On March 7th a speaker evening was held in the Village Hall. Sally from the Woodland Trust gave a talk, with slides to explain the trusts activities and also with the aid of a map showed the location of their woods in Essex. Most of these are open to the public, and their location of these and many more around the countryside are shown on the trust web site.
It was a pleasant evening, which made a good start to this years events

The Spring Show was held on the 27^th March at the Village Hall.
After the terrible winter that we have hade the number of entries to the Daffodil and Other flowers Sections were down compared to last year. Thank you to all people who entered and helped make a show.
The other classes were well supported and especially the Drizzle Cake in the cookery class of which there were Twenty two entries.
Below are the Trophy winners.

Here are some pictures from the show

The Spring plant sale was held on Saturday 8^th May at Oaklands. There were less plants available  this year, which was in part due to the growing conditions early in the season, but those that were on offer were of good quality. Thanks to all the people who provided the plants.
The weather was not very kind to us on the day, after a dry start the rain began and carried on and off for most of the morning. This did not put off our customers who came and browsed and hopefully picked up some bargains, as many went away with laden bags
Tea coffee and cake was also available, but a quiet sit to admire the garden wasn't really possible. Thanks to all our customers who came and supported the Society, and also our band of helpers who carried on in the rain. A total of £576 was made and will go towards supporting the two flower shows which are held during the year.  

 Thirty members and friends went for a trip on the boat Viking Saga, from The Hythe, Maldon on Sun 16^th May. It was very breezy out there on the water, but it was a very enjoyable trip with much to see, with an entertaining skipper giving a commentary as we went.

The boat sailed down river almost to Bradwell before turning back, and as we returned to Maldon we passed three Thames barges under sail, which were a very fine sights indeed.

Although it was rather cool out there on the river it was a trip much enjoyed by all.

Thames barge under sail

Yet another Thames  barge

This year's front garden competition has been won by Barbara Goddard, who's Nounsley garden is a stunning example of how much can be achieved even with a small space. The garden is full of variety and colour with not a weed in sight.

Below are some pictures of the winning garden

The Garden Event at Crix was held on 18/7/2010, the weather was very hot but luckily a cooling breeze blew across the grounds. Some fifty people were there and enjoyed walking in the garden and taking part in the various games. Bowling for the Pig, which was in fact a joint of ham, Throwing the Welly, a Plant Trail with numbered shrubs which hade to be identified, also a map where hidden treasure was to be found.

A fine spread of food, was enjoyed by all, this was provided by the committee members, thanks to them for their efforts. Thanks also to our hosts Mr and Mrs Twinley for allowing us to use their grounds    

The autumn plant sale and coffee morning was held at Tudor Lodge on September 11^th. There were good selections of quality plants on offer, considering the weather we have had this summer. A stream of customers arrived as soon as the sale began and after choosing their plants enjoyed a tea or coffee with the cakes that were on offer. The garden as usual looked splendid and was a great place to sit, and it is a tribute to Hedley's hard work. Profits from the sales help fund the flower shows which take place every year.