On Thursday 11th December volunteers of the Danesbury Fernery and Danesbury Nature Reserve Work Parties, joined the Fernery Gardening Group team to celebrate the conclusion of our 10th successful year.
Paul Smith, recently appointed Chair of the Friends of Danesbury Fernery (FODF) gave an eloquent speech, which included kind references and thanks to the leadership of his predecessors John and Sara.
Paul drew attention to another Award Winning year in the shape of the (RHS) Anglia-in-Bloom Gold Award (in the Parks & Gardens Category), and further successful planting of many new trees, shrubs and plants. Ferns continue to be re-introduced that had been removed one hundred years ago by principal local Gardeners in 1924 when Danesbury’s Fernery had become derelict. A selection had been fortuitously recovered when The Wildings in Harmer Green Road, Digswell, was demolished earlier this year, having been the home of Victorian fern collector and artist George Soper and his family.
Paul stressed the need for all volunteers to influence and encourage friends and neighbours to join our teams if our work is to continue benefitting future generations within the community. He concluded by thanking all volunteers who have helped over the past year, and wished everybody Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The speech was over and the volunteers then delighted in sharing the food, drinks and memories they had brought along with them . Very little was left over and those volunteers who were not driving were warmed by the abundant supply of Mulled Wines, mostly commercially produced, but beaten hands-down by Harrys home made (‘secret’ until published) recipe.
(The Editor adds his Seasons greetings too).
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