Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
SRGC Shows and Events => Events => Topic started by: Maggi Young on December 06, 2008, 11:51:46 PM
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Forget the 2012 Olympics, the next event that we rockgardeners and alpine lovers are interested in is the next International Rock Garden Plant Conference... coming up in 2011.
These conferences are held every ten years and I know that many Forumists have attended more ofthese events than they perhaps care to count!
The eighth International Rock Garden Conference will be held at Nottingham University....a venue for a previous conference but one now wholly changed from the era of that distant gathering.
This long-anticipated event will be held at the Nottingham University in the East Midlands Conference Centre from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th April, 2011.
The AGS is making the arrangements for the 2011 event and booking arrangements will be found on the AGS Website.
See here for a flavour of the venue: http://www.nottinghamconferences.co.uk/emcc/
and here for the programme : http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/Eighth+International+Rock+Garden+Conference+/235/
booking:
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/sales/conferences/bookings/2011/
EDIT: Postcode for the EMCC is NG7 2RJ to help with Directions!
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This long-anticipated event will be held at the Nottingham University in in the East Midlands Conference Centre from April 13th to 17th 2011. That's Thursday 13th to Sunday 17th, I think.
I hope that won't clash with the Aberdeen SRGC Show! How can we attend both?
A few of us here in "the South" are already making plans for a visit.
cheers
fermi
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Fermi I hope there will be a little venture this way if you are planning to be in UK
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No chance of a clash with the Aberdeen Show, because the Aberdeen Show Secretaries will be in Nottingham!! Anyway, Aberdeen Show always has later May date, so safe enough! I presume other shows that may clash will amend their dates?????????????
Fermi, I'll make up a room for you !
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It looks as if it may fall on the weekend between Edinburgh and Perth shows. No direct clash but it will be a busy period of time. I thought Alpines **** was usualy in the early summer?
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It's almost a year since this thread was started. Time really goes by fast
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Dates for the Perth show have been changed for 2011. Can't remember waht they have changed to.
Susan
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With a bit of luck the AGS will have some details to release soon ::) :-X.... I suggest anyone interested in attending gives extra attention to their piggy bank in the meantime..... if in doubt... save as much as you can! It is unlikely to be the biggest bargain long weekend you've had! :-\
We're saving as much as we can, Maggi! ::) I hope to be able to use long service leave to extend the time we can spend in Europe so we can get to visit some Forum buddies in N.Ireland and Scotland andSweden and Germany and.... ;D ;D ;D
cheers
fermi
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so we can get to visit some Forum buddies in N.Ireland and Scotland andSweden and Germany and.... ;D ;D ;D
cheers
fermi
..............Belgium...... :P ;D ;)
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..............Belgium......
???
For those who don't know.
This belongs to the Nether Lands (and is nearby where I live) :P :P :-X
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i can't wait for this event its only five minutes down the road for me ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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..............Belgium......
???
For those who don't know.
This belongs to the Nether Lands (and is nearby where I live) :P :P :-X
Luit,
You are living dangerously...... :o :o :o
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i can't wait for this event its only five minutes down the road for me ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
You live near Nottingham, then, do you , Davey?
We've been looking at the train route from Aberdeen.... seems very odd route.... via Crewe!! :o I'd have thought an east coast route was more likely, but with the rail system today, who knows!???!! Mind you, in another couple of years, will there still be any rail system at all ? :P :-\
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Just to let you know that the SRGC Perth Show is on the 8th April 2011. Yes we moved it from the normal date so not to clash with Alpines 2011. We would welcome everyone from across the world!!
Julia :) Perth Show Secretary
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The provisional programme is now available for the Eighth International Rock Garden Conference, 2011
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/Eighth+International+Rock+Garden+Conference+/235/ (http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/Eighth+International+Rock+Garden+Conference+/235/)
Thursday 14 April 2011
15.00-16.00 Registration
16.00-16.30 Tea
16.30-17.30 Welcome & Opening Lecture-Brian Mathew: provisional title ‘Ever-changing Frontiers: of all sorts!’
19.30 onwards Dinner
David Haselgrove ‘ Southern Hemisphere Treats’
Friday 15 April 2011
09.00-10.00 Harry Jans ‘Plant Hunting on the Roof of the World’
10.00-11.00 John Richards ‘Asiatic Primulas Old and New’
11.00-11.30 Coffee
11.30-12.30 Martin Walsh ‘The High and Low in the Himalaya’
12.50-14.15 Lunch
13.30-15.00 WORKSHOPS
15.00-16.00 Rober Rolfe ‘Location, Location Location: Alpines Near and Far, Narrowly Endemic and Nationalistic'
16.00-16.30 Tea
16.30-17.30 Jim Archibald ‘Beyond the Last Frontiers’
19.30 onwards Dinner
Plant Auction
Saturday 16 April 2011
There will be a one-day National AGS/SRGC Show all day.
09.00-10.00 Keith Wiley ‘An Holistic Approach to Alpines in the Garden’
10.00-11.00 Todd Boland ‘Alpine Plants of Newfoundland through to the Appalachians’
11.00-11.30 Coffee
11.30-12.30 Bob Wallis ‘Fritillaries on Four Continents’
12.50-14.15 Lunch
13.30-15.00 Free Time (to allow opportunity to see Show)
15.00-16.00 John Good ‘Alpines in a changing world’
16.00-16.30 Tea
16.30-17.30 John Watson ‘Three decades in the Andes’
19.30 onwards Dinner
Roy Lancaster ‘My world of Plants’
Sunday 17 April 2011
09.00-10.00 Ian Young ‘Highland Gathering’
10.00-11.00 Michael Kammerlander ‘Juno Iris – the Persica Group and Some Others’
11.00-11.30 Coffee
11.30-12.30 John Grimshaw ‘Giants and Dwarfs: the Alpines of Africa’
12.50-14.15 Lunch
13.30-15.00 Workshops
15.00-16.00 Vojtech Holubec ‘Central Asia: Plants under burning sun and cooling snow’
This programme now revised in the light of the sad death of Jim Archibald... see post for 20th August page 5 of this thread
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2751.msg163631#msg163631
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Thanks for letting us know, Diane. :D
I have merged this topic with the pre-existing one on the subject:"Alpines 2001 .....next is the 2011 event "
Keep a look out on the AGS site for booking details because I have no idea when this information will be released to the SRGC.
I am told there will be an "early bird" booking discount and I will let you know as soon as I hear anything. ::)
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On line booking supposed to be available from 11th January
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Where will the conference be held ???
Or did I miss something ? ??? ::)
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Nottingham
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Thanks Martin !
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Luc, there are details about the venue earlier in this thread.
Martin...... I do hope you mean 11th January ....2010??!! Which would be... TODAY, would it not? Isn't January 2011 a bit LATE??
So much of the AGS site is only accessible by Members, I hope thought has been given to those wishing to attend from other Clubs who are not AGS members? :-\
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Oops, I thought I'd missed something Maggi .. ::) ::) should have looked higher up the thread before asking. :-[
Thanks anyway !
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For those flying in here's a map of UK airports
http://www.tours4sport.com/images/graphics/uk_airports_map%20copy.jpg (http://www.tours4sport.com/images/graphics/uk_airports_map%20copy.jpg)
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I've just taken a look at the AGS Web Site and can't find any mention of the Event at all. Having said that the AGS office was closed last week because of the weather so maybe they have catching up to do. The Newsletter enclosed with the latest copy of The Alpine Gardener (received today) gives the Provisional Programme "together with costs"-no costs are mentioned,and indicates that a booking form was in the Newsletter-it wasn't! The Programme also says "full details of costs together with a booking form are printed on the back page of this Newsletter"-it wasn't!!
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Had hoped to go to that one but that would be $2000 for the two of us! Plus almost the same for the flights. Accomodations-meals included?
Gads I thought the American ones were expensive.
Sounds like we'll stay put.
johnw
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Had hoped to go to that one but that would be $2000 for the two of us! Plus almost the same for the flights. Accomodations-meals included?
johnw
Yes, John that will include accomodation and meals.
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I've just taken a look at the AGS Web Site and can't find any mention of the Event at all. Having said that the AGS office was closed last week because of the weather so maybe they have catching up to do. The Newsletter enclosed with the latest copy of The Alpine Gardener (received today) gives the Provisional Programme "together with costs"-no costs are mentioned,and indicates that a booking form was in the Newsletter-it wasn't! The Programme also says "full details of costs together with a booking form are printed on the back page of this Newsletter"-it wasn't!!
Just checked back to see where exactly on the site it was, David, and found a new link added to the foot of the page Diane linked to earlier.... added later, it seems.... links to this page for online booking: http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/sales/conferences/bookings/2011/
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I know some Aussies and Dave Toole are going but not me I'm afraid. 500 GB pounds is about $1,300 NZ dollars at present plus twice that for return flights and that's just for 4 days. From this far away one would want to stay in the UK and hopefully in Europe too for about 4-6 weeks to make the costs worthwhile, so a massive total altogether. Looks like my NH travel days are well and truly over. :'(
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There seems to be rather a lot of information incomplete on the ordering system options. Dear me!
Confusing too Maggi as in the link you gave immediately above, the discount booking must be paid in full by AUGUST 2011! (2nd para, after headlines).
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Yes, Lesley, that seems to be the case: but I hope the form is simply badly written!
It is certainly not very clear.... but there seems not to be an option to pay a deposit for the Early Bird discount rate so I think they do want to get all our money as soon as possible :P
No word either of cancellation rates, which is worrying. Quite a lot of info that I think folks would want to have not included. :(
edt: ... try checking back with the AGS website for changes to details as they become available
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Yes, Lesley, that seems to be the case: but I hope the form is simply badly written!
It is certainly not very clear.... but there seems not to be an option to pay a deposit for the Early Bird discount rate so I think they do want to get all our money as soon as possible :P
No word either of cancellation rates, which is worrying. Quite a lot of info that I think folks would want to have not included. :(
I may be too innocent, and I know that the AGS seems to find enough people who can afford their £2 or £3 thousand pound holidays, but are there really enough of those people to make a conference ( which will need hundreds of members to attend to make it a success financially) get off the ground?
I think it's saying that the deposit is the same whatever, then if you pay the balance by August, you get the discounted balance rate. Does that sound right?
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/sales/conferences/bookings/2011/Full+Conference+Delegate/60/ (http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/sales/conferences/bookings/2011/Full+Conference+Delegate/60/)
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Yes, Diane, you are correct... it shows the booking rate for each type of booking, full residential delegate , then the balance due for early payment. I was thrown by the fact that there is no section for the full rate after the discount is no longer open.
Some odd mentions of "overseas delegate" sprinkled around in there.... is there other info pertinent to that , do you think?
Intro states " To qualify for these discounts, the discounted price must be paid in full before 31 August 2011." Yes! ;) That would be much better! ;D
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Someone there must be reading this as it's now been amended to read "31 August 2010"!
It might be a good time to pay in advance from here as the Aussie $ is at its highest against the £ for ages!
cheers
fermi
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Someone there must be reading this as it's now been amended to read "31 August 2010"!
;D ;D
It might be a good time to pay in advance from here as the Aussie $ is at its highest against the £ for ages!
cheers
fermi
Is it? I was wondering about the various exchange rates.....good to know that may be advantageous for some folks. 8)
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I know some Aussies and Dave Toole are going but not me I'm afraid. 500 GB pounds is about $1,300 NZ dollars at present plus twice that for return flights and that's just for 4 days. From this far away one would want to stay in the UK and hopefully in Europe too for about 4-6 weeks to make the costs worthwhile, so a massive total altogether. Looks like my NH travel days are well and truly over. :'(
That's not correct Lesley
I'm not going .
Cheers dave
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As we could pop there for the day(we lived about 100 metres from the venue for 15 years) I thought I would take a look.
I did not know whether to laugh or cry at £150 each for the day.
Mrs W. and I will just settle for the one day bulb conference later this month in Birmingham for £25 in total.
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Sorry Dave, I thought you were going to be seeing Maggi and Ian in 2011. Surely you wouldn't go the the UK and NOT go to the conference?
Our exchange rate is higher than for many years against the pound too, but still about 2 and a quarter NZ dollars to every UK pound.
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Lesley.... and everyone else: Dave is one of the Speakers at the SRGC Discussion Weekend in October 2010 ..... be there or be square!! 8)
Birmingham Bulb Day Conference: Yes, that is fantastic value... but there are far fewer overheads for such an event.
For the 2011 event the costs negotiated for the conference facilities, speakers expenses etc must, to be fair, be shared between everyone attending
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I see that there have been numerous adjustments and additions to the pages containing information about Alpines 2011 on the AGS Website.....so if you looked before and were confused , please do look again. http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/news/stoppress/th+International+Rock+Garden+Conference/236/
I am sorry not to see any information so far about 'shoulder nights' at the venue...extra nights before or after the event..... many travelling to the event will need those and that is another cost to factor in and one also needs to know what special rate has been negotiated (as one would hope has been the case) and whether those are booked with the AGS or with the venue. I had this problem when trying to arrange a booking for the AGS Anniversary Conference last September... it seemed to be something that was just not in their radar... though we have found at SRGC Weekends that quite a high percentage require such bookings. Perhaps this is info which will "appear" at a later date?! :-\
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Hmm £500 for three and a bit days ... or £600 if I don't make my mind up by August. £125 per day for a day delegate. I'm with Maggi on the idea of spending the time in such good company but I'll probably spend the money on a trip to the mountains ... one thing for sure I cannot afford to do both :'(
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I've just been looking at the cost for the Alpines 2001 conference in July 2001.......
the price for the full conference, residential delegate, booked by Aril 30th 2001 was £390 .... so not a huge difference for a ten year gap and yes, I do know that times are harder for many now, but over 500 folks were at Heriot Watt University for 2001 and it would be terrific to see a similar number in Nottingham.
When the cost is looked at in terms of ten years ago, it seems to me to be on a par with what you "could" have done with £390 then and £500 now, so let's not talk the event down unfairly on that score.
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I didn't attend the 2001 conference so I can't say for sure but I think at the time the exchange rate was a lot worse for us and it would've cost around AUD$1200, whereas this time it should work out to less than AUD$1000!
