ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2024

Marilyn accepting the Mayor of Hove’s Cup

Fifty members gathered in St Leonard’s Hall for an AGM that turned out to be informative, emotional and entertaining. Chair, Marion King welcomed everyone, hoping they had enjoyed a glass of mulled wine and choice of delicious pastries before the start of business. Following approval of the previous year’s meeting minutes, Treasurer, Jacky Holt gave a review of this year’s Accounts, singling out the Plant Sale and Raffles as having generated excellent revenue. Chris Thornton-Clough, our esteemed Club President addressed the meeting, thanking the Committee for all their hard work and ended with her customary “Cornucopia of corny jokes”.

Marion’s report included a special mention of the Plant Sale, our most successful to date and featuring a fabulous cake stall that included our famous cheesy potato pie, a legend in everyone’s lunchtime. Bottles of wine were presented to Graham Dwyer (website editor), Sheila Myers (Leila’s raffle table assistant) and Linda Church (Competitions Table organiser).

Sadly three of the Committee have decided to retire to their potting sheds but we are really pleased to welcome four new Committee members: Stephanie Kenton, Pam Cork, Rita George and Lucy Watkins. Their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm will be much appreciated in the coming year. President Chris Thornton-Clough and Vice President Ken Norman were re-elected, along with eight members of the 2024 Committee who have agreed to re-stand. David King was elected to the post of Accounts Examiner.

Trophies and Certificates were awarded to Competition winners, a full list of which is printed at the end of this article. Almost at close of business, there were special gift presentations to two of the retiring Committee members. Unfortunately Tessa Lindop was unable to attend so her gift of a ceramic pot, planted with miniature white narcissi will be delivered to her. Marion spoke warmly of both Tessa and Pat Winter, describing all the great work they have done for the Club over many years. Pat was presented with a miniature red waterlily (Nymphaea pygmaea rubra) she said would be simply perfect in her small pond. After a “Thank You” speech for her waterlily, Pat delivered a heartfelt tribute to our exceptionally hardworking Chair. Marion was moved, not least to receive the champagne and flowers that were a surprise gift on behalf of the entire Club. Finally, November’s competition winners were announced and the raffle drawn prior to the close of the meeting.

Trophies and Certificates of Merit were awarded as follows:

Overall points total
1st. Mayor of Hove’s Cup – Marilyn High
2nd. President’s Challenge Plate – Leila Philips
3rd. Silver Cup – John Lyall

Decorative (Flowers, plants, shrubs and trees)
1st. Cut-glass Vase – John Lyall
2nd. Marilyn High
3rd. Britt-Marie Karlsson

Edible produce grown in your garden or allotment
1st. Bronze Wheelbarrow Shield – Graham Dwyer
2nd. Sheila Askew
3rd. Leila Philips

Food items prepared in your kitchen
1st. RHS Decorative Plate – Leila Philips
2nd. Marilyn High
3rd. Sandra Payne

Certificates of Merit were awarded to all of the above and: Frances Gunn, Christine James, Denise Pittard, Lyn Burrows, Julia Feittkau/Charley, Pat Edwards, Marion King, Heather Goldring, Alison Mudd, Chris Thornton-Clough, Jo Adams, Lindsay Lindsay, Wendy McCarthy, Rita Fry, Jenny Taylor, Joyce Roberts and Glen Goldring.

See the Gallery for more images.