AGM 2024

The AGM was held on 28th November and was attended by 68 members. The minutes will be published in the next few weeks and appear here, in the meantime here’s a brief summary:

We had reports from our President – Edward Cotterrel, Chair - Wendy Jenkinson and Treasurer – Helen Jones and reflected on the many achievements and successes of The Society in 2024. 

This was Wendy’s last meeting as our Chair. Sadly, she has made the decision to step back from this role due to her many other commitments. Wendy will remain a member and will continue to offer us her invaluable experience and support. Ann Fenton will take over from Wendy as Chair with effect from December. Committee members for 2025 were proposed and elected. In recognition of her excellent 3-year tenure as our Chair the Society presented Wendy with a thankyou gift. 

The certificates for the 75 th Annual Show were awarded as well as thankyous to your committee members for the roles they each play in our society’s success: 

Helen Jones – for hosting our summer flower arranging and Christmas wreath making workshops, growing seeds for the May plant sale as well as managing our finances and supporting Ann with the Annual Show. 

Edward Cotterrell – for his support and advice, sourcing the plug plants for our Annual Show and becoming our President this year, taking over from Jackie Tomnie. 

Alison Watson – for finding our excellent speakers by visiting shows, events and other garden groups, for the seasonal plant displays, photos and information at our monthly meetings. Alison also sources the spring bulbs for us to grow ready for the March competition. 

Ann Fenton – for being our Annual Show Secretary, producing our Newsletter and writing articles for the Meriden Mag highlighting all we do at BDHS. 

Angela Shaw – for researching gardens for us to visit, planning and organising our trips as well as taking minutes at our meetings and supporting the committee in all of our ventures. 

Doug Timmis – for his guidance and advice, especially working with the BBC over BDHS hosting Gardeners Question Time earlier this year. 

Marion Keeley – for her support, advice and becoming the link with Lady Katherine School in Temple Balsall and also the lead for GQT in 2024. 

Pet Hawley – for her creative ideas and suggestions, supporting the catering at our events and serving refreshments at our monthly meetings. 

Maggie Smith – who sources the “sundries” on sale at our monthly meetings and is a great support at our meetings. 

Helen Goodwin – for her enthusiastic contributions and support at committee meetings. 

There were also some special “thank-yous”: 

• Margaret Sears - who is always on hand to help and give support at our events and selling our raffle tickets. 

• Mary Cotterrell - our internal auditor for our accounts. 

• Jackie Tomnie – who retired last year from the Presidents role. 

In recognition of the immense support Jackie has given over her many years of membership she was awarded this year’s RHS Recognition award. 

Thank you to everyone who helped with the setting up and clearing away and to our “Catering Team” Helen Moore, Sue Edwards and Helen Jones for the delicious buffet. 

We look forward to 2025 being another successful year for our Society and to welcoming new members