Village's diamond night

Ninfield Horticultural Society had reached its 60th birthday and members were ready for a great night out.

They were in for a treat because broadcaster and expert Pippa Greenwood, of Gardeners’ Question Time, was on hand to entertain and inform.

She gave a talk which took a lighthearted look at Nasties In The Garden, and her slides of pests and diseases accompanied by personal anecdotes were followed by questions from the audience.

Afterwards came a buffet, drinks and celebration cake made by Joan Moss.

Rose Franks, in her 10th year as show organiser, said: “It was good fun. the evening turned out just like I wanted it to - it was brilliant. I saw a lot of smiling faces.”

She had planned the event since just before Christmas when she booked Pippa to attend and felt all her effort had been worthwhile.

“I was hoping for a good social evening to give something to the members in particular, a really special event with a special speaker, someone we would not normally have in Ninfield, and out of the normal run of things.

“This was to mark our 60 years, which is great for a village horticultural society, because a lot of them don’t make it.

“Pippa Greenwood was lovely, really warm and bubbly, friendly. She was brilliant, and there was no side to her - she was just really great.

“I think lots of us learned something.

“I have had very positive comments since then from lots of members who said it was a really good evening.

“And I have heard back from Pippa... she said thank you for such a lovely warm welcome from such a friendly group, and a great audience.”

PICTURED: Rose Franks with Pippa Greenwood