I wonder if Otto remembers how much it cost him when he went?
cheers
fermi
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Hi everyone, I am with Maggie and will go to Alpines 2011 so as I can meet up with everyone again enjoy some great speakers, great company and I hope some great plants at the one day show maybe even a bottle or two to share, and some chocs for Maggie, cheers Ian the Christie kind.
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I'm getting emails to ask if I know anything about cancellation rates and so on...... whether one would lose only the depost or the whole amount if that had been paid.... sorry, I have no idea. I agree that it is very important to find these things out ..... when that amount is paid out eight months in advance there is the horrible possibility that something will do awry and one need to know what level of penalty will be levied. I can only suggest contacting Pershore .
Likewise for the question of workshops and pre and post conference Tours ..... there is a lot we haven't been told. I do hope that there is something good still to hear!
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The National Bat ^..^ Conference is often in Nottingham, York and other universities and costs half what the AGS is asking. That price includes all food and accommodation. Speakers are internationl also. Are they trying to make a quick massive profit?
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It has been brought to my attention that the programme inthe AGS Newsletter show that there is "Dinner" listed for Sunday night., while the online programme shows the event finishing after the talk on Sunday afternoon. I suspect that the online programme is correct.... but regardless of which is correct, there is obviously a need for a price for Sunday night accomodation at least.... those "shoulder night " rates I spoke of earlier... ::) ??? :-\
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There are quite a lot of question being asked about further details of the Conference and while we could each contact Pershore with our queries, that will do little to provide the information we seek to a wider audience so I have posted a thread on the AGS Discussion area to pose some of these queries in the hope of receiving a public reply which will be of help to many of us.
The thread is here:
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/discussion/events/Alpines+Conference/330/
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Dear Maggie, firstly please be reassured that A post conference tour to Scotland is being set up, ( I am assisting with this) I need a bit more information from gardens and gardeners but I will be in contact with tour organisers again soonest. I have also sent some iformation about possibles to AGS President Val Lee. I have no info about pre conference tours. The final tours selected from the suggested itinery will be made by the AGS, I can assure you I am organised, I think that until the AGS get ideas of numbers maybe it is difficult to advertise now.?? cheers Ian the Christie kind.
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Thank you, Ian.... of course you would be organised with preparations for such a Scottish tour... with your reputation as the leader in Scottish Hospitality, I would expect nothing less :)...... but why is there no mention of any thing like in the AGS info ....there are messages coming in to me asking about these things.
Your evenhanded generosity is laudable though it seems to me there is less chance of getting enough number registering for the event if there is not full info about all the programme and ancillary attractions for people to be tempted into coming in the first place. :-\
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Up to 9.15am on Thursday (NZ time), and no response or further contribution on the new thread set up by Maggi on the AGS site.
You may be right Ian about the AGS needing an idea of numbers attending, but they can't get those until possible attenders know the relevant information and can decide whether to attend or not, so a vicious circle.
I've even been thinking about a quick dash to the NH, the conference including tours and the "shoulder" days mentioned by Maggi but even for that short time I can't see it costing less that a total of $10,000NZ so just not possible. I'll ask Maggi and Fermi to spare me a minute's thought while they're in residence and that will be the closest I'll get I'm afraid. :'(
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Hi again, I am going to send all the details I have for a Post conference tour to all concerned at the AGS by the weekend as I said the final decision is up to them and I have no costs. They suggested to use a tour company who will book hotels etc. I hope at least for a reply, cheers Ian the Christie kind.
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Up to 9.15am on Thursday (NZ time), and no response or further contribution on the new thread set up by Maggi on the AGS site.
I hear that the AGS Centre may still be without it's internet and email connections so that is likely the cause of the silence.
I would suggest you make those contacts by personal emails, Ian, in an attempt to reach someone directly.
It occurs to me that if Pershore is not operational on these levels then it might be an idea to have one of the employees somewhere, with a laptop and an internet connection, which can connect to the rest of us more easily. :(
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That seems like a very good idea Maggi.
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All, Val Lee has posted a response to Maggi on the AGS Forum. Basic message is patience required, some last minute hiccups and the recent difficult weather in the UK have meant not all the details are finalised yet.
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As I replied to Val Lee on the AGS Website;
I am astonished to hear that the weather could impact on planning details that might reasonably have been expected to be ready for outline publication, if not in finest detail, at the time when the booking service began.
The questions I raised are surely of considerable importance to anyone thinking of attending the event and as such meriting priority with the booking service and I do not believe that asking for clarification constitutes impatience, nor do I intend replying in those terms to those who have contacted me, either personally, or via the SRGC to ask the same questions.
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Welcome news from the AGS Website re Conference booking cancellation penalties and shoulder nights :
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/sales/conferences/bookings/2011/
"Residential rates are inclusive of 3 nights accommodation in Single en-suite rooms on the Conference Centre Campus. The costs include morning and afternoon refreshments, plus breakfast on Friday, Saturday & Sunday mornings, lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, together with evening meal on Thursday and Friday - the Saturday evening meal will be the formal Conference Dinner which is also included in the Residential Rate.
Cancellations
For cancellations received before 31 August 2010 all payments made will be refunded with a reduction made for any bank charges incurred.
AGS reserve the right to retain deposit amounts for cancellations made after 31 August 2010.
Additional Nights Accommodation
If you are interested in booking an additional nights’ accommodation, or if you would like information about alternative hotel accommodation in the area, please contact AGS Centre for details.
In the near future, the online booking system will be extended to accept bookings for extra nights in the Conference Accommodation."
Such info was added to AGS site on 9th February, please see later post on this......
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I booked the AGS conference at Stratford last September as a day delegate and totally misunderstood the booking form, paying the day rate for only one day-because I thought the price covered every day :-[. Several months later I e-mailed to ask if when I would receive confirmation of my booking and was told I hadn't received it because they did not know which day I would attend! I would have thought that lack of information would have meant they would have contacted me earlier rather than not at all!
It was all sorted out but I compared the booking form for the SRGC discussion weekend and found it a lot easier to understand and took the liberty of suggesting to them that AGS use a similar format ;)
The price for 2011 conference caused a moment of matrimonial disharmony but maybe him indoors thinks it's worth it for three and a half days peace!
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The price for 2011 conference caused a moment of matrimonial disharmony but maybe him indoors thinks it's worth it for three and a half days peace!
Well, as I said before, Anne, Alpines 2011 was unlikely to be the biggest bargain long weekend we've had .... because whereas a hotel can make great offers on such breaks to tempt you in to fill space, these conferences are a different kettle of fish.... we don't just want a getaway break, we want the chance to meet with hundreds of friends and be entertained and challenged by a series of great talks and other programmed activities..... and for that type of event we must expect to pay a premium over the Bargain Break rates!
The increase on ten years ago is not so very great...... not even enough for an MP's duck house!
The canny among us who have been saving since last time will have coped with a pound a week squirreled away....after all, this is a once-every-ten-years-be -there-or-be-square event..... and now there is only just over 14months to work out the best train route to Nottingham from here......anyone know a good translator of Rail-Speak?? :)
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I spoke to Otto who attended the last one and because the exchange rate is better it should actually work out cheaper for us from Australia! Last time was about AUD$1,200, this time AUD $1,000! (Going on the Exchange Rate at the moment.) ;D ;D ;D
cheers
fermi
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I have a vision of a Rockers special train coming down from the north, everyone wearing their t-shirts, polo shirts and waving their tote bags as you pull into railway stations! :D
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At a pound a week, say $3NZ, I'll definitely make the Conference in 2021! Of course I'll be 78 but I'll bet there will still be a few older than that. Joining me David? And I'll bring Susan M. I'll need someone to push the chair. ;D
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At a pound a week, say $3NZ, I'll definitely make the Conference in 2021! Of course I'll be 78 but I'll bet there will still be a few older than that. Joining me David? And I'll bring Susan M. I'll need someone to push the chair. ;D
Lesley, I don't plan more than one year ahead any more ;D
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At a pound a week, say $3NZ, I'll definitely make the Conference in 2021! Of course I'll be 78 but I'll bet there will still be a few older than that. Joining me David? And I'll bring Susan M. I'll need someone to push the chair. ;D
Lesley, I don't plan more than one year ahead any more ;D
Oh I do. I figure if I only plan one year ahead that's probably all I'll manage. So I'm planning for my 100th.
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Some more information just gleaned from the AGS website about the rates for Additional nights accomodation before and after the Alpines 2011 Conference which I know many of us were waiting to hear....
Additional nights accommodation are available at the Conference Centre before and after the Conference.
Bed & Breakfast - £52
Bed, Breakfast & Dinner - £70
Reservations can be made online for Wednesday night and Sunday night :
see http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/sales/conferences/bookings/2011/ for online bookings
If you are interested in booking additional nights’ accommodation, or if you would like information about alternative hotel accommodation in the area, please contact AGS Centre for details.
The booking slip to print out has not yet been modified to include the shoulder nights but I am sure you can just write them in, until a new form is prepared....
[attach=1]is a booking form pdf to print out to use if you wish to book by post...or you know someone who might..... :)
There is no address on the form telling you where to send it so you'll also need this:
The Alpine Garden Society
AGS Centre,
Avon Bank,
Pershore,
Worcestershire.
WR10 3JP
United Kingdom
[attach=2]
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Ian the Christie kind and myself have just come back from a meeting in Nottingham with the AGS.
We had the chance to look round the whole Conference venue and were very impressed. The East Midlands Conference Centre is a new building with excellent facilities. The lecture hall can accommodate over 400 people. The seating is steeply raked so visibility will be excellent - and perhaps most important of all, the seats are comfortable! We also met the IT/AV team and were very impressed by the replies to any of our questions. There are 11 good sized 'meeting rooms' on the ground floor (and 3 more upstairs) with partitioning which allows some of them to be combined into bigger units - ideal for workshops, display areas, powerpoint presentations, etc. And of course there are bars and informal social areas for when we want to relax.
Accommodation is in a student hall some 5 - 10 minutes walk from the Centre. Because this is student accommodation all the rooms are singles with an en-suite and couples will need to request adjoining rooms when they book. All the rooms are a reasonable size with broadband connection (bring your own connecting cable to the phone socket), telephone, tea and coffee making facilities. There is a large common room plus a dining room where breakfast and dinner (except on Saturday evening) will be served.
Tours There will be 3 tours:
Pre Conference in South of England
Post Conference in Scotland - 2 weeks with option of 1 week only. The first week will end at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh on Saturday 23 April which is Easter Weekend.
North Greece, led by John Richards end April/May
Details of dates and approximate costs will be available soon.
There will be 7, possibly 8 Workshops. The aim is to concentrate on horticultural aspects though I noticed that there will also be one on digital photography and another on the use of the Web.
There will also be a limited number of free places for students. Application forms will be available shortly either on the AGS website or from AGS Centre. The deadline for applications will be mid September....change of deadline : now forms must be received at Pershore by 30th November 2010 .
Send forms to :Christine McGregor (Society Director)
Alpine Garden Society
AGS Centre
Pershore
Worcestershire
WR10 3JP
Look forward to seeing you there.
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Exciting news for Alpines 2011, Liz!
The information about all these ancillary "happenings" is most welcome and will be much appreciated by those who have been seeking this level of detail.
I would like to record our appreciation to you and to Ian C. for your very long car journeys to and from Nottingham to bring us this report.
Your enthusiasm for the facilities at the Conference Centre will allay the fears of those who remember the old place, used for the previous event in Nottingham..... the new centre is a super venue and will surely provide an excellent "home" for all of us heading there in April 2011.
I know I was impressed by what I saw from the EMCC website, where one can see that the facility is recently purpose built.
Thank you so very much for bringing this great information about the event to our members.
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Italian stage 1 at evening class. Do I qualify?
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Italian stage 1 at evening class. Do I qualify?
Very funny, David.....what sort of disguise had you in mind? You can always try your luck with the AGS application forms.... I don't think they'll buy it but bona fide students ( matriculation cards, registration reference from their college etc ?!!) will be more than welcome to apply for the Student places at Alpines 2011. 8)
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There will also be a limited number of free places for students. Application forms will be available shortly either on the AGS website or from AGS Centre. The deadline for applications will be mid September.
Look forward to seeing you there.
I'm definitely a student of something. I'll just wait a few more days until Air New Zealand or someone offers free flights to the UK and then I'll be booking for the Conference. ;D
I do like the logo. Alpines San Frontieres. (Should that be Sans? I'd better study French. ::))
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Some more info about the Alpines 2011 Conference.....
the Workshop sessions from 13.30 to 15.00 on Friday and Sunday, will each last 45 minutes and the subjects will include.......
Crevice Gardening - Alan Furness
Digital Photography - Doug Joyce
Maintaining Bulb Collections - Rannveig Wallis
Meconopsis & Woodland Plants - Ian Christie
Practical Aspects of Alpine Gardening - Vic Aspland
Websites & the Internet - Jim McGregor
...... and.... there are another couple of subjects and Leaders to be confirmed.
Some pretty interesting subjects there, I hope you will agree........ now to decide on which to choose.... :)
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Follow these hyperlinks (.... click on the blue lettering ) for the Alpines 2011 Booking Form (http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/pdf_files/news/Conf2011BookingForm.pdf)
and the form to apply for an
Assisted Place for a Student for Alpines 2011 (http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/pdf_files/news/Stu-AssistedPlaceAppForm-2011.pdf)
Remember.... To qualify for 'Early Bird' discounts,of £100 off the conference fee, the discounted price must be paid in full before 31 August 2010.
The deadline for receipt of applications for Assisted Student Places at the event must be received by the 30th November 2010. ( This deadline may be extended if all places are not filled at this time.
Forms should be sent to:
Christine McGregor (Society Director)
Alpine Garden Society
AGS Centre
Pershore
Worcestershire
WR10 3JP
All details about eligibility for these assisted conference places are shown in the application form.
Assisted places are available for students or individuals who are on horticultural courses or who have embarked upon a career in horticulture within the last ten years.
If your application is successful the Award will cover the Residential cost of the Conference which includes your accommodation and subsistence at the Conference. Travel to and from the venue will be at your own expense.
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Eighth International Rock Garden Conference Tours
The Tours are being organised by the AGS and, as with the Conference itself, bookings must be made via the Alpine Garden Society.
