MAGHERA & DISTRICT GARDENING GROUP – CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2023/4 

As we look forward to our 20[th] year, the activities enjoyed by our 75 members included talks, presentations and visits across a wide range of garden lay-outs and formats.  For me, the highlight of the year was our Charity Event in March 2024, when Claire Woods MBE, the Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle, gave a talk on ‘A year at Hillsborough’, raising just over £2K for Horatio’s Garden at Musgrave Park Hospital Spinal Unit.  It was a privilege to represent the Group at its formal opening in May 2024. 

OTHER TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS: 

Averill Milligan – Her Gardening Life 

Robert Davidson – Ballinahone Nursery, Armagh 

Liz Davidson – My Stress-Buster 

Mary McGahon & Heather Hutchinson – Perennial Happiness & No-Dig Gardening 

Victoria Allen – Potter’s Hill Plants 

Billy McCombe – Ballinderry Flowers 

VISITS/OUTINGS TO GARDENS AT:- 

Greba, Greyabbey and Fernhill, Spa 

Two-day trip to Meath/North Dublin 

ANNUAL DINNER: (in the Tap Room, Bellaghy) – slide show by Brendan Convery 

THANKS: 

Thanks to all our speakers and hosts, those who provided refreshments and to the Minister and Session of Maghera Presbyterian Church for the use of their facilities throughout the year.  Thanks are particularly due to Robin Clark for his fund-raising efforts which enabled us to purchase a pop-up banner for our Group and for helping to design the Group’s logo.  Also thanks to our members, not least those on the committee, for their attendance, support and enthusiasm throughout the year. 

Rosemary Torrens (Chairman)