OBITUARY: CHRIS REDKNAP by Marion King

Chris with Fergus Garrett of Great Dixter

We are very sad to report that one of our longest serving Club members, Chris Redknap passed away peacefully at home, just short of his 85th Birthday.

Chris regularly attended Club meetings until very recently but, as we could all see, was becoming increasingly frail. He took an interest in a wide variety of subjects and was always really keen to be involved in all aspects of gardening, including manning a stall at Plant Sales, visiting gardens, theatre trips, exhibitions and going to various talks.

Over many years Chris was the outstanding winner of our monthly competitions, especially in the flower arrangement and baking sections. My own recent dahlia exhibit was because of him, as one year he brought along a huge dahlia which inspired me to have a go at growing one myself. Each year at the AGM he would walk away with several cups and awards.

Chris was always very supportive to club members and to me during my time as chair. A kind and gentle man he often came to our meetings with ideas for new speakers, and booking them, including Fergus Garret and Juliet Sargeant during our 60th Anniversary year. A keen photographer, every year he produced a wonderful calendar with pictures of the plants he grew in his own small garden. The calendar was sold to raise money for The Stroke Association in memory of his mother.

I’m sure you’ll agree, he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

Chris with Eileen and Margaret at Lullingstone Castle and Chris manning a stall at the Plant Sale

WE NOW ACCEPT CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS

We are pleased to announce the Club is now able to accept contactless payments at Club Meetings instead of cash. Particularly convenient for larger payments such as Outings and the January Party.

UPCOMING EVENT

OUTING TO CHRISTMAS AT KEW

MONDAY 1ST DECEMBER

Book now to visit the amazing Christmas Lights at Kew Gardens.

We will be leaving Glebe Villas at 3:15pm and picking up at Towns Corner Shops, Hangleton. The coach will drop us off near the Kew entrance so we’ll have plenty of time to wander around the gardens, have a bite to eat and stock up on Christmas presents. We’ll be leaving Kew at 9:15pm returning to Hove after 10pm depending on traffic.

Cost £43 for Club members and £45 for guests, which includes the driver’s tip. This compares very favourably with excursion charges by local coach companies.

To secure your place, you’ll need to pay a deposit of £20 per person in August. Club members will have priority up to the end of August. If there are seats remaining, we will accept deposits for guests in September, followed by full payment on or before the Club meeting on Monday 20th October.

Methods of payment:
Cash at a Club meeting or Bank transfer
Sort Code: 77-29-18 Account Number: 40812360
Account Name: Hove Gardening Club Reference: Kew 2025

Visit https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas for full details.

PLANT SALE 2025

Biennials and annuals with Wendy and Jenny

Bargains galore were snapped up by two hundred happy customers at this year’s Plant Sale on Saturday 17 May. A wide range of plants, home-baked treats and gardening related bric-a-brac sold like hot cakes. (The cakes, of course were at room temperature!). The Committee wouldn’t be able to stage such a well organised and successful event without the help of our wonderful team of volunteer helpers and everyone who grew plants and baked cakes, biscuits and savouries for Leila’s popular stall, so a huge Thank You everyone for your invaluable contribution. We are delighted to announce that the amazing sum of £2,005.12 was raised for Club funds, ensuring another year of fantastic Speakers, not to mention the January Party. Did I just mention the January Party? Have a successful summer’s gardening first though and enjoy the sunshine before we have to put on our winter woollies again.