HASLEMERE Gardening Society’s 70th annual general meeting was held in the Catholic church hall.

Despite the forecast of unpleasant winter weather, it was well-attended and after the formal business was completed, a tempting buffet with wine was enjoyed by all.

Instead of the usual speaker members were pleased to welcome Lucinda Colucci from the Blackdown Ridge vineyard who brought lots of samples for them to try.

Lucinda spoke about the vineyard so close to home started, and its continuing success.

Everyone enjoyed the wine tasting and discussing the finer points of what was being produced.

Lucinda told members about the many prizes their wines had been awarded in the short time the vineyard had been producing and about the tours they do and what fun they are, particularly in the late summer when the grapes are ripening. Lots of people said they would be booking this as a summer treat.

Members were grateful to Lucinda for sparing time to talk to the group on a summery subject in the depths of winter.

It was a very enjoyable evening with thoughts of the summer outings, the first to Thenford House and Upton House, near Banbury, in Oxfordshire, in May, participation in the Charter Fair, interesting and informative talks and a coffee morning to look foward to.

Report by HELEN FRENCH