Carmen has a great sense of fun and creativity with many re-cycled structures located around the garden, including some interesting out- buildings such as the very large gazebo, children's playhouse and the vintage glasshouse.

Dry times have put the garden to the test and without any pumping from the dam for the last six months, it has sorted out the plant survivors. Rob brings the soil, helps with the planting, builds and welds everything structural, and generally is a great help, while Carmen has the bright ideas. Thank you both for inviting us to your inspiring garden.

The competitions brought saw the highest standard of beautiful cut flowers for many months. First place for flowers went to Marg Woodford for her waterlilies, second to Pearl Begg's double hippeastrum and equal third were Peter Hazell's orchid and Anne Williamson's red tea tree.

Fred Rees won the vegetable competition with his asparagus, with Peter Hazell's elephant garlic second and Anne Williamson's fennel third.

Effie Crawley gave a fascinating demonstration of simple Christmas table decorations from flowers gathered from the home garden. So the competitions at the November meeting will include a Christmas table centre arrangement, and the popular Christmas-themed hat. The usual fruit and vege competitions and trading table will be back in February.

Fay Harris won the $80 members' draw and Judy Earle the lucky door prize. Our thanks go to David Pierce who is now the Keeper of the Speakers to ensure the smooth running of our new public address system and to Kim and Kevin Arney for the Member's Profile of their busy lives prior to settling in Gloucester. The report of the members' Norfolk Island trip was entertaining and interesting.

The last meeting for 2019 will be on Wednesday, November 27, at Win Giles', 55 Fairbairns Road, Gloucester, from 10am.