BCSS Macclesfield & East Cheshire Branch

Newsletter March 2007 - Trev's Topics (by your Chairman)

Firstly, I want to thank all branch members at the AGM for accepting me as your Chairman, and voting me into the "hot seat" of the branch meetings. I will do my best to carry on the good work done by Christine during her time as Chairman, (not an easy act to follow), and we wish her well in her retirement from the position.

Secondly, I must apologise for my poor state of health at the AGM. I caught the bug that was going round and became ill over the weekend, developing 'flu like symptoms, so I was not at my best. However, I do hope no one caught any germs from me. I knew from the Committee meeting prior to the AGM that Christine would like to step down, and so felt, as Vice Chairman, that it was very important I should make the effort to attend.

I felt that I was "preaching to the converted" a little at the AGM, but I would like my comments to reach a wider audience through this Newsletter. As branch we are fortunate to have a monthly attendance some times in excess of twenty five people, but sadly the AGM only attracts about half this number, and we do require more members to take an interest in the running of the branch. Volunteers are usually needed at the AGM, to join the Committee, and this is a good way to keep familiar with what goes on to keep your branch viable. Please remember that no Committee means no branch to visit! Committee meetings are not too onerous and only occur about three time a year. I hope the membership will give this some thought, and maybe make a decision to attend next year's AGM. Everyone's input is important and valuable to keep your branch on track, and all comments and ideas are welcomed by your Committee.

On a lighter theme now, spring is on the way and the days are becoming noticeably longer, our plants are starting to "wake up" after the winter rest and everything in the garden is starting to show some early growth, including the grass. Oh dear! ItŐs back to the lawnmower again. It seems like only yesterday I gave the lawn its final cut of the autumn. A look around the greenhouse revealed the first buds of spring showing on a hybrid Selinicereus growing in a hanging basket. Last year's flowers were large and a peachy pink colour, so I look forward to seeing them again this spring, and maybe getting a better photograph of them than I managed last year. More trips to the greenhouse will find me eagerly looking for new growth and of course more plants showing buds as spring advances. I hope to take the chance to replace my winter losses (Yes, I have a few) at the north West Cactus Mart on Saturday 31st March. Maybe I will see you there.

Good growing,

Trevor Shannon