The New Year has really started well with a very interesting and fascinating evening. John and Carol Matthews from “The Vintage Garden Store” brought a super collection of vintage tools ranging from spades, forks, hoes, rakes, of all shapes and sizes as well as the more unusual tools such as the daisy grubber and bulb planter. All had been lovingly restored by John, with the handles polished and oiled, mostly ash, and the metal prongs or blades gleaming. The term “lovingly” was apt as John handled each tool with respect and reverence as he spoke of its history and provenance. He mentioned several Manufactures, I particularly remembered “Skelton” and “Elwell,” and what I had not realised each one was documented with a number. The tools had so much character and my imagination began to wonder who had gardened with them. I particularly like the” ladies” tools, or so I thought. Actually they were probably used by young apprentices or lads who needed a lighter tool to cope with the task. 
The tools were for sale at a very reasonable price and were very tempting. I have inherited my father’s gardening tools and the following morning , it was a moment of nostalgia to discover my spade was an Elwell (with a number) which has been a part of my life for so many years along with my father on the allotment and is now working with me.
“The Vintage Garden Store” is at Mappleborough, phone to make sure someone is there, 01527-854553. Website-www.thevintagegardenstore.com
As the weather has been so mild, I have been gardening everyday which has been wonderful as the birds have been singing and the snowdrops and crocus are in bloom. An early Rhododendron has been an absolute joy with well over 100 blooms 
and one magnolia has started to blossom.
Several Gardens are worth visiting to see the Snowdrops, Colesbourne, Painswick Rococo Garden, Anglesey Abbey(near Cambridge), Hodsock Priory (Notts ), Rodmarton Manor (Gloucestershire) and Cambo (Fife) to mention just a few. Look on the website to see opening times and other gardens.
The next meeting we welcome Timothy Walker, Director of Oxford Botanical Garden, 8pm February 7th at the Village Hall. Subject, “Boggery in the Garden”, whatever, it will be a great Night!!!