Discussion Weekend 2015

[Stan da Prato]

...continuing

[Stan da Prato]

and more. The last picture is of some of Jean Wyllie's cyclamen raised from seed with details provided though the photo may not allow them to be read. Jean made a big contribution  to the show by  bringing  most entries  to   the bulb classes.

[Stan da Prato]

Three specialist nurseries -Aberconwy, Amand & Ardfearn -  had many  interesting plants and bulbs  on offer while Glassford had his very useful labels for sale.

[Stan da Prato]

The competition for a set of holiday photos was particularly good this year with I think 6 entries.

[Stan da Prato]

The first three entries  were all of an exceptionally high standard. That talented photo couple the McCaugheys were third with a set taken by Lake Van in eastern Turkey, Peter Maguire second with views of Kirstenbosch in South Africa and Tony Goode first with a set from  the Vaud Alps.

[Stan da Prato]

People among the plants

[Stan da Prato]

...more ....

[Stan da Prato]

....not for the first time Mrs Young is the subject  of the caption competition

[Maggi Young]

....not for the first time Mrs Young is the subject  of the caption competition

Maggi is delighted - and somewhat overcome -  to have managed to switch on her camera successfully......

[Maggi Young]

For some rather fine photos of the wildlife seen in the area of the recent SRGC discussion Weekend in Grantown-on-Spey, see Tony Goode's blipfoto pages - starting here : https://www.polaroidblipfoto.com/entry/2097034225134863703

[David Nicholson]

Just beginning to settle back into what passes for a normal routine in the Nicholson household after a brilliant weekend at the Discussion Weekend where I was ably accompanied by my mate Mike Quest. Having flown from Bristol to Inverness I ought to say that although a fine companion he's not highly recommended when it comes to looking after boarding passes! Not a single picture on my camera as I was much too busy enjoying myself and so words will have to do.

It was, without any doubt, the friendliest, best organised event we have ever been to. Given our home geographical situation, close to the end of the known World, Mike and I were a bit worried that we might be a bit 'out on a limb' given that neither of us had never met before (in real life) about 99% of the delegates. But, not a bit of it, we were warmly welcomed; we were 'included' and within minutes felt utterly at home and part of the 'gang'.

It was lovely to be able to put faces to so many of the names I have spoken with electronically, or read about over many years of Forum involvement. I had only met Ian Young and Tony Goode once before and the rest of the following never. Carol and David Shaw; Ian and Ann Christie; Cyril Lafong; Roma Fiddes; Sue Gill; Peter Maguire; Arthur Nicholls; Brian Burrow; Matt Topsfield and Patrick Hughes; Angie Townsley; Maureen Wilson; Ann Wright. Although I've spoken to Maggi Young on the phone many times over the years it was so good to be together for the first time. Must be what it's like to find a long-lost sister.

There were other names too that I didn't get a chance to speak to and would have loved to. Stan da Prato, because I spent nearly all weekend try to count how many plants he'd benched and the same goes for Jean Wyllie; Margaret and Henry Taylor to whom genuflection would have been more appropriate than a handshake; Janis Ruksans; Glassford Sprunt and many more.

Three more I wouldn't forget. Megan and Molly who supplied more licky-kisses to last until next time. And last but never the least the Clubs Hon. President Bette Ivey. I had a long chat with Bette sat on a bench, on the grass, in front of the Grant Arms, both of us having a crafty smoke. How old do think I am said Bette. Oh, pushing 25 or thereabouts, I said ever the gentleman. Nearer quadrupled than trebled she replied. Many, many more Bette.

In our Club volunteers are never pressed men (or women) and it takes a whole range of skills, knowledge, dedication and attitude  to organise an event of the quality that was amply delivered here and I saw all of those attributes in spades from the time we walked through  the door to begin to the time we walked through it again to depart. If you haven't been to one and you get a chance to do so do take it and you might start with Peebles in 2016.

So to the airport. Are you sure you've got the boarding passes Mike? And do you know, he had

[Maggi Young]

I know exactly what you mean - David - I've never had a brother - but I do  feel I have one now. 

[David Shaw]

Maggi/Ian, you need to add a 'like' buttonto the comments!
Enjoyedf meeting you as well, David. May have more time to chat in Peebles when I am not 'on duty'? :-)))))

[Tim Ingram]

Better than Facebook (both) Davids!!! - but not so accessible from Kent. I would certainly press the 'like' button. Really nice to to see and read about the weekend and Tony has put some wonderful pictures taken at Branklyn on FB. Maybe next year...

[tonyg]

I can only repeat my words to Carol Shaw who was one of the organising team.  "A great weekend!  Great speakers, great food, great surroundings.  Brilliantly organised to ensure everything ran smoothly.  Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make it happen.  I have been part of a team organising day conferences in Norfolk, I know how much work it takes to make it a success."

I was very fortunate to travel the second half of the 500 miles from Norwich in the company of Peter Maguire.  A fellow photographer, we enjoyed prostrating ourselves before the plants in several Scottish Gardens on our travels!  I have put an introduction to Branklyn here but will place other pics in a separate thread as I do not want to dilute the messages about this brilliant Discussion Weekend.

The journey home started on a frosty and atmospheric morning.

Link to Garden Visit thread:
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=13650.msg342547#msg342547