For more detailed information please contact the AGS Centre, +44(0)1386 554790 email ags@alpinegardensociety.net or see http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/tours /forthcoming/Eighth+International+Rock+Garden+Conference+Tours/53/
Two ONE Pre Conference tour is being offered,it will be led by Christopher Bailes, Curator of the RHS Garden Rosemoor.
4/10/10 Please note one pre conference tour has been cancelled for lack of interest, only Tour 2 will now take place and we believe this one to be fully subscribed.
Tour 1 - Gardens in the South West
Monday April 4th – Sunday April 10th Cancelled
The tour will start from Bristol and visit many of the great gardens in the South West and finish at the RHS Garden at Wisley to look behind the scenes and enjoy the 50th Anniversary Rock Garden. Travel will be by coach with Bed and Breakfast at comfortable hotels- I night each at Barnstaple Hotel, Moorland Hotel, Pier House Hotel, and the Holiday Inn, Guildford and 2 nights at the Falmouth Hotel.
Gardens to be included in the tour will be, RHS Rosemoor, Marwood Hill Garden, The Garden House, Wildside Garden and Nursery, Tregrehan, Trewithen, Trellissick(NT), Glendurgan(NT), and RHS Wisley.
Cost £600.
For persons wishing to book both tours the cost will be £1000
Single Supplement £25 per night
For more detailed information please contact the AGS Centre, +44(0)1386 554790 email ags@alpinegardensociety.net or see www.alpinegardensociety.net
For more information about the gardens follow the links below.
RHS Garden Rosemoor www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
Marwood Hill Garden www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk/collections.php
The Garden House www.thegardenhouse.org.uk/
Wildside Garden and Nursery www.wileyatwildside.com/4.html
Tregrehan House www.tregrehan.org/index.htm
Trewithen Gardens www.trewithengardens.co.uk/home
Trelissick www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-trelissickgarden/
Glendurgan www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-glendurgangarden
Wisley www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Wisley
Tour 2 - Gardens of the South East and East Anglia
This tour will be led by Christopher Bailes, Curator of the RHS Garden Rosemoor.
Sunday April 10th – Thursday April 14th
The tour will leave from Wisley on April 10th and visit mostly private gardens in the South East and East Anglia before heading north to visit the AGS Centre Garden at Pershore and another private garden and nursery before driving on to the Conference in Nottingham on April 14th.
Travel will again be by coach with Bed and Breakfast at comfortable hotels to include 2 nights at Holiday Inn, Guildford, 1 night Holiday Inn, Colchester, 1 night en route to AGS Pershore., tbc.
Gardens to be included in the tour will be RHS Wisley, Robin & Sue White’s Daphnetum & garden, Peter Erskine’s Vale Cottage garden, David Haselgrove’s Pelham House garden, Rod and Jane Leeds’ Chestnuts garden, Beth Chatto’s garden and nursery, Kit Grey Wilson’s Red Lion House garden, AGS Pershore and John Massey’s garden and Nursery at Ashwoods.
Cost £440. Single Supplement £25 per night
This Tour is now fully subscribed.
For more detailed information please contact the AGS Centre, +44(0)1386 554790 email ags@alpinegardensociety.net or see www.alpinegardensociety.net
For more information about some of the gardens follow the links below.
RHS Wisley http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Wisley
Beth Chatto Garden and Nursery http://www.bethchatto.co.uk/
Ashwoods http://www.ashwood-nurseries.co.uk/
Post Conference Scottish Tours
4th October 2010 These Tours have been cancelled by the AGS. However, it is hoped that delegates wishing to visit Scottish Gardens after the conference will consider making private tours.....it is hoped that there will be the same gardens, and more, available to vist by private arrangement.
We regret any disappointment caused by the cancellation of the AGS Tours and hope to soon be able to offer alternative suggestions.
See this page for details when these are finalised, as you will appreciate, we have had short notice to make these arrangements :
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6088.0
Two suggestions for visiting Scottish gardens are offered: some large and some small private gardens but all with much to interest Conference visitors.
The East and West coast variations will be headed by, Tour 1, Sue and Mike Thornley and Tour 2, Ian Christie ( past President of SRGC) who will be joined on some days by Liz Mills, President of SRGC, all are great plant enthusiasts
Tour 1 - Gardens of Western Scotland
Monday April 18th – Saturday April 23rd
Tour Leaders - Mike and Sue Thornley (of Glenarn)
The tour will leave the Nottingham Conference Centre and head north to Edinburgh for four days visiting fantastic west coast gardens, before returning to the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. Travel will be by coach with Bed and Breakfast at comfortable hotels, 2 nights Edinburgh and 3 nights at Inverary.
Gardens to be included in the itinerary include, Glenarn, Crarae, Torosay Castle on the Isle of Mull, Duart Castle, Arduaine, An Cala, Benmore and Eckford and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It is also hoped to visit one or two alpine nurseries in the Borders en route from Nottingham to Edinburgh
For both tours it is important that participants are comfortable walking reasonable distances each day with some uphill sites included.
For more information on the larger gardens to be visited, please follow these links :
Glenarn Garden http://www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk/gardens/glenarn.html
Crarae Garden http://www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk/gardens/crarae-garden.html
Duart Castle http://www.duartcastle.com/
Torosay Castle, Isle of Mull http://www.torosay.com/index.html
Arduaine Garden http://www.arduaine-garden.org.uk/
An Cala Garden http://www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk/gardens/an-cala.html
Benmore Botanic Garden http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/benmore
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh http://www.rbge.org.uk/
Post Conference Scottish Tours
Tour 2 - Gardens of Eastern Scotland
Tour Leader - Ian Christie
Saturday April 23rd to Thursday April 28th
Gardens it is hoped will be included in the itinerary are, Cluny, the Explorers Garden, Glendoick, Margaret and Henry Taylor’s garden, Cambo, Evelyn & Lewis Stevens' garden, Sandy and Anne Leven’s garden, Cyril Lafong’s garden, Branklyn Garden and Kevock Garden and Nursery.
For both tours it is important that participants are comfortable walking reasonable distances each day with some uphill sites included.
For more information on the larger gardens to be visited, please use these links:
Cluny House Garden http://www.clunyhousegardens.com/
Explorers Garden http://www.explorersgarden.com/home.html
Glendoick Gardens http://www.glendoick.com/
Cambo House Gardens www.camboestate.com/GARDENS-and-WOODLANDS.aspx
Branklyn Garden http://www.branklyngarden.org.uk/
Kevock Garden www.kevockgarden.co.uk/index.html
Edradour Distillery ! www.edradour.co.uk/index6.html
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Here are two pdf documents with further details of dates/places for the Conference Tours: one for the Pre Event Tours and one for the Post Event Tours......
Pre Tours to English Gardens [attach=1]
Post Tours to Scottish Gardens [attach=2]
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The programme for Alpines 2011 has been revised in the light of the sad death of Jim Archibald, one of the proposed speakers for the event. The new programme is as follows:
Revised Alpines 2011 programme
Thursday 14 April 2011
15.00-16.00 Registration
16.00-16.30 Tea
16.30-17.30 Welcome & Opening Lecture-Brian Mathew: provisional title ‘Ever-changing Frontiers: of all sorts!’
19.30 onwards Dinner
David Haselgrove ‘ Southern Hemisphere Treats’
Friday 15 April 2011
09.00-10.00 Harry Jans ‘Plant Hunting on the Roof of the World’
10.00-11.00 John Richards ‘Asiatic Primulas Old and New’
11.00-11.30 Coffee
11.30-12.30 Martin Walsh ‘The High and Low in the Himalaya’
12.50-14.15 Lunch
13.30-15.00 WORKSHOPS
15.00-16.00 Toshio Yoshida ‘Endemism in the Sino-Himalayan Alpines'
16.00-16.30 Tea
16.30-17.30 Henrik Zetterlund 'Beyond the Last Frontiers with Jim Archibald'
19.30 onwards Dinner
Robert Rolfe ‘Location, Location Location: Alpines Near and Far, Narrowly Endemic and Nationalistic'
Saturday 16 April 2011
There will be a one-day National AGS/SRGC Show all day.
09.00-10.00 Keith Wiley ‘An Holistic Approach to Alpines in the Garden’
10.00-11.00 Todd Boland ‘Alpine Plants of Newfoundland through to the Appalachians’
11.00-11.30 Coffee
11.30-12.30 Bob Wallis ‘Fritillaries on Four Continents’
12.50-14.15 Lunch
13.30-15.00 Free Time (to allow opportunity to see Show)
15.00-16.00 John Good ‘Alpines in a changing world’
16.00-16.30 Tea
16.30-17.30 John Watson ‘Three decades in the Andes’
19.30 onwards Dinner
Roy Lancaster ‘My world of Plants’
Plant Auction
Sunday 17 April 2011
09.00-10.00 Ian Young ‘Highland Gathering’
10.00-11.00 Michael Kammerlander ‘Juno Iris – the Persica Group and Some Others’
11.00-11.30 Coffee
11.30-12.30 John Grimshaw ‘Giants and Dwarfs: the Alpines of Africa’
12.50-14.15 Lunch
13.30-15.00 Workshops
15.00-16.00 Vojtech Holubec ‘Central Asia: Plants under burning sun and cooling snow’
16.00-16.30 Tea
15.00-16.00 Christopher Grey-Wilson ‘A Lifetime of Alpines’
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There are ten days left to benefit from the 20 per cent discount on booking for the Conference ---- don't miss out...... :)
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Okay, more information about booking for the Conference for partners wishing to accompany their Gardening "halves" but not wishing to attend the talks.
I have just spoken to Kim Matthews at the AGS HQ at Pershore who tells me that for those bookings all one needs to do is to book using the "additional nights" option in the booking process .... where the costs are
Bed & Breakfast - £52
Bed, Breakfast & Dinner - £70
Alternatively, phone Kim on 01386 554790 and explain your needs to her and she is able to take your booking and card payment over the phone.
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There will surely be plenty others coming to support their partners but who don't want to attend all the talks.... I know when the Conference was in Edibnurgh in 2001 there was a section on the booking form for that..... it is just one of the rather odd ommissions for/booking options for the AGS booking process.
I do think it is a good idea to book via Kim.... my booking for my attendance, plus an extra night's accomodation on the Sunday for Ian and myself was not picked up properly from the online booking system... the extra night for two was only picked up as for one.... and I had no opportunity to add requests/explanations. Kim says that does exist but I think a direct booking is easier in the long run.
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It is not clear from my conversations with Kim whether or not full payment is required at time of booking for an accompanying partner, or if only the deposit is needed now , with the balance to be paid by January 2011, as for the extra nights before or after the event.
Here is an amended booking form with extra nights details added.... you'll need to add those amounts in to the toals being piad, of course, and also make a note to draw attention to them in the special instructions sections.
This at least will let you know the info you need if you phone to make a booking.
[attach=1]
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Many of us from Australia and NZ who are coming for the Conference have booked for the 2nd pre-conference tour. It now appears it's the ONLY tour as the low booking numbers has caused the organisers to cancel the others! :o
A few of us would still like to come to Scotland and see Cyril and Ian C's and Maggi & Ian's gardens! Can the Forum help us?
???
cheers
fermi
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Watch this space Ian Christie is putting together something that should suit you.
See you all next April
Jean
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Maggi, does one need to sign up in advance for workshops at the Conference? Is there a final list of workshops available?
Thanks.
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I imagine that sign-up for the workshops will take place actually at the event.
As for the final line-up of the workshops, that is more information that has not been passed on to us - sorry not to be of more help, Anne.
Try Pershore for an answer.....
email:ags@alpinegardensociety.net
Christine McGregor, Society Director Tel:0044 (0)1386 554790
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Dear Friends, it is hoped that all the gardens listed in the tours which the AGS have had to cancel, and more, will be available to be visited by Members on a private basis after the conference.
Naturally, with the sudden announcement from Pershore of this change we must now contact the garden owners and gain their agreement to this new arrangement.
Instead of fully organised tours there will be the opportunity for Members to make their own way to visit available gardens.
The private gardens will only be open for visits by SRGC Members to comply with Insurance conditions.
Ian Christie will be at helm for this venture but he will be out of the UK for some weeks in the near future. Please contact me via info AT SRGC.org uk to register your interest in visiting the Scottish Gardens.
There will be a West coast list, which Mike and Sue Thornley will liase with and an East coast version, with Ian 'the Christie Kind' in charge.
There are SRGC Folks happy to welcome visitors to our gardens after the Conference and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible!
Details will be shown here when finalised :
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6088.0
[attach=1]
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Hello to all our friends throughout the world who will come to the conference. I visited Maggie and Ian young today to discuss the SRGC or Scottish tours, I realise that all the pieces are not yet in place but I am totally confident that Maggie is setting up something really special for all those who wish to make informal visits to Scotland. I will be away visiting our daughter in Autralia then to New Zealand away for all November Maggie is in charge whilst I am away in fact Maggie will continue to be part of our team for these tours. We are organising as many private SRGC members gardens as possible plus the bigger garden that will also be of interest. We the SRGC invite you all to come where you will have first class hospitality excellent plants great chat/ discussions, disagreements a mutual love of plants with the very best that Scotland has to offer maybe even a wee dram ( for non drivers) Please watch this space for further informastion from Maggie, cheers Ian the Christie kind.
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Dear Friends, it is hoped that all the gardens listed in the tours which the AGS have had to cancel, and more, will be available to be visited by Members on a private basis after the conference.
Naturally, with the sudden announcement from Pershore of this change we must now contact the garden owners and gain their agreement to this new arrangement.
Instead of fully organised tours there will be the opportunity for Members to make their own way to visit available gardens.
The private gardens will only be open for visits by SRGC Members to comply with Insurance conditions.
Ian Christie will be at helm for this venture but he will be out of the UK for some weeks in the near future. Please contact me via info AT SRGC.org uk to register your interest in visiting the Scottish Gardens.
There will be a West coast list, which Mike and Sue Thronley will liase with and an East coast version, with Ian 'the Christie Kind' in charge.
There are SRGC Folks happy to welcome visitors to our gardens after the Conference and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible!
Details will be shown here when finalised :
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6088.0
(Attachment Link)
Maggie, Do you mean Mike and Sue Thornley of Glenarn in Rhu? - the old Gibsons Rhododendron garden.
