Herald - Issue 416

Page 54 • The HERALD • 9th December 2021 v SEND ALL YOUR NEWS TO THE HERALD v | DOWN THE GARDEN PATH | THE TREE & LANDSCAPE WIZARD All aspects of tree surgery, garden maintenance and landscaping undertaken Family run business for over 20 years No Job Too Big or Small Please call 07552 977731 for a Free Quotation Contact Nick 07825 662955 or 023 8017 3186 (office) • Local Domestic and Commercial Tree Surgeons • Hedging work • Tree reductions • Thinning • Tree dismantles • Arboricultural reports and Surveys • Fencing Free no obligation quotation, and free advice E: enquiries@langleyarb.com W: www.langleyarb.com BLACKFIELD GARDENING CLUB MEETING by Patricia Hedley-Goddard On the evening of Tuesday 9th November Black eld Gardening Club held their monthly meeting at St Francis Church, Langley. is month the presentation, given by Ron Taylor, was entitled ‘Southampton Water from Broadlands to Spithead’. Ron is a lively character and his presentation was interesting and full of anecdotes. Ron started by describing the 4 mile stretch of the river Test which runs through the Broadlands estate originally owned by the Diocese of Winchester. Legend tells that a character named ‘Wol e T’, supposedly half man and half wolf, roamed the woods in the estate at night, terrifying anyone who went there. It was possibly a rumour put about by the estate game keeper to deter poachers. Arriving at Redbridge one can access the Ship Inn which has hosted both Royalty and smugglers. e Southampton estuary and the Solent are unique because they o er two tides in twenty-four hours, and very deep water, allowing the biggest ships access for 17 hours a day into the various docks. Ron described the role and importance of the various docks on each side of the estuary. Interestingly, Netley Abbey now houses the Police Training Centre, Hampshire Constabulary Southern Training, plus the Police Dog Training Centre and Dog Search Support Unit. Other places described were Hythe Pier, Exxon/Esso oil re nery, Calshot Castle, RAF and the seaplane repair base, and the coastguard facility. Here, Southampton Water begins to join the Solent. In 1928, Cowes on the Isle of Wight started the oldest Sailing Regatta in the world. East Cowes was where Sir Christopher Cockerill invented the Hovercra . When he rst invented it, all 3 military services rejected it, but Saunders Poe immediately recognised its potential and started to build it in East Cowes. e Hovercra is now used all over the world in many di erent and di cult environments. is invention also gave us the ‘Hover mower’. In 1346 the Spithead was rst used by Edward III to review his navy which was then a regular event. In 1797 the Spithead Mutiny took place, and in 1940 King George VI reviewed the D-Day landings from Spithead. ank you, Ron Taylor, for such a colourful, interesting and amusing presentation. Next meeting is Tuesday 14th December , St Francis Church, Langley, at 7.30pm . All visitors welcome (£2). is is their Christmas meeting and there will be ‘nibbles’ and so drinks, tea and co ee available (£2). You are permitted to take your own alcoholic drinks. All enquiries to club secretary Patricia Hedley- Goddard: 023 8024 3795. Hythe Flower Club is a very friendly club, open to men and women of all ages and to anyone with an interest in owers. ey meet on the second Thursday of the month in the Hythe Parish Hall, just along from Hythe Marina. e meetings start at 7pm with ower arranging demonstrations starting at 7.30pm. On ursday 11th November Hythe Flower Club held their Christmas Party. Something di erent this year everyone brought mechanics to create a Christmas arrangement and there was a sales table for any extra requirements. e results were truly lovely with plenty of sparkle. Lots of chatter and gorgeous home made cakes (thank you Judi ). A fun and social evening was had by all. eir next meeting is on Thursday 13th January for a demonstration by Gaenor Circus titled ‘Ancient and Modern’, followed on Thursday 10th February for a demonstration by Michelle King titled ‘Tutti Frutti’. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact: helencharge@post.com Ancient and Modern