 March – Sharon from Fancy Plants talks about the joy of houseplants.
Wednesday 3 April – Francis Burroughes reveals the history of the front garden.
Wednesday 1 May – Bristol-based garden designer Ed O’Brian on drought gardens.
Wednesday 5 June – Summer social at Windmill Hill city farm.
Wednesday 3 July – Gina Merritt-Smith on Kew’s intrepid plant hunter and artist Marianne North.
Sunday 14 July – Summer trip to Kew Gardens.
Wednesday 7 August – Social event at Peter and Cheryl’s garden
Wednesday 4 September – Wendy Desyllas shares some behind the scenes experiences of Chelsea Flower Show.
Wednesday 2 October – Gill Hazel shares her knowledge of classic, rare and ususualbulbs.
Wednesday 6 November – RHS gold-medal winning garden designer Jane Porter tells us about her latest projects.
Thursday 5th December – Christmas Party
The 2023 South Bristol Gardening Club financial statement has been independently checked and verified as balanced and correct.
South Bristol Gardening Club 
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