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Yes, Peter, indeed I do.... a typo, which I will now correct, thanks.
Glenarn is a great place, as I am sure you know, and the Thornleys have worked very hard in the garden ....as well as being thoroughly nice people. It will be a pleasure in every way for folks to visit there.
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If you are lucky the magnolia campbelliis will be in flower :D ::) :D
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There will also be a limited number of free places for students. Application forms will be available shortly either on the AGS website or from AGS Centre. The deadline for applications will be mid September....change of deadline : now forms must be received at Pershore by 30th November 2010 .
Send forms to :Christine McGregor (Society Director)
Alpine Garden Society
AGS Centre
Pershore
Worcestershire
WR10 3JP
A reminder to any students of horticulture that the closing date for receipt of applications for the assited Sturdent places at the Alpines 2011 conference is 30th November.... that's fast approaching!!
Get your applications in quickly, Folks!
[attach=1]
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Hi all
I am lucky enough to be attending the conference due a successful application for assisted placement. I am wondering if any forum members could help me out with travel details?
I will be flying out from Johannesburg, South Africa to London. If I land at Heathrow, is it possible to catch a bus or train from the airport to Nottingham or would I have to go in to central London and travel from there? How long would a journey from London to Nottingham take? Would getting to the conference be easier if I landed at Stansted airport?
Looking forward to meeting all the you forumists!
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It is great that you will be attending the Conference, Calvin... we look forward to seeing you there.
I am sure that some of the English Forumists will be better placed than I to suggest the easiest travel plans for you..... :D
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Calvin, others may know better but I think for purposes of travel on to Nottingham you would do better landing at Heathrow. There are good coach and bus links to central London and this may provide you with some starting information:-
http://gouk.about.com/od/uktraveldirections/qt/Lond2Nottingham.htm
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Thanks for the link, David
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Can anyone in England give us some useful hints about travel to and from Nottingham from the major airports?
Or of best train routes?
I know how complicated a journey it seems from Aberdeen by train so it must be a bit of a nightmare for overseas folks trying to make arrangements.
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Trains from London to Nottingham used to go from St Pancras, I presume they still do. There is also national bus service from Waterloo bus station. I'll check if there is a direct coach from Heathrow otherwise its shuttle train/bus in to London.
Have a great time Calvin. I won't be at the conference but may make the show on the Saturday.
Cheers
Mick
*** sorry that should be Victoria coach station ***** There are direct coaches from Heathrow to Nottingham (Broad Marsh station) journey time approx 3:15 hours.
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These details from the venue website :
Distances From Nottingham Conference venue to:
Birmingham 44 Miles
Cardiff 133 Miles
Edinburgh 221 Miles
London 109 Miles
Manchester 57 Miles
York 68 Miles
By Train
The nearest train station to University Park is Beeston Station.
The nearest train station to Jubilee Campus is Nottingham Station. Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone 08457 484950 for further information.
By Bus
University Park and Jubilee Campus are both on major bus routes with bus stops located on the above PDF maps.
For timetables visit www.trentbuses.co.uk or phone
01773 712265 or visit www.nctx.co.uk or phone 0115 9506070 for further information.
By Air
Only 17 miles from East Midlands Airport
By Car
Easy access from the M1 with plentiful car parking options
EMCC & University Park
From the M1 North to University Park
Leave the M1 motorway at junction 26 and follow the A610 signposted to Nottingham. After approximately 2.5 miles turn right at lights onto the A6514 Nottingham ring road (Western Boulevard). Follow the A6514 to Middleton Boulevard and then take the slip road towards the Queen's Medical Centre roundabout. Take the third exit at the roundabout onto the A52, Derby Road. Turn left at the next roundabout (Toby Carvery) onto the A6464 Woodside Road. Turn left at the next roundabout to enter the University Park's West Entrance.
From the M1 South to University Park
Leave the M1 motorway at junction 25 and follow the A52 signposted to Nottingham. After approximately 4.4 miles turn right at the roundabout (Toby Carvery) onto the A6464 Woodside Road. Turn left at the next roundabout to enter the University Park's West Entrance.
For satellite navigation the postcode for University Park is NG7 2RJ.
Jubilee Campus
From the M1 North to Jubilee
Leave the M1 motorway at junction 26 and follow the A610 signposted to Nottingham. After approximately 2.5 miles turn right at lights onto the A6514 Nottingham ring road (Western Boulevard). Continue along Western Boulevard for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto the A609 Wollaton Road signposted to Nottingham City Centre, turn right into the entrance of Jubilee Campus.
From the M1 South to Jubilee
Leave the M1 motorway at junction 25 and follow the A52 signposted to Nottingham. After approximately 4.4 miles take the second exit at the roundabout (Toby Carvery) continuing along the A52 Derby Road. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the A6514 Middleton Boulevard. Taking the right hand lane at the traffic lights, turn right onto the A609 Wollaton Road signposted to Nottingham City Centre and turn immediately right into the entrance of Jubilee Campus.
For satellite navigation the postcode for Jubilee is NG8 1BB.
Sutton Bonington
From M1 Motorway
The M1 motorway has an access point (Junction 24) at Kegworth, 2 miles from the Campus. Persons travelling by road from the North West and South otherwise than by the motorway are advised to make for the A6, turning off at either Kegworth or Hathern for Sutton Bonington.
From the South
Leicester via A6 to Loughborough (12 miles)
Loughborough via A6 to Hathern (3 miles)
Leaving Hathern via A6 turn right along the A6006. Pass through Zouch and take the first turning on the left for Sutton Bonington.
Pass through Sutton Bonington, follow the main road up the hill and bear left at top.
The Sutton Bonington campus is on the right hand side.
From the North
Nottingham - cross Clifton Bridge along the Ring Road and get into the correct lane for Birmingham and M1 marked by overhead signs. Follow the A453 via Clifton. Take first exit to roundabout continue along B679 turning right in Gotham for Kingston-on-Soar (marked "Kingston"). Straight over the mini-roundabout. In Kingston-on-Soar fork left for Sutton Bonington and follow the road to the crossroads. Straight across. The Sutton Bonington campus is on the left hand side.
From the North West
From Derby, follow the A6 to the A50. Take the A50 to the roundabout at Junction 24 of the M1. Take the 3rd exit to Kegworth. 0n the outskirts of Kegworth take the first turning on the left (signposted to Sutton Bonington). Follow this road through Kegworth and turn right immediately after the Anchor Inn (sign-posted for the University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus). Then turn right at the next cross-roads. Sutton Bonington Campus is on the left.
Those travelling by road from the north-west and south by other routes should follow the sign-posted routes from the A6 at Kegworth or Hathern to Sutton Bonington Campus.
From East Midlands Airport
From East Midlands Airport, you can take Trent Barton's Rainbow 5 service. Buses leave from outside the Airport Arrivals hall.
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If coming from overseas it probably doesn't matter much which of London's airports you arrive at. As has been said there are direct coach services from Heathrow, and probably from Gatwick, but I don't know how frequent they are. All the airports have good rail links to central London and there are frequent trains to Nottingham from London. London to Notingham about 2 hours.
I'll try and dig up some web links to help but it may take some time (I've just had my priorities for this evening "reinforced").
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Calvin,
there is a "Tube" (underground train) which will take you from Heathrow straight through London to Saint Pancras / Kings Cross (they are next to each other) Train stations.
There are maps in all the tube stations and on all the tube trains so that it is very easy to get through the london underground. There is a very good and very quick train service to Nottingham (I think every half hour, taking perhaps 1 1/2 hours) from the high level platform in St Pancras.
Beware of the train ticket costs traveling to Nottingham if you don't have tickets in advance.
The express trains may not stop at the smaller stations, you might as well get off at the main train station in Nottingham, there is a taxi rank there and it is about two miles to the University, or ask for Broadmarsh bus station and there they will direct you on to find a bus to the University,
I have not forgotten the seeds I have promised you but am waiting for a better crop this year and hope to see you
Peter
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Congratulations Calvin, so pleased you have this trip to the conference and you'll certainly make the most of it. Plant-wise, the UK has EVERYTHING you'd want to see and the chance to meet all the people who'll be there is such a wonderful opportunity. I am green with envy. ;D
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A couple of websites for you
www.nationalexpress.com (http://www.nationalexpress.com) is the home of the biggest coach operator and gives timetables (fairly frequent coaches) and you can buy tickets online. Journey takes just over 3 hours (M1 traffic permitting).
www.nationalrail.co.uk (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk) will allow you to plan a train journey and while they don't sell tickets they do show prices and links to various online ticket sellers.
A brief look suggested coach price around £40 and the train anything from £17 to £70. You have to have your wits about you to get good train deals. Total time from Heathrow changing in London about 3 hours.
Good luck, see you in Nottingham
Martin
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Thanks to everybody for all the travel info you've supplied. Now that I know what my travel options are, things don't seem that daunting anymore. Now I just need to convince my supervisor that a few extra days of holiday after the conference would be worthwhile! ;)
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There is now news on the AGS website with some information for those attending the Alpines 2011 Conference in Nottingham next month.
Apparantly the Pre-conference Information Packs have now been sent out to all delegates.
Some of the information can also be found via the links below:
Pre-Conference Information for Delegates
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/PreConference+Information+for+Delegates/293/
Final Conference Program
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/Final+Conference+Program/292/
Workshop Program
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/Workshop+Program/294/
How to Get There
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/How+to+Get+There/296/
There does not seem to be any information for those seeking to know details about the pre-conference tour but the page where the above links are listed may be updated:
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/
Edit: I am aware that some delegates have already begun their journey to Europe so I hope any of you in touch with those folks will be able to pass on this information to them.
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thanks, Maggi!
I've copied your info to send to Cynthia who is in the UK already.
I'm hoping that anything we need reac hes us before we fly out in 2 weeks!
Has anyone started a list of Forumists who will be attending the Conference?
cheers
fermi
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Maggi, does one need to sign up in advance for workshops at the Conference? Is there a final list of workshops available?
Thanks.
I imagine that sign-up for the workshops will take place actually at the event.
As for the final line-up of the workshops, that is more information that has not been passed on to us - sorry not to be of more help, Anne.
Try Pershore for an answer.....
email:ags@alpinegardensociety.net
Christine McGregor, Society Director Tel:0044 (0)1386 554790
You will see from the Workshop Programme link ...
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/Workshop+Program/294/ that bookings for the workshops are asked for in advance of the event.
The AGS seems to prefer the spelling "program" we see! :)
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There does not seem to be any information for those seeking to know details about the pre-conference tour but the page where the above links are listed may be updated:
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/
I've heard from a couple of folks who have been waiting for Tour information that this is now beginning to arrive by email.
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Well folks,
Just trying to decide whether to order four bottles of Sancerre Domaine Daulny at £28.80 per bottle or three bottles of Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royal Vintage Champagne at £60 per bottle or perhaps (cheapskate) a couple of jugs of orange juice at £7 per jug for the Gala Dinner?
Does this mean that attendees who don't order by credit card and in advance will not be able to assist the passage of their food with a bitter shandy or a well-earned G & T?
With the cost of the conference being so expensive I was at least hoping for a free (but small) glass of the University white at the gala nosh! ;D
;D ;D ;D :P ::)
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Cliff, the info pack has not arrived here as yet.... is there any indication given of the menu to assist you in your choice?
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Well folks,
Just trying to decide whether to order four bottles of Sancerre Domaine Daulny at £28.80 per bottle or three bottles of Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royal Vintage Champagne at £60 per bottle or perhaps (cheapskate) a couple of jugs of orange juice at £7 per jug for the Gala Dinner?
Does this mean that attendees who don't order by credit card and in advance will not be able to assist the passage of their food with a bitter shandy or a well-earned G & T?
With the cost of the conference being so expensive I was at least hoping for a free (but small) glass of the University white at the gala nosh! ;D
;D ;D ;D :P ::)
I assume Harrods are doing the catering :P
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Cliff, the info pack has not arrived here as yet.... is there any indication given of the menu to assist you in your choice?
No, nothing like that Maggi ... but you CAN order Mineral Water Still or Sparkling at £2.60 per bottle ... that should go with anything? ;D
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Hmmmm... a small comfort, Cliff.
I do recall at Warwick for Alpines 1991 the water was so awful that we had to buy bottled water to brush our teeth. :-X
The tea was ghastly too... a real shock for all the Scots. If one could get coffee strong enough it killed the taste a bit. There were some who just stuck to whisky- to quench their thirst and kill 99% of household germs! ;D
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Well folks,
Just trying to decide whether to order four bottles of Sancerre Domaine Daulny at £28.80 per bottle or three bottles of Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royal Vintage Champagne at £60 per bottle or perhaps (cheapskate) a couple of jugs of orange juice at £7 per jug for the Gala Dinner?
Does this mean that attendees who don't order by credit card and in advance will not be able to assist the passage of their food with a bitter shandy or a well-earned G & T?
With the cost of the conference being so expensive I was at least hoping for a free (but small) glass of the University white at the gala nosh! ;D
;D ;D ;D :P ::)
I eventually decided to keep my hard earned cash for a trip to the mountains. Looks like I might be able to afford two weeks with the money I will be saving :P
.... I guess if you drink enough you might forget how much it cost ... but then again ...
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Well folks,
Just trying to decide whether to order four bottles of Sancerre Domaine Daulny at £28.80 per bottle or three bottles of Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royal Vintage Champagne at £60 per bottle or perhaps (cheapskate) a couple of jugs of orange juice at £7 per jug for the Gala Dinner?
Does this mean that attendees who don't order by credit card and in advance will not be able to assist the passage of their food with a bitter shandy or a well-earned G & T?
With the cost of the conference being so expensive I was at least hoping for a free (but small) glass of the University white at the gala nosh! ;D
;D ;D ;D :P ::)
I assume Harrods are doing the catering :P
At that kind of price they must be!
http://www.winedrop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=863
Anyone know what the "take up" for the Conference has been eg. good. indifferent. bad. ?
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Approx. 230 so not as many as would have been hoped for, after the 500 plus in Edinburgh.
There are the 15 student "assisted places" on top of that.
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Re Forumists who will attend the Conference, (lucky beggars) and recognising each other, I remember in 1981 spending a lot of time on the first day or two looking at men's chests, in order to see who they were. It helped being quite short as it meant I was looking at my eye level, even if not at theirs.
