THE BECK WI

We had a most interesting talk at our April meeting. Charlotte Philcox is a very enthusiastic organic gardener and her enthusiasm clearly came across to us. Starting with the Romans, who brought a lot of plants over to this country (the first slide showed quince, medlars, wild cabbage), Charlotte went through the Ages, next mentioning the Anglo Saxons, known to grow a profusion of leeks.

Each age produced different methods and additions to help gardeners and we were impressed by a drawing of a Monastery in Switzerland where it was plain to see that Monks favoured raised beds for their vegetables. Nassington,near Peterborough, where a Medieval garden has been recreated, got a special mention.

On to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries when walled gardens, glass and then formal gardens were all the rage. Allotments were popular by the end of the 19th century and in the 20th century when the Second World War came, we were all 'Digging for Victory'.

Charlotte judged the Vegetarian Sandwich exhibits. 1st - Jennifer, 2nd - Gill. Ruth Whitmore won the raffle.

Hope to see you all at our May meeting - 7.30 p.m. on the 8th - when a W.I.Adviser will tell us about the Resolutions. The exhibit is an Energy Saving Tip.

Mary Humphrey