It’s “Pumpkin Time” again! At the next 3Hs Gardening Club meeting on Tuesday 10th October at 7.30pm members are invited to bring their entries along for the coveted ‘Pumpkin Cup’. 

Mike Patching says ‘Last years winners told me a while ago that their cunning plan to raise a winner from the seeds of last years prize specimen, failed dismally as they all failed to germinate, but I suspect there’s been a high degree of ‘Sand Bagging’ going on there and in several other quarters with reports of giant specimens in various places round the villages.  No matter how big or otherwise your pumpkin may be just bring it along, make it a fun evening.  If anyone thinks they may need a wheelbarrow at the pavilion  just let me know.’

The speaker will be Howard Drury DHE (Hons) the well known broadcaster, presenter and lecturer, who among his many tasks has been a member of the BBC Gardeners’ Question time panel. Howard has been asked to speak on day to day gardening that members might find useful. Howard has spoken at the Three H’s before and is always a popular speaker.

Non-members are welcome to come along to enjoy the evening – there will just be a small charge that could be offset against membership costs should they decide to join.

ALSO – as usual there will be a bring and buy so bring any plants, bulbs or paraphernalia you have laying about and which might be of use to other members.’

The next meeting of the 3Hs Gardening Club is Tuesday 12th September at 7.30pm in Horton Pavilion.  This is nominated as the AGM when members will get the opportunity to hire or fire the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer or committee members.  

See below for a message from Mike Patching:

‘We are all gathering and probably giving away most of the fruits of our collective labours to those who have not or cannot, sample the delights of gardening, so possibly all prospective members.  The produce show was a great success and thanks to all who organised, entered, helped or who simply attended.  Lets make next year’s even better, so if you have a friend or acquaintance in any of the Ironstone parishes, bring them along as potential members.

Remember too to bring stuff along for the bring and buy, some topics for the ‘Gardening ideas of what me might do instead, Forum. Our Speaker is Russell Attwood, who will speak on the subject of ‘No dig gardening’.

Finally remember the October 10^th meeting will be the Pumpkin Contest, so now’s the time to be feeding your prized specimen and guarding it from hungry Badgers.  From comments I’ve heard some suggestions there are some ‘Big-Guns’ being secretly nurtured!

I look forward to seeing you all next Tuesday, but meanwhile keep cool and enjoy this amazing autumn.‘

The ‘Three H’s Gardening club’ will be holding their annual produce show at the Hornton Pavilion on Saturday 12th August, and for the first time there will be a children’s competition open to the children and grandchildren (up to age 16) of residents in Horley, Hornton and Hanwell.

There is no charge, but entries must be in place between 09.15 and 11.15 on the day of the show and not removed until after 3.30pm.

Judging will take place between 11.30 and 2.30 and the judges decision is final.

The category is for.

1. A garden in a seed tray

2. A decorated gingerbread man.