Maybe Forumists could arm themselves with a packet of coloured stick-on stars and "brand" people, once recognised and acknowledged. Different colours for each forumist. ;D
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........Maybe Forumists could arm themselves with a packet of coloured stick-on stars.........
If they can affors to buy them after what this lot is costing them ;D
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Nottingham must break-up for Easter earlier than us...
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Nottingham must break-up for Easter earlier than us...
I think it must -- and of course, attending students have had to get permission to be there in what is term-time for many. :-X
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Well that's disappointing. That's three folks I was really looking forward to meet ( Lesley, David and Tony ) :'(
Stop thinking about costs just think about being with friends. I don't drink so I will be OK. Hope the food will be good !
Anyway looking forward to meeting other members, please give me a nudge and say hello.
Angie :)
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Sorry not to be there Angie - I hate to disappoint ;) Truth be told I can afford to go but I have other commitments in April which make it nigh on impossible for me to be at the conference. If there was a reasonable day rate I might have come for a day (or two) but the day rate was ... well it made me laugh :P
Hopefully I'll make it up to Aberdeen again one day .... for more than one day :D
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Tony, yes it's a pity the conference wasn't cheaper. They might have got more people to go and I would have got to meet more forum members ::) ;D
Hopefully you will get up to Aberdeen sometime soon.
Angie :)
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I hope Folks attending the Conference are giving thought to an entry for the Show on Saturday..... the premier prize will be the chance to win a Forrest and a Farrer medal in one swoop!
The happy chap who achieved this feat in 2001 in Edinburgh was Ian Kidman......
[attach=1]
This photo is by Sandy Leven of Ian Kidman with his magnificent plant of Campanula zoysii and his two medals, neatly framed. 8)
The bronze medal with the ribbon is the Forrest Medal and the larger silver medal is the Farrer Medal.
At the moment Ian K is probably busy getting his plants ready for his local show, that at Hexham, this coming Saturday.
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Yesterday I had the great pleasure of hearing Janis Ruksans talking on 'Plants from behind the Iron Curtain'.
The event was organised by the Hampshire Hardy Plant Society, who also persuaded Joe Sharman to talk on Primroses.
I wonder why Janis is never asked to talk at a Conference - people don't know what they are missing.
Incidentally, who was chosen to fill the gap caused by the tragic death of Jim Archibald?
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Good afternoon Art,
Toshio Yoshida was invited to present a very appealing lecture entitled;- 'Endemism in Sino-Himalayan Alpines'
I can't wait...! :D :D :D
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Incidentally, who was chosen to fill the gap caused by the tragic death of Jim Archibald?
I believe that Jim himself planned for Henrik Zetterlund to deliver the lecture, using Jim's pictures and notes.
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We have had Janis to speak at SRGC Conferences and Events, Art... he is a most excellent speaker.
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Good afternoon Art,
Toshio Yoshida was invited to present a very appealing lecture entitled;- 'Endemism in Sino-Himalayan Alpines'
I can't wait...! :D :D :D
"Was" - do you mean it is no longer on the programme. ;)
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Good afternoon Art,
Toshio Yoshida was invited to present a very appealing lecture entitled;- 'Endemism in Sino-Himalayan Alpines'
I can't wait...! :D :D :D
"Was" - do you mean it is no longer on the programme. ;)
Art ... your question was; 'Incidentally, who was chosen to fill the gap caused by the tragic death of Jim Archibald?'
The answer ... Toshio Yoshida was! ::) ::) ::) ;D
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Does this mean that the delegates are getting a bonus ;) as Diane seemed to be saying that Hendrik was to give Jim's talk - or am I misunderstanding.
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Jim had wanted Hendrik to give his talk in the event of his death and that is what is happening. Toshio's talk is an added bonus, so to speak, see these two posts for the original programme and then the revised one:
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2751.msg130127#msg130127
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2751.msg163631#msg163631
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It doesn't affect me of course but some southern hemisphere delegates are unhappy that their conference information packs had not arrived before they left home for the UK or Europe. After all, if they travel so far and the whole trip costing so much, they want to go other places too, BEFORE the Conference as well as after, so it hasn't. for some, been a matter of leaving home just a few days before, but several weeks in a few cases.
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Is there anyone who can help me and knows which nurseries will be attending? I tried Pershore twice by e-mail, but that’s a dead line.
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Is there anyone who can help me and knows which nurseries will be attending? I tried Pershore twice by e-mail, but that’s a dead line.
I'm afraid your comment has such a familiar ring Jozef ... I have heard it on a number of occasions! ::)
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Jef, I can help with a few names.... not sure if more are planned.... SRGC President Liz is trying to find out for you.
Ian Christie, Kevock, Westonbirt and , perhaps, John Amand
I'd have expected Aberconwy to be there but I don't know yet. I'll post a list here as soon as President Liz hears ;)
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Hi i phoned AGS headquaters 2 days ago to ask the same quetion and they said,
Parham Bungalow Alpines, Amand's, Aberconway, Kevock, Christies and another one I thnk but I have left the list at work.
Hope that helps
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Thanks, Julia!
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Thank you all. This way went much quicker ;).
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That seems quite a short list? I would have expected there to be a dozen or so. Even at our local NZAGS spring show there are alway at least 8 so that the public gets a really good variety.
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I was a little surprsied at the small number of nurseries too Lesley.
All the organisation is in the hands of the AGS so only they could tell us what any rationale for any thing pertaining to the might be.
I do not believe there are any arrangements in place to enable phyto certification for overseas members wishing to take plants home so that may also be having an effect on the number of nurseries attending.
Part of the problem for a lot of the nurseries who might have wished to attend the Conference is that the timing clashes with the huge event that is the Harrogate show. This is a major earner for many nurseries of course, not just those selling alpines, so the choice between tens of thousands of customers at Harrogate or a couple of hundred at Nottingham was not a difficult one for them to make. :'(
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Part of the problem for a lot of the nurseries who might have wished to attend the Conference is that the timing clashes with the huge event that is the Harrogate show. This is a major earner for many nurseries of course, not just those selling alpines, so the choice between tens of thousands of customers at Harrogate or a couple of hundred at Nottingham was not a difficult one for them to make.
To be fair, the date of the International Conference was fixed long before Harrogate announced their Spring show date. Because Easter is so late this year, Harrogate decided to bring their normal "end of April" date forward, hence the clash of dates.
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I was not apportioning blame, Diane, I just stated the facts. I know at least one major seller who was taken aback by the clash.
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Some delegates have still not received their packs in the post so I will repeat my post from 17th March giving the links to the AGS pages with the bulk of the information :
These links on the AGS website have some information for those attending the Alpines 2011 Conference in Nottingham next month.
Pre-Conference Information for Delegates
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/PreConference+Information+for+Delegates/293/
Final Conference Program
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/Final+Conference+Program/292/
Workshop Program
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/Workshop+Program/294/
How to Get There
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/How+to+Get+There/296/
There does not seem to be any information for those seeking to know details about the pre-conference tour but the page where the above links are listed may be updated:
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/events/2011/information/
We are aware that some delegates have already begun their journey to Europe so I hope any of you in touch with those folks will be able to pass on this information to them.
Edit: This takes you to a map of the Campus at Nottingham :
http://www.nottinghamconferences.co.uk//pdfs/2009-maps/university-park.pdf
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I know that some of you have been trying to get information from the AGS Centre at Pershore this week and I've just received the following information which might explain the lack of contact. Christine McGregor was away for 3 days at the London Show and Jill, who would normally have replied to you quickly, was forced to take time off to help her mother who was taken ill suddenly. Jill posted an automatic 'Out of Office' reply on the e-mail system which I've no doubt some of you received and I'm sure you'll all appreciate that these things happen in the best of systems.
Things should be back to normal now so please contact Pershore again is you want information.
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Maggi, thanks so much for printing all the links. I haven't received anything in the mail and time's getting short. Hope it arrives before I leave Friday.
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I'll take a photo of the wine order form and send it to you, Anne!
I'll also check to see what else might be missing from the online links that has been sent in the postal pack and get copies of that to you, too.
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What seems to be missing from the AGS online info is the list of local restaurants (not hugely important, I would think... I'll get copy of that if anyone is desperate to see it ) and the wine order form for the Saturday conference dinner.
a pdf of that is below.... you can post it (!) or FAX it to 00 44 (0)115 9515018 - quite how the EMCC is going to match the orders to each of us on the day I cannot imagine.
[attach=1]
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Thank you so much, Maggi. Will they serve ordinary water, not mineral? This is a bit new to me.
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I assume so, Anne. Frankly, given the difficulties there seems to have been getting the pack out to delegates the return rate for the order form will likely not be very high so unless they envisage a lot of folks dehydrating, there must surely be a fall back plan . ::)
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I would have loved to have come, but unfortunately there is a clash with the show of my own society, the Thames Valley Orchid Society, which takes place on the 9th April in Bourne End, Bucks. Being chairman, I couldn't not really not go. ;D ;D
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Anne, it is now a legal requirment that they serve you tap water free of charge if you ask when having a meal.
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I would have loved to have come, but unfortunately there is a clash with the show of my own society, the Thames Valley Orchid Society, which takes place on the 9th April in Bourne End, Bucks. Being chairman, I couldn't not really not go. ;D ;D
Maren, your TVOS show is the week before the Alpines 2011 event. :)
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Oh Maggi, did I get it wrong again? that means I might be able to get to the show after all. I shall investigate. Thank you. :)
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Well regarding the cost of the conference I have no idea but hey ho you only live once- or at least this life!
However in ten years time I anticipate being "retired" so it may be a different kettle of fish. So now is the time to start planning £1 a week £52 per year, £520 in ten years simple.
So will the next one be in Scotland is that right - not got my head round that one yet. In that case £2 per week to pay for the petrol! ;D
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It's my guess none of us will be able to afford cars then, Anne or maybe they'll have been banned....... so better save for stout shoes for the walk! :-\
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Anne I to will be at retired age in ten years time so thanks for the savings plan. See we all moan about the cost but nobody would miss £1 a week , I cam safely say that those who won't manage this conference see you at the next one in ten years, start putting that £1 away ;D
Angie :)
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I am sure that it will be excellent value in 10 years time - hope to see everyone then.
One must remain positive and believe that healthy living (and pills) will keep one going past three score and ten :)
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I'm past retiring age already and a pound won't do it for me, especially with round the world airfares, etc and one couldn't go just for the Conference, with having such a long way to travel. Would have to do pre and post tours as well as private visiting. Maybe $100 a week will do it. But where will that come from? :'(
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:'( that's how I feel Lesley. I was looking forward to meeting lots of members at the conference and you were one of the folks that I had hoped would be there. It's a long way to come and a lot of money to spend but it would have been great if you had been able to come.
I said to my husband that I was hoping to meet certain folks and was disappointed when I heard that they weren't going to be there. It's a shame that there are some many members unable to go.
Saying all this I am looking forward to meeting those that will be there, please say hello as I am a bit shy and I would hate to miss out meeting everyone from the forum.
See you all soon.
Angie :)
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Fermi and Otto are on their way. Seems they are having problems getting on the forum, but they got onto the AGS site and their message is at the bottom of this page
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/discussion/midland/Midland+Diary+no+A+plant+in+the+wrong+place/499/ (http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/discussion/midland/Midland+Diary+no+A+plant+in+the+wrong+place/499/)
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I suspect that if one is usually always signed in on the SRGC Forum then the system will not recognise your attempt from elsewhere, considering you to be already logged in.
Good to hear the Lads are en route. hope their journey goes well.
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I suspect that if one is usually always signed in on the SRGC Forum then the system will not recognise your attempt from elsewhere, considering you to be already logged in.
Don't think that's the case, Maggi. I'm "always signed in" at home, but I can log in from work or when on holiday. I think "always signed in" is just a cookie on a local machine so doesn't affect another machine.
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Is that so, Diane? Hmmm, so much for Ian's explanation then. ;D
May just have been a little local difficulty , strange things happen!
Since it is about the first mention of the Conference Delegates on the move in the AGS site it is no bad thing : it may encourage some more posts :D
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It's also possible to be logged in twice with two different browsers on the same machine (OK, OK, I need to get out more ::) )
I suspect Fermi's problems are due to firewall restrictions from an internet cafe restricting use of forums. Either that, or else there's a lot of rude words on this site :o :o :o
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Either that, or else there's a lot of rude words on this site :o :o :o
I suppose I'll get the blame for that as well!!! ;D ;D ;D
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Either that, or else there's a lot of rude words on this site :o :o :o
I suppose I'll get the blame for that as well!!! ;D ;D ;D
Well, you, me and David, Cliff! ::)
I suppose there is a lot of talk of (plant) sex......... :-X
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Either that, or else there's a lot of rude words on this site :o :o :o
I suppose I'll get the blame for that as well!!! ;D ;D ;D
Well, you, me and David, Cliff! ::)
I suppose there is a lot of talk of (plant) sex......... :-X
Someone taking my name in vein? ;D And me such a clean living and thinking lad ;D
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Just noticed that you had to book your wine by the 4th April and I couldn't see where the attached form was. To late i suppose now. I am hopeless with computers. Oh well it will just have to be fruit juice.
Do we not get sent any information about the conference.
Sorry to ask.
Angie :)
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Angela, it has nothing to do with your ability with computers, I assure you.
I didn't realise you hadn't got yours either : I would have suggested action before if I had. I didn't get a pack but Ian did so that was something, but Jill sent me one yesterday. I hadn't asked for it.
Phone Jill Larner at the AGS who will be happy to help you..... ask for a pack to be sent to Bill and Helen as well. Telephone number is 01386 554790.
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Checking on the wine order list it s ays it should be posted to the Bars Manager, EMCC, University Par, Nottingham NG7 2RJ or faxed to 0115 9515018 and must be received by the EMCC no later than 7 working days before the event. So for the Dinner on the 16th April ( which is what the form applies to) probably means they should be there by today.
Frankly, since so many folk have not yet received their packs for whatever reason, I think that there will be rather a lot of delegates in the same boat and not be able to pre book. I suspect that the EMCC will not want to miss out on the sales it would lose by sticking to this pre-order requirement, but who knows?
For those of you with access to fax machines I'll add a pdf of the form to this post for you to print out and fax off.
