Maghera and District Gardening Group
Chairperson’s Report 2024/25
As we approached the 20[th ] Anniversary of the gardening group we looked forward with enthusiasm to an exciting program. Reflecting on the last 12 months, we are delighted to celebrate another successful year packed with shared learning, trips, talks and entertainment.
In November, we hosted our Anniversary Dinner at the Brown Trout, which was greatly enjoyed by all those who could attend. Our members decorated the tables with flowers and handmade chocolates with two of our founding members cutting a cake made specially for the occasion. In April, we had our Charity and Pudding Evening in aid of Air Ambulance with guest speaker Marie Staunton. This included a plant sale, and our charitable contribution was a very generous £2100. Thank you to all involved and those who supported, it is greatly appreciated.
Our Talks and Presentations
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Una Quinn North Coast Gardener – Wood and Garden
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Mary Doris – Garden with Mary
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Member Night – Special Interests
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Kerry Connolly, Willow and Greene – Gardening, Cooking and Well-being, Top tips from a Small Business Owner
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Claire McNally – Head Gardener, National Trust Rowallane Gardens
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Barbara Kelso– Creative Garden Design and Inspirational Planting
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Marie Staunton – Spring forward into Summer, Plants to Inspire every Gardener
Our Visits/Outings
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7[th] June
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The Secret Gardens of Loughgall – Showcasing a wide variety of open gardens of varied ornamental, woodland, wildlife and kitchen gardens
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21[st] June
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Horatio’s Garden Musgrave Park Hospital- Tour from Head Gardener followed by coffee and cake, they were very grateful for our donation from 2023/24
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Henry’s Garden Newtownards- A small suburban garden- Member of NI Garden Scheme
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Bangor Walled Garden Visit
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15-17[th] July
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Three Day Garden Tour – Bessbrook, Laois & Dublin
Our membership numbers for 2024/25 totaled 76 members.
We wish to thank Mary McKeown, one of our founding members, for her 21 years of service on the committee as she takes a small step away.
Finally, thank you to all our speakers, hosts and to our members and visitors for their ongoing support and attendance which allows us to continue functioning as a very successful community gardening group. Thank you also to Maghera Presbyterian Hall for the use of the venue. We acknowledge the benefit of additional funding by way of a grant of £855 provided by Mid Ulster Council and monies raised from the sale of our Fireside Quiz. The contribution of the committee is much appreciated to keep us operating as we do.
Karen Hurrell (Chairperson) - 21[st] October 2025