This popular regional event is held biennially to welcome new members to S I South Lancashire and to celebrate our regional achievements. This year it took place on Sunday 19th September and, once again, was held at Statham Lodge Country House Hotel in Lymm. All members were encouraged to attend – not only to support the new members from our club, but also to take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate together with members, new and established, from other clubs in the South Lancashire region. Over 100 members from the region attended. Our club was delighted to win the Rose Bowl Challenge – President Josie praised the Club for its recent audit of its work in which members assessed challenges and changes and set out a clear plan of action.

Members enjoyed another successful evening at President Rose’s home packing mugs for Manchester Women’s Aid. Every women arriving at a refuge, after escaping domestic violence,  is given her own mug carefully wrapped in biodegradeable paper and containing sachets of tea, coffee, chocolate and a biscuit. These are greatly appreciated and members are delighted to be able to help in this way. Thanks to President Rose for hosting the evening.

            Our August meeting was held at Sale FC Rugby for the first time since March 2020 and Zoom was an option for those unable to attend in person. A video entitled ‘Alexandra Park: A short history of the people’s park’ was shown followed by a most interesting talk from Angela Downing of the park’s Heritage Group. We hope to be able to visit the park next year and plant a tree. Val transferred to our club in February from S I Garforth Elmet; she  was officially welcomed by President Rose and presented with her badge.

Our Programme Action Climate group has produced a Collections and Recycling Directory which can be seen by clicking on the link below Collections and Recycling Directory 21July 2021

          On Sunday 11th July, 30 members, friends and family met at the Pinewood Hotel for a very enjoyable lunch. We had been unable to hold our Charter Dinner earlier in the year, so decided to arrange a social occasion as soon as circumstances allowed. It was good to see old friends and identify new ones. Our Honorary Member, Kathleen, had made a special effort to come from her home in Anglesey. As usual, the Pinewood did us proud and the staff were lovely. Maureen Heywood    

Following her Zoom talk in May, our member Carina held another at the end of June. At this she enthusiastically urged us all to look out for and try the following – Bush Vetch Use purple flowers and top leaves to garnish salads Cleavers This plant is known by many names – for example, sticky buds which children throw at each other because it will stick to their clothes. However, it’s much better to use it in salads with mayonnaise or in drinks Red Clover Use the young leaves and flowers Forget-me-nots, marigolds and nasturtiums  Can all be used in salads Mugwort Makes a very calming tea Carina suggested that, in the future, we all meet up and go foraging together; this was greeted with enthusiasm. Before ending the meeting, Carina set us all a challenge – to look out for a very common plant

At a Zoom meeting in May, Carina, chair of our new Planet committee, gave a very interesting talk on foraging. From a list of dozens of edible plants she chose just six to discuss with us. These were:-     Hawthorn – all parts edible including flowers, leaves and berries Dandelion – all parts edible. Use in soups and salads. You can even make coffee from the root Nettles – make delicious soup Wild Garlic – all parts edible. Delicious as salad leaves but can be added to many dishes. Garlic Mustard, sometimes called Jack by the Hedge Bitter Hairy Cress – great in salads. (Very invasive in the garden!) Carina explained how to distinguish edible plants from similar-looking ones and recommended the Google Lens App to use with your mobile phone when out foraging. Her passion encouraged us all to “have a go” and

The Sunflower Challenge invited members to plant at least one sunflower seed by World Bee Day on 20th May. The pollen and nectar are readily accessible to bees. and bees are vital to both pollinate the food we need to survive and pollinate many of the trees and flowers that provide habitats for wildlife.  

This is a 12 month challenge with the aim of reducing our collective carbon footprint. Members were asked to calculate their carbon footprint and then implement one big change and two or three small changes. Suggestions for big changes included becoming vegetarian, avoiding cruises and flights or using the TreeApp to plant a (free) tree every day. Suggestions for small changes included switching to glass milk bottles, using public transport rather than a car, buying local produce, using rechargeable batteries, covering pans when cooking on the hob, foraging for food. Prizes will be awarded in April 2022 for the members who persuade the most people to join the challenge and for the most innovative idea for tackling climate change!