[attach=1]
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I suspect I won't be the only delegate with dry lips and a raging thirst during the gala dinner! I may soak some Hortag pellets in a nice chardonnay and secrete them in my cheeks like an alcoholic hamster - do you think they are likely to frisk delegates from the jaws upwards?
Should I soak a bandana in the wine or fill a pair of rubber gloves ... there must be a way to secure a drink during the festivities that doesn't involve form filling or f ... f... faxes! Wouldn't it be a splendid idea if they employed a penniless student to patrol the tables with a selection of wines on a trolley ... we could even give tips!
Ah well, I will drink quite a lot prior to the event and store it in my hump!!! :D
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Thanks Maggi
Will speak to Helen and Bill today.
Cliff dont drink to much before the conference we don't want you feeling unwell.
Angie :)
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Cliff, have just come through duty free from Dubai - fear not young man, help is at hand. Never worry when you have a party of thirsty Antipodeans arriving - we are known for our ability to "make do", it is known in New Zealand as the No 9 wire theory. You can do anything with a bit of imagination and a piece of No 9 wire -- now where did I put that wire :( :(
Am in a wonderful, hot London - wahoo!! Cannot believe the weather - might have to go and buy some clothes for warm weather. Look forward to seeing you all next week. Is it a week today, Having been on the way here for 41 hours I literally don't know what day it is.
Susan
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Saint Susan of Dunedin ... can turn wire into wine, despondency into delight, buttercups into bloom!
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Am in a wonderful, hot London - wahoo!! Cannot believe the weather - Susan
Not sure we can ;D :) ;D
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Sit near Susan at dinner if you can Cliff. Best story teller I've ever met. You'll be in stitches. I especially liked the one about the llama and the green.....
Susan we are in the middle of a cold southerly wind stream, day after day and temp not above 13 for ages. Very bitter and snow on the Maungatua this morning. Make the most of it girl!
BTW Can one not smuggle a bottle into the dinners? I could, being suitable padded anyway.
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Local Frit Group seed list and newsletter in my Inbox this morning. I didn't get a single seed pod to mature this season. Just too damn wet. Quite like Doreen's idea of expanding to become a small bulb group.
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BTW Can one not smuggle a bottle into the dinners? I could, being suitable padded anyway.
Lesley I was thinking the same , nobody would notice on me. My husband suggested I go as a pregnant lady. I just looked at him :-X I am nearly 55 .
Hope the weather keeps nice for our visitors, this is not normal for this time of year. Can't wait to meet everyone.
Angie :)
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Sit near Susan at dinner if you can Cliff. Best story teller I've ever met. You'll be in stitches. I especially liked the one about the llama and the green.....
Susan we are in the middle of a cold southerly wind stream, day after day and temp not above 13 for ages. Very bitter and snow on the Maungatua this morning. Make the most of it girl!
BTW Can one not smuggle a bottle into the dinners? I could, being suitable padded anyway.
You do realise Lesley, that EVERYBODY will now be vying for that prime spot beside Susan ... if only to hear about the llama and the green ... ? :D
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Got my information pack this morning :-X
Angie :)
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Can there be a logical explanation for the lateness of information packs?
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Leaving today for the Nottingham pre-Tour. Information packet arrived in the mail yesterday.
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Bon Voyage, Anne, see you soon! 8)
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Can there be a logical explanation for the lateness of information packs?
Quite possibly too few people trying to do too much too late.
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You do realise Lesley, that EVERYBODY will now be vying for that prime spot beside Susan ... if only to hear about the llama and the green ... ? :D
Suggest you escort her to the podium and give her a microphone. ;D
Note for Susan - I chatted briefly with David at the market yesterday. He looked very happy, not at all deprived or underfed and was cheerful. (Just so you're not to worry about him. ;D)
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Thanks Lesley,
I understand David has been eating very well! Told him to eat up large there as Venison striploin in Harrods was 69.95GBP and lamb racks 39.95. Have been to Tescoes and they have a large selection of NZ wine, and even larger selction of single malts!
First day of tour - wonderful weather and Wisley looked absolutely stunning. MArcelle and I went there yetsrday courtesy of Melvyn, so we have had a wonderful couple of days.
Looking forward to the rest. It has been lovely to catch up with some of the forumists.
Must away before the Wifi runs out.
Susan
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Thanks to you too Susan. Please keep up these brief notes as it gives those of us getting chillier by the day, a little taste of the conference and tours etc. You could start a new thread "A blog for Southerners" or something, if you had time. Fermi, Otto and their mates could also add to it.
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This will be the Eighth International Conference (and my third), but I can find little information about the others - i.e. venues, duration, speakers, etc. The Fourth was held at Harrogate in 1971 and I have a copy of the report for that event, but does anyone have comprehensive details about all the others (and any interim conferences as well if possible)? This information should, if possible, be preserved for posterity on such a site as this.
Many thanks if you can assist in any way.
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This will be the Eighth International Conference (and my third), but I can find little information about the others - i.e. venues, duration, speakers, etc. The Fourth was held at Harrogate in 1971 and I have a copy of the report for that event, but does anyone have comprehensive details about all the others (and any interim conferences as well if possible)? This information should, if possible, be preserved for posterity on such a site as this.
Many thanks if you can assist in any way.
I've got all the Conference reports except the first, (not even sure when that was, I think it wasn't in 1941)
2nd - London and Edinburgh 1951
3rd - London and Edinburgh 1961
4th - Harrogate 1971
5th - Nottingham 1981
6th - Warwick 1991
7th - Edinburgh 2001
They have almost all been in April, the exception was Edinburgh 2001 which was in June (or was it July?) so they could use student accommodation.
I wonder who has been to the most?
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The first was in London in 1936, held by the RHS and the AGS I believe.
Otto Fauser has been to everyone since 1961 - not too many with this fine record!
Just looking at the Conference report for 1981- it is 300 pages long.... a bit on the long side for the forum!
Southern Alpines, the report of the interim conference in New Zealand in 1996 is 183 pages.
The AGS intends to publish the report of this conference as its next Bulletin.... and this is due very soon... I believe that not all the speakers responded with written summaries of their talks and since it is due so soon I have no idea what chance there is for actual "reports" of the proceedings, tours etc.
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I've been contacted by some overseas delegates, makingtheir way to Nottingham to ask what arrangements have been made for plant inspections and certification for exports from the Conference.
I have to say I have heard nothing of any such preparations. I hope that all will be clear tomorrow in Nottingham. Sorry I can't tell you more.
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Have fun everyone !!!
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I don't know if any NZers are planning to bring plants back home (into quarantine it would have to be) but I would expect that any one taking plants from the conference to other countries would surely be expected to make their own arrangements re inspections, phytos etc. The conference is just that, not some kind of internation import/export business. ???
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Lesley - It is customary here in North America to have a plant inspector on site the last day of a conference or winter study weekend to issue phytosanitary certificates and any other necessary documentation. At least the rock garden societies and rhododendron societies, I believe the hosta societies do as well.
A luxury eh?
johnw
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Mmmmmm, I don't think it happens here and it didn't at Nottingham in 1981. Alan Bloom very kindly made arrangements for my plants from all over the UK, to be inspected at Bressingham, by hort people from Cambridge. That was in the balmy days when we could import of course.
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I recall it definitely did happen in 2001 at Edinburgh.
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Can there be a logical explanation for the lateness of information packs?
Quite possibly too few people trying to do too much too late.
Or a profound state of disorganization.... ::)
johnw
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Can there be a logical explanation for the lateness of information packs?
Quite possibly too few people trying to do too much too late.
Or a profound state of disorganization.... ::)
johnw
I was trying to be nice and polite John ;D
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Can there be a logical explanation for the lateness of information packs?
Quite possibly too few people trying to do too much too late.
Or a profound state of disorganization.... ::)
johnw
I was trying to be nice and polite John ;D
David - So was I by using "Or". ;) I think we all know the scoop now.
johnw
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Or the assumption that everyone attending will leave home Friday morning, for registration Friday afternoon or night. Some of the southerners are visiting other countries, let alone towns or gardens, before the Conference.
It's getting close now so I wish EVERYONE attending, a wonderful Conference with many friendships made or renewed and of cource fabulous plants and lectures, food and drink (if they can afford it!!!)
Is there a show? Hope everyone takes his/her camera. ;D
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There is indeed a show Lesley. I'm sure cameras will be in attendance. Judging by the plants already lurking in the hall this afternoon it will be a good one
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Many, many congratulations to Farrer Medal and Forrest Medal Winner Chris Lilley from North Anston with his amazing and aged plant of Trillium grandiflorum which scooped the award for 'Best plant in the Show' against some tremendous opposition.
Chris Lilley and his splendid Trillium grandiflorum.
I FEEL THAT I MUST ADD THAT WHILST CHRIS HAS A VERY IMPRESSIVE PEDIGREE AS AN EXHIBITOR, THESE WERE HIS FIRST FARRER AND FORREST MEDALS ... DOUBLE CONGRATULATIONS, DOUBLE KUDOS, DOUBLE THE PRIDE, DOUBLE THE ACHIEVEMENT!!!
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We just had a photograph session of all the forumists that we could round up - I am sure there are many more we missed.
We are all having a great time together and here is a pic to prove it.
Edit - Names from Fermi
From the back:
Paul C, Ian Mc, Martin, RR, Cliff, Otto, Roma in front of Peter M, Jean W, Anne (Astragalus), Cynthia, Angie, Viv, JohnR, Anne G in front of Ian C, Julia C in front of Henrik Z, Maggi, Razvan, Calvin B and Dianne.
In front:
Jozef, Kim R, Susan M, Fermi, Ian
cheers
fermi
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??? I only know 7 faces
Ian and Maggi, Diane, Cliff, Alan B, Jean Wylie, Fermi
Can someone add names - just being nosey
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Paul Cumbleton and Martin Rogerson at the back.
Myself (now blonde so I can have blond as well as Senior moments) next to Maggie
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:-[ Alan B isnt there coz it's Peter :-[
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In front of Martin & Cliff is Ragged Robin in pink and maroon, fairly sure that is Otto to Robin's left with perhaps Peter Maguire with white hair at the back to Ottos left. Then right in the middle. at the back and with a fine head of grey-free hair is Angie! ... And is that Julia Corden between/behind Maggi and Anne G?
VERY sad I am not there ... not just the cost, it's slap in the middle of the school Easter hols and we are in Wales right now for some much needed family time.
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Otto, Fermi, Angie, Ian, Maggi, Paul, MartinR, Diane, Robin, Ian Mc., Jean, AlanB, Darren? Can't see Cliff, maybe he was taking the photo. Then I'm struggling a bit.
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Cliff is between RR and Otto!
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Cliff is between RR and Otto!
Nah! Far too young :P ;D
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From the back:
Paul C, Ian Mc, Martin, RR, Cliff, Otto, Roma in front of Peter M, Jean W, Anne (Astragalus), Cynthia, Angie, Viv, JohnR, Anne G in front of Ian C, Julia C in front of Henrik Z, Maggi, Ravan, Calvin B and Dianne.
In front:
Jozef, Kim R, Susan M, Fermi, Ian
cheers
fermi
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Looks as though Diane nearly missed it? ;D
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What a great time you all seem to be having !!
Definitely the biggest Forum gathering ever ! :D
Wished I could have made it.. :-\
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I must be stoopid I can follow who the missing names are
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wonderful picture. I'll save and print it out in LARGE. Pleased you're all having a super time. It seems to have only just started yet is now almost ended. ::)
Oh well, a crevice garden workshop here this afternoon (Sunday) with Dave Toole and Stuart Murray then Chinese restaaurant afterwards. It will be a laugh. ;D
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Congratulations again to Chris for a wonderful Forrest and Farrer Medal winning plant, thoroughly deserved by a thoroughly nice man. We were lucky enough to have lunch with Chris and we all nudged up against him hoping some of the magic was passsed along. In fact I think I heard Maggi urging him to buy a lottery ticket because his luck was certainly running yesterday.
I wonder of he has come down to earth yet ;D
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How wonderful I hadn't realised that posting about Chris was my 500th and so took me to Hero Member status WOW :o
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Time to add a few pictures from the Conference Show...there were many people taking pictures and don't like to be nearly the first but will add what I have. Was an early start for exhibitors from the North East, between 4 and 4-30 am seems to have been the norm...meant a very long day, not helped by the A1 being 'closed' at Dishforth. From the show point of view there were many fine plants on the bench, glad I was not judging and glad we had an 'International' set of judges to give so many different view points. Becuase of the way the day worked there were very quiet times while delegates were at lectures and periods of 'mayhem' when everyone was around. Never really got time to talk to so many people....mores the pity as some I had not seen to talk to in years.
Never mind, time for pictures
Already seen but worth repeating, Chris Lilley with his 16 yo pot of Trillium grandiflorum.....two views
A contender for the awards and indeed best Primulaceae
Androsace vandellii by Cyril Lafong and another plant from Cyril, also in contention was
Cypripedium 'Ursel'
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Will post a few Androsace now
Androsace studiosorum 'Doksa' Lee and Julie Martin
with the same plant pictured from the other side next...then
Androsace studiosorum shown by Ivor Pinnock....long way from the Isle of Wight
Clematis scottii by Rob Price...did not get a sticker but I liked it, I had a long chat to him as I also grow this plant, also from RMRP seed with mine about to flower in the coming week...Robs plant was very sturdy and robust...I liked it even if the judges did not
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Now a run of 'American's
Clematis tenuiloba 'Ylva' shown by Margaret Pickering ...named after Henrick Zetterlunds daughter...he was lecturing at the conference
Lewisia stebbinsii shown by George Young as part of a three pan entry
Phlox bryoides by Carol and Ian Bainbridge....never got a 'blether' to them, mores the pity
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more 'American' with
Polemonium chartaceum shown by Geoff Rollinson with three pictures, two of the (same) plant plus one of his notes
Primula ellisiae, again by Carol and Ian Bainbridge... I have to say that I find this hard to differentiate from P rusbyi...I gather its all to do with 'measurements' of important bits but to the eye they look the same....still a good plant
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Time for 'whats left'...no disrespect meant to the plants or exhibitors
Cassiope 'Jim Lever' shown by Alan Newton
two Daphnes, one of D petraea 'Grandiflore' by John Richards, the other is D petraea by Cyril Lafong...both were excellent plants very well flowered
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one of my own Fritillarias
Fritillaria sibthorpiana, originally came from the Wallis's, you willn ot the odd hole in the leaf but its been outdoors plunged but unprotected from weather or 'beasties' since early March
Gentiana acaulis shown by Peter Semple...a great plant and yet another contender for the Forrest/Farrer...had to be in a 30cm pan minimum to allow viewers to get the true picture
From the large to the small
Haastia pulvinaris by R & S Johnson
Iris schachtii by Graham Nicholls
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One has to wonder how Cyril Lafong got that Cypripedium down to Nottingham in one piece and without a blemish. ::)
johnw
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Two views of the same exhibit viz.
