Chairman's First Report

Well for the first year in office the chairmanship post got off to a rocky start missing out the first
 meeting of the season, as the year went ahead I soon settled in with the help of a grand committee behind me. However problems did start to occur as word got back to me that Jack Dodd of Hill foot garden center had made up his mind to retire and there would not be a show taking place at Hill foot this centenary year. This of cause was a big blow to the society as we have enjoyed the sponsorship of this venue for many a year now, which had it’s ideals in as much as the public seen the display that the members up together, well like all good things they do come to an end, and I am quite sure we all wish Jack a happy retirement. As the man said the show must go on! With not a lot of time a new venue had to be found, which again the committee came up trumps with alternative venues being disgust came up with Nether hall, of which was one of the starting points in the history of the Northwest Dahlia society. Problems did not stop there as on the same night a candle lit procession was to take place, which meant the staging had to be put up before 18.00 hrs on the night in question, because the town main route was to be closed down to all traffic, which in turn threw a spanner in the works for the exhibitor who wished to come later. Up popped the question on staging the exhibits, “trestles” Les Crossly came first to mind, then Rod Holmes who was the chairman of the show next day at the same venue the following day allowed us the staging as long as we returned to them on time for their show, we finally acquired staging from the Milnthorpe society, with the help of Les and his trusty Mercedes van got the show under way, a massive thank you to all involved. As it turned out the venue and show was a success, the candle lit procession although untimely was I believe quite entertaining. As the season went on again I let the side down by surprisingly forgetting the plant sale which I regularly attend to auctioneer, again up stepped Sue Parry who done a Stirling job by raising £172, well Sue, well done. The society really shone by being a active part in having members involved in the National stand that won a gold medal certificate at Holker flower festival in June, and going on to win another gold at Ambleside with another splendid exhibit. Illustrations on the cover pages are of some of the basket and bowl exhibits displayed on the gold medal stand at the Ambleside show. My dahlia year was a total disaster this year, taking on a so called part time job took up more time than the full time job I had just left, enough said. We had good lectures both held at the Gatebeck club, a great new venue, the beer has nothing to do with it? A very warm and relaxing atmosphere in a comfortable lounge sets the perfect scene. Ian Sutherland had a good turnout, while again our dahlia slide show Don Sutcliffe the usual faithful dozen turned up, with a couple of new faces showing a bit promising at least, well lets hope for better weather this coming season, and may all your wishes come true. Best wishes to all.

          Jimmy Jones.