Haberlea ferdinandii-coburgii...B & J Walker
Hymenoxis lapidicola shown by Graham Nicholls...I had a long chat to Graham about this plant and he tells me that the stones you see around the plant actually came from the same area that the Hymenoxis grows....he thought it was worth trying in case the 'chemicals' in the rocks were part of growing the plant...thats what I call dedication...he will be one of the few people at the conference to have seen this plant in its natural habitat
No show set of pictures would be comlete without a picture of a plant shown by Cecilia Coller so
Pleione formosan 'Snow Bunting'
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..last three
Paris quadrifolia by Della Kerr...a close up of a very large pot....she told me she had tried to put it in a claay pot but after doing so couldn't carry the pot...enough said
Primula bracteata Geoff Rollinson
Primula euprepes ( I think) by the Rankin clan...even had some for sale I believe
Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Curry County Form' by Dave Mountford was the best Ericacaea sorry not the best of pictures
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Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Curry County Form' by Dave Mountford was the best Ericacaea sorry not the best of pictures
I think I'll go back to raising tropical fish. :o
johnw
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How wonderful I hadn't realised that posting about Chris was my 500th and so took me to Hero Member status WOW :o
You've been a hero since day one in my book Shelagh. 8)
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Just got back home sorry wasn't able to say GOODBYE to everyone but just decided to leave earlier that I first thought so I would just like to say nice meeting you all and goodbye for now. it was great Conference and greater still meeting everyone and what a great bunch you are.
Got home much quicker than we thought so now wishing I had stayed to the end, only took 7hrs to get home. Bought plenty of new plants to replace those I lost through the winter ;D so will have a busy day planting out my little treasures out tomorrow. I can't wait till the next time we al get together again.
Just would like to say thanks to all those that organised this event. It was a fantastic Conference. I am tired out, can't imagine how you are all feeling. So thank you very much.
Angie :)
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That was quick Angie, I didn't get back to Newcastle until 10.30. If you had stayed until the end, you would have found that the final lecture over-ran it's time slot and a lot of people had to take leave of it before the end to catch trains, etc.
It was another great conference, and the social side was just important as the plants. I see that many of the show plant pictures have already been posted by George, and as everyone returns home and catches up on lost sleep (too many late nights), I'm sure that many more of these pictures will appear.
Back to reality.....I'm off to work. :-\
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Can someone tell me how Iris schachtii differs from I. attica? My attica looks like Grahams plant ???
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George, many thanks for taking the time and touble to post the show pics. Much appreciated.
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George, many thanks for taking the time and touble to post the show pics. Much appreciated.
Can you please direct me to the pictures - thanks
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The pictures are mostly on page 15
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I was only away for a short time. Never thought to look backwards.
Thanks for an excellent record of some outstanding plants. I too would not like to have been a judge.
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Mark, for your naming, immediately to the right of and slightly below Angie, is Cynthia Sladen from Melbourne, and immediately to Angie's left and slightly below, is Viv Condon who lives very near to Otto, in Vic, Australia. That is to ANGIE'S right and left, not to yours.
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As I know them, Iris schachtii is larger in all its parts than attica, and taller, but I doubt if that's a definitive ruling. Mine may be wrong anyway.
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Mark - just to complete your line-up; Anne Spiegel (Astragalus) is in the pink and blue in the centre of the image; John Richards is on the back row directly above Fermi; Ian (the Christie kind) is partially hidden next to John and Anne Gibson (with stunning new hair colour) is between Julia and Fermi. Could someone please assist with the one remaining member?
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Mark - just to complete your line-up; Anne Spiegel (Astragalus) is in the pink and blue in the centre of the image; John Richards is on the back row directly above Fermi; Ian (the Christie kind) is partially hidden next to John and Anne Gibson (with stunning new hair colour) is between Julia and Fermi. Could someone please assist with the one remaining member?
Between Henrik Z and the running Diane... that's Razvan Chisu, from Romania 8)
Trying to get caught up here.... Cliff, I saw Sue on Sunday but was deep in conversation and when I went to look for her she'd gone! Please apologise to her for me for not saying hello. :'(
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Susan, was Marcelle not at the Conference? ???
We had a good workshop at OAGG on Saturday. My word, the standard of afternoon teas/suppers has risen markedly since Susan MacKenzie joined. :P
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There is a saying that; 'Whatever happens at Conference, stays at Conference' - but I think it is only fair that our beloved bulb despot should be made aware of certain irregularities???
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Similarly, large amounts of liquid refreshment can be consumed by delegates, but I feel that I must warn dear Peter Maguire of the dangers of over consumption!!!
Jon Evans has also spotted the danger!
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Harry Jans seems to be asking Doug Joyce ...
"Are you sure we look through this side, Doug?"
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The future of alpine photography is in very safe hands when four experts such as these can be assembled.
HARRY JANS
DOUG JOYCE
JON EVANS
PETER MAGUIRE
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Cliff love that picture of Peter. I felt like a big ball after I left the conference. I suppose after having all those big portions of puddings it had to show, wasn't that bread and butter pudding a dream ;D
Angie :)
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Similarly, large amounts of liquid refreshment can be consumed by delegates, but I feel that I must warn dear Peter Maguire of the dangers of over consumption!!!
Jon Evans has also spotted the danger!
As they would say in Lancashire - 'By 'eck I was thirsty' ;D
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Having now had a day to recover (and a couple of nights sleep!), I wanted to say how much fun it all was.
I greatly enjoyed the lectures, the workshops, the show and all the informal chats and get togethers with old and new friends. The venue and food were excellent and the whole conference was a fantastic occasion.
I feel that the Conference is a very important core activity of our societies as it brings together some of the greatest names in the Society to share their expertise and knowledge, not only in the lecture theatre and workshops, but also in less formal gatherings. I was delighted by the sight of four giants of the alpine scene rarely seen together having a chat in the show hall on Saturday: Erich Pasche, Henrik Zetterlund, Tony Hall and Harry Jans. Sadly, I had left my camera at home :'(
I was particularly bowled over by the display by Jon Evans of “Ten years of photographing alpines” which contained hundreds of pristine photos, mounted and displayed on several boards, showing a range of Jon’s work, from formal portraits to his imaginative nurseryland interpretations. There was a series of “before” and “after” pictures showing how to edit pictures in various ways. There was also detailed commentary displayed on how Jon achieves his results, which he had kindly printed out as a series of handouts.
A huge amount of work went into the organisation and thanks is due to Christine McGregor and all the staff at Pershore, the organising committee (north and south of Hadrian's wall!), local group members and all the other volunteers that made it all possible. Here’s looking forward to 2021.
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Breaking news.....
I have sacked my wardrobe assistant. I had previously asked before the conference that all important question - "does my bum look big in this?" :D
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I was particularly bowled over by the display by Jon Evans of “Ten years of photographing alpines” which contained hundreds of pristine photos, mounted and displayed on several boards, showing a range of Jon’s work, from formal portraits to his imaginative nurseryland interpretations. There was a series of “before” and “after” pictures showing how to edit pictures in various ways. There was also detailed commentary displayed on how Jon achieves his results, which he had kindly printed out as a series of handouts.
Hear hear! Diane, I too thought Jon's displays a real triumph. It was impossible to capture the sheer scope of them, even from a physical standpoint, in any photo so you'll have to take our word!
There were lots of members of the local AGS Group who beavered away all weekend with Christine and Kim to help us all know what was going on and sincere thanks to them all... in their smart purple Conference polo shirts, for their help.
It was tricky to note people's names, because the name tags we had kept turning back to front and unless folks had added their names to the reverse it was a question of grabbing the badge and turning it over to see the names... and it proved impossible to do that hundreds of times over the weekend! I now wish I had done so for the core helpers from the Notts Group so they could get a name check here.... but thanks to them all, anyway! 8)
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AGS Members will know that the Editor of 'the Alpine Garden', Chris ("Kit") Grey-Wilson, has now retired from that post. The new editor, John Fitzpatrick, a Scot, delivered a fun "leavers' page" to Kit as a farewell gift.... see the tabloid style spoof here :
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/pdf_files/news/KitsOffWeb.pdf ;D ;D
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That is ABSOLUTELY brilliant !!!!!.....and so funny. Made my day. Trust the Scots to deliver humor at its very best.
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Just like to add my comments. It was my first conference and I didn't know what to expect and it exceeded my expectations. Had a great time met lots of lovely people (gardeners usually are) and learned a lot. It was also nice to put faces and personalities to all you Forumists. My thanks go to all those who made such a successful conference but the overall result was not just the organisation it was in the words of the Music Hall MC "Chiefly yourselves"
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Many congratulations to all those who worked so hard to organise a great conference. I was lucky enough to be allowed to judge the flower show a real good selection of plants so I will post some pictures from the show, cheers Ian the Christie kind
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Love John Fitzpatrick's farewell paper. Brilliant, as Alan says and with such telling photos. May we hope for just a little of this style of writing in John's new job? ;D
So pleased the Conference went well for everyone. Of course it was always going to, in spite of what seemed like assorted glitches along the way with late information etc. It seems amazing that something which took the best part of 10 years, to organise and certainly hyperactivity in the last months and weeks, is now all over in just a very few days. Many attenders and the organisers too, will have a sense of anticlimax I suppose.
Glad you all had a great time! :D 8)
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Thank you All for the wonderful time (before, during and after the conference)!!!
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This time a week ago I was in 7th heaven at the 'Alpine Without Frontiers' conference surrounded by Alpine enthusiasts and fascinating plants so expertly grown - what an amazing event it was in every aspect. The lectures were so interesting and varied and I felt drawn into a world of exceptional plantsmen and plantswomen, plant hunting, geographical and geological miracles and historical and cultural eyeopeners, topped off with the haute cuisine of photography - no wonder they say plants look good enough to eat! The beautifully illustrated book containing these treasures is a wonderful reminder to mull through and recapture the atmosphere.
All the above, one could say, was outstanding enough in itself but without our wonderful Forum I would not have had the chance to meet and get to know some of the great SRGC Forum Members who contribute so much to the Alpine experience through their comments and postings and that led to my booking for the Conference in the first place. You have been an inspiration to me and, I'm sure, many others....the happy group photo says it all.
So I want to thank everyone, especially Maggi and Ian who helped us circulate and meet amongst the other Members, and particularly Ian for his vibrant lecture that reminded me of my roots of falling in love with plants in Nature where they reign supreme and plants in the garden where they give so much pleasure; creating a rich tapestry around us in everyday life.
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A wonderful experience and one so varied it will take some time to digest it all. The pre-conference tour was a melange of wonderful and very diverse gardens. I took about 600 pictures which have already been downloaded and I'm so glad to have them because memories have a way of mixing up plants and gardens. The pictures at the Conference were superb. It took several days to see them all because there was always a little crowd around them. They made for a wonderful display. Thanks to all who put in so much time and effort to make this Conference a success. It was especially nice to meet so many Forumists, starting with the pre-tour. I really felt I was meeting people I already knew. And now we all have the photo of part of the group of Forumists who were there. Thanks, Ian and Maggie, for arranging that.
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Look who dropped in today on his way home from the conference,he is taking the long way home.
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A fine young lad. Calvin enjoy your visit to Ireland, they are so friendly folks.
Angie :)
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Hello again
It's been quite some time since I posted anything here (and to be frank had anything to do with alpines) but now I just want to say that I had a most wonderful time in Nottingham. The whole experience (lectures, pictures, plants, meeting people, the general atmosphere) reminded me of how important alpines are for me.
I want to thank the organisers for making this possible by granting me a student assisted place.
And now some pictures I took:
drimiopsis davidsoniae.jpg
androsace vandellii.jpg
anemonella thalictroides.jpg
clematis scottii.jpg
clematis tenuiloba ylva.jpg
cymbidium goeringii.jpg
iris sari.jpg
lamium armenum.jpg
a 241.jpg
a 327.jpg
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Some lovely photos Razvan, I wasn't there but the pictures bring it to me. I do like to see the close ups of the plants, those clematis are adorable. Thanks for posting.
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Thank you, Razvan, you show some unusual plants. I particularly like the Lamium armenum. I wonder if it is hardy in the south of England?
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And the interesting Drimiopsis, a name quite new to me. It seems to creep about somewhat then send up its flowers? Is there some more imformation somewhere?
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that dainty drimiopsis came from kew. it was the one plant that really caught my eye in their display at the conference. seems to be a South African species in the Hyacinthaceae.
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Look who dropped in today on his way home from the conference,he is taking the long way home.
Hello Clavin, any excess baggage yet? ;) :-X or is there a trail of pacels following you :D
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Look who dropped in today on his way home from the conference,he is taking the long way home.
If I had the money I would have driven down to meet him
Fermi and Will arrive here tomorrow for a very busy 5 days. The plan was to go to the Burren but it's over 4 hours away and the roads aren't the huge roads that cross Australia
Re the photo I'll fix it later. I'm just up and need a shower and breakfast ::) :o
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Forum line up
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Mark, there is motorway all they way bar the last ten miles. ::) If they come here I will show them the best places to visit on the Burren. Motorway from your place to here(All the way) as well.
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Mark, there is motorway all they way bar the last ten miles. ::) If they come here I will show them the best places to visit on the Burren. Motorway from your place to here(All the way) as well.
Fermi and Will take up Michael's offer. When we were over Mark had said to keep to the big roads but we didn't and we never got to see half of what we would have liked,we have small windy roads in Scotland but nothing like Ireland has. Should have listened to a local lad ::)
It's a wonderful place, so friendly and so much to see. I cant wait till I get back but next time it will be for a couple of weeks.
Hope the weather holds out and you all have a great time.
Angie :)
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Angie and Michael we will discuss the Burren tomorrow. Our current plans are
Lisburn Linen Museum it's closed, Harold McBride and Maybe Bob Gordon
Joy Parkinson, David & Janet Ledsham, ?Antrim coast road to Margaret Glynn. Margaret for an evening meal.
William & Hilary McKelvey and Dublin botanic gardens
Dorothy Brown and Giants Causeway
Have to fit in a visit to Bob Gordon, Nial Watson the daffodil breeder, The Burren, the Mournes & Silent Valley and ... and ..
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You know what they say: if you don't see it all this visit, it's just a good reason to come back a second time!
We're enjoying the hospitality of Ian and Maggi and head to Antrim tomorrow!
cheers
fermi
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The temperature is 11 degrees cooler, 11c, than the hottest day this week, 22c, making it the 'coldest' day time temperature for weeks brrrr
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Look who dropped in today on his way home from the conference,he is taking the long way home.
Hello Clavin, any excess baggage yet? ;) :-X or is there a trail of pacels following you :D
I haven't had any problems with my luggage being overweight yet, it's a matter of my bag being to small to fit everything in and my poor packing skills, which really means shoving everything in the bag just before I have to leave! :)
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Look who dropped in today on his way home from the conference,he is taking the long way home.
If I had the money I would have driven down to meet him
Fermi and Will arrive here tomorrow for a very busy 5 days. The plan was to go to the Burren but it's over 4 hours away and the roads aren't the huge roads that cross Australia
Re the photo I'll fix it later. I'm just up and need a shower and breakfast ::) :o
Thanks for thought Mark. I visited the burren on Thursday and it was really good. I bit early for plants still, but the Dactylorhizas, gentians and a few others were out. The scenery was amazing too, very different to that of SA.
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Wow Mark, hope those boys can move fast. Sounds if you all will have a great time. Let's hope it keeps dry, it makes all the difference.
Take plenty pictures for us to see.
Angie :)
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Marcelle and I saw Susan off on the next part off her trip to Turkey on Saturday. We are missing her already (That is what you wanted us to say!!!) She is great fun and Jim and I are looking forward to seeing her next year.
Hope everyone is enjoying their Post Conference trip to Scotland.
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Some images from the trophy presentation at the joint AGS/SRGC Show held at the Nottingham Conference.
My apologies for any untitled images ... perhaps someone would be kind enough to add names where appropriate and even greater apologies to those trophy winners who unwittingly escaped my camera lens?
JON EVANS AND SRGC PRESIDENT; LIZ MILLS
AGS PRESIDENT; VAL LEE CONGRATULATES ...
JIM McGREGOR, JEAN WYLLIE, VAL LEE AND LIZ MILLS (JEAN WAS COLLECTING A CERT' OF MERIT ON BEHALF OF PETER SEMPLE)
VAL LEE AND TONY LEE
JULIE MARTIN, LIZ MILLS, LEE MARTIN
VAL LEE, LIZ MILLS, CYRIL LAFONG
CYRIL LAFONG
LIZ MILLS AND DAVE MOUNTFORT
NEW DIRECTOR OF SHOWS FOR THE AGS; RAY DREW
VAL LEE AND IAN KIDMAN
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THE TWO PRESIDENTS CONGRATULATE CHRIS LILLEY ON HIS FARRER AND FORREST MEDAL WINNING ACHIEVEMENT
A WELL DESERVED CARD AND PRESENT FOR RETIRING DIRECTOR OF SHOWS, JIM McGREGOR (Many thanks for all your tremendous efforts Jim on behalf of exhibitors everywhere).
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Cliff, the missing name on the second shot is Jean Morris. Certificate of merit for a needlework exhibit of Meconopsis aculeata
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Thanks Martin. I know dear Jean very well but didn't recognise her at all from my own image (what does that say about my photography skills)? ;D
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Thank you Jean and Jim for your wonderful hospitality. I arrived in Turkey minus my luggage. Terminal 5 and British Airways had swallowed it up. I had to rush next morning to the Grand Bazaar, as we were to travel to Gallipoli that day to spend the night, in the open. All my warm clothes were in my bag. Heeled boots and a light jacket were not quite what I was intending to wear. I am now the proud owner of some "genuine" Dolce and Gabbana and Chanel T shirts - and some Nike walking shoes, also I believe genuine!
It was freezing. I am still waiting - they have found my bag and it is being couriered to Eceabat - it may take 48 hours - I may not be here. I am getting used to my minimalist wardrobe - not liking it, but used to it.
However, I am loving Turkey, the people are neat as is the food. I just want someone to tell me what the shrub that is everywhere on the Gallipoli peninsula is, it looks like a type of Pieris. Will post a photo when I can as I would love to know.
It was really super to meet all the Forumists at the Conference.
Susan
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Hi Susan, I wondered if you were going to Gallipoli. According to local TV news, there were about 4000 Kiwis there! Considering the origins of that name in our culture, I am amazed at the generosity of the Turkish people who now refer to the Kiwis who visit the Peninsula, as "our friends and family."
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I was at a used book sale last Saturday and picked up a copy (for 50 cents!) of the special issue of the Alpine Garden Society Bulletin that was published for the 4th International Rock Garden Conference in 1971. It is a bit of an interesting time capsule. The first section of the issue is a series of short entries from all around the world where local experts describe 6 favorite or most noteworthy rock garden plants from the particular region. It would be interesting to compare these with the plants that people would call their favorites in 2011.
In another section, various authors discuss changes in the previous 10 years (since 1961) in a wide variety of topics related to rock gardens, including Plant Photography, Postage Stamps, Books, Alpine Houses, Bulb Frames, Plastics, Peat, Plant Conservation, and Pesticides. Finally there is a section on progress in various gardens and rock garden organizations. Certainly there was a lot of change between 1961 and 1971 - both socially and technologically - but looking back over the past 10 years it would seem like we are also in a period of rapid change. For example, there has been a major shift from film to digital photography over the past 10 years as the cost of digital cameras has dropped. In contrast, in 1971 the major innovation in photography was the development of faster color films - ASA 50 or 64 rather than ASA 10!
Ed
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I'd really like to know what those favorite plants were in 1971. Were certain plants a consensus? Please add some more information. Plants seem to go in and out of favor for no particular reason.
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I'd really like to know what those favorite plants were in 1971. Were certain plants a consensus? Please add some more information. Plants seem to go in and out of favor for no particular reason.
The section in the journal was titled "Alpines of the World", and to a large extent it deals with plants native to various regions for the world. 24 separate regions are represented, each entry written by a local expert. Each entry is 1 to 2 pages.
For example, the entry on "Plants of the Appalachians", by Lincoln Foster, features Dicentra cucullaria, Epigaea repens, Phlox stolonifera, Shortia galacifolia, Trillium grandiflorum, and Viola pedata. "Plants of the Rocky Mountains" has Aquilegia scopulorum, Leucocrinum montanum, Oenothera flava, Penstemon pinifolius, and Primula ellisae.
Species featured in the European Alps entry include Gentiana verna, Androsace helvetica, Pulsatilla vernalis, Primula hirsuta, Rhamnus pumila, and Senecio uniflorus. There are additional entries for other European mountain ranges, such as the Dolomites: Potentilla nitida, Papaver rhaeticum, Ranunculus parnassifolius, Rhodothamnus chamaecistus, Primula tyrolensis, and Hepatica triloba.
There are entries for the western Himalayas (Primula rosea, Androsace sarmentosa, Anemone rupicola, Anemone obtusiloba, Corydalis cashmiriana, and Cypripedium cordigerum) and Japan (Conandron ramondioides, Glaucidium palmatum, Fritillaria camtschatcensis, Ophiopogon planiscapus f. nigrescens, Primula reinii, and Dicentra peregrina) but nothing on China!
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I guess many or most of those would be on various Forumists' favourites list, even all these years later. I think that so often, one's favourites boil down to what is available at the time, and of course, what has done well in one's own garden over many years. I can't fault my Weldenia candida but I daresay Conandron ramondioides and Primula reini would be right up there with it, if only......
I suppose that Conference was pre Nixon's visit to China and the gradual opening to the West, of that fascinating place and culture.
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Was Otto at the Conference, I didn't see him on the Forum "mug shot"?
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Was Otto at the Conference, I didn't see him on the Forum "mug shot"?
Otto was certainly there David, as were others from the forum. Some may have been too shy (I nearly didn't go :D ) or they may simply have missed the announcement. We tried DESPERATELY to keep some of them away but no such luck!!! ;D
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[attachimg=1]
Otto is named in this shot, David.... and the un-named folks, starting from Roma's right ( as we view the pic) are astrasgalus (Anne) from USA, Cynthia and Viv from Australia, then in the back row, John Richards and an almost hidden Ian the Christie kind, and next to Hendrk Z. is Razvan Chisu from Romania.
Lots of other Forumists who didn't make the line-up.... rumours that they are the ones most wanted by Interpol are surely greatly exagerated. :-X
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Wasn't the BD going to "photoshop in" someone who missed the original shot, Maggi?
cheers
fermi
(now in Barcelona)
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Yes.... but neither of us can remember who that was! :-[ ;D
Hope Spain is fun... and Portugal..... you Guys must be exhausted by now!
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Was Otto at the Conference, I didn't see him on the Forum "mug shot"?
.......Some may have been too shy (I nearly didn't go :D )
Shy? You? you speak in jest.
Thanks Maggi, I saw the original picture but the old memory isn't what it was ;D
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Was Otto at the Conference, I didn't see him on the Forum "mug shot"?
.......Some may have been too shy (I nearly didn't go :D )
Shy? You? you speak in jest.
Excuse me, I speak in English! :D
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Was Otto at the Conference, I didn't see him on the Forum "mug shot"?
.......Some may have been too shy (I nearly didn't go :D )
Shy? You? you speak in jest.
Excuse me, I speak in English! :D
Not what I heard from a talk audience ;D
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Was Otto at the Conference, I didn't see him on the Forum "mug shot"?
.......Some may have been too shy (I nearly didn't go :D )
Shy? You? you speak in jest.
Excuse me, I speak in English! :D
Not what I heard from a talk audience ;D
... but those two were Lithuanian and thought they were attending a seance! (My biggest audience for a while as well! ::) ::) ::))
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Excuse me, I speak in English!
I Know you believe you understand what you think I said,but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. ;D ;D ;D
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Cattle, Goat or other Michael? ;)
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ooops :) :)
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Excuse me, I speak in English!
I Know you believe you understand what you think I said,but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. ;D ;D ;D
Is this the same fellow that said - How would I know what I think when I haven't yet heard what I was going to say?
johnw
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Cattle, Goat or other Michael? ;)
Goats, the lot of them, or maybe just galoots. ;D
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Galavanting Goats Lesley? The conf was wonderfull and I was glad to meet so many there.
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I'm sure we were not 'gallivanting' at the Conference... it was full of measured discussion and serious talk ;) .... oh well, alright then, we may have gallivanted a little... there was plenty laughter, that's for sure 8)
The noise in the dining halls was truly deafening. :-X That may be indicative of some slightly raucous behaviour, akin to gallivanting...... ::) :D
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Can anyone tell me about this gentleman resting while tending his bees in Beeston High Street? ( I may have the name of the street wrong). I changed buses in Beeston on my way to and from the Conference centre and East Midlands Airport and wandered about a bit as I had rather too much time to spare.
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An interesting question, Roma..... and one which prompted me to make a search, becasue Ian's maternal grandparents lived in Beeston, Leeds, and I wondered if there was any connection. There does not seem to be!
From wikipedia, though, comes this:
Origins of the name Beeston
The earliest recorded name given to the area was Bestune. This is now generally thought to be derived from "bes" = rye grass and "tune" a farmstead settlement. The description of local pasture is still preserved in the name of Beeston Rylands. However there are alternative derivations from "Bedestun" = the farm of Bede or (even less probably) from Saint Bees.
In the late nineteenth century, a genteel convention was contrived that the town's name derived from bee. This would have also been consistent with the notion of Beeston as a "hive of industry". The bee was adopted as the emblem of the town council. Beehives appear carved in the brick of the town hall exterior, and in 1959 three bees were included in the coat of arms adopted by Beeston and Stapleford Urban District Council.
However, as this derivation was known to be dubious, the College of Arms subtly included some long grasses entwined with meadow crocuses in the arms as an alternative visual pun on the more likely origins of the name. With the formation of Broxtowe District (later Borough) Council in 1974, the bees were carried on to its coat of arms, representing Beeston. The tradition of the bee as symbol continues - the litter bins and other street furniture in the High Road are decorated in black and gold, with a symbol of a bee on each.
There is also a sculpture on the High Road of a man sitting next to a bee hive. Again, this is another reference to the "Bee". The sculpture is popularly known as the "Bee-man", "the man of Beeston", "The Beekeeper" or "Bee King"
So it seems the atrractive Bee man and his sculpture are just public relations tricks!
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An interesting question, Roma..... and one which prompted me to make a search, becasue Ian's maternal grandparents lived in Beeston, Leeds, and I wondered if there was any connection. There does not seem to be!
From wikipedia, though, comes this:
Origins of the name Beeston
The earliest recorded name given to the area was Bestune. This is now generally thought to be derived from "bes" = rye grass and "tune" a farmstead settlement. The description of local pasture is still preserved in the name of Beeston Rylands. However there are alternative derivations from "Bedestun" = the farm of Bede or (even less probably) from Saint Bees..............................
Domesday Book shows modern Beeston as "Bestune" and The Penguin Dictionary of British Place Names gives the same derivation as Maggi outlined above.
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Thanks Maggi and David. I thought it a very attractive sculpture. The beekeeper looks so natural sitting there and there are bees on him , on his hat and on the hedge just like they'd be in real life.
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I don't think I accused anyone of gallivanting (though why shouldn't they?) only of being goats or perhaps galoots and I only meant Cliff and David. I thank the Lord they are, as I need the laughs right now.
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I don't think I accused anyone of gallivanting (though why shouldn't they?) only of being goats or perhaps galoots and I only meant Cliff and David. I thank the Lord they are, as I need the laughs right now.
Pleased to be of assistance Lesley ... ;D ;D ;D