Wednesday 21st August at 7.30pm  The Joy of Flowers with Joy Ashford.

We will also have a cake stall supporting Sandon Village Fete on Saturday 17th August where delicious home-made cakes will be on sale - so please do come along and say “hello”. If you are new to the area or an established resident looking to meet people in an inclusive, happy and friendly environment, please visit any of our meetings. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, in Sandon Parish Room, at 7-30pm.

Contact Dawn Beswick, Secretary, on 07970 980088, or email [email protected] to find out more.

The speaker in May was Mike Taylor who explained how he had followed a successful career in the Steel Industry then had taken a completely new direction. Mike now Coppices and makes a living from a Woodland which had been neglected for many years. A few years before, he and his wife Julie had bought an Ancient Coppice Woodland in Shropshire, to celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary.

Coppicing and subtle management of the wood now results in the beginning of ground cover in areas that had been bare for many years. Coppicing also means that the existing trees will refresh, regrow and can be used again and again over many years also improving carbon sequestration, which helps the environment.

Mike and his wife are passionate about nature and the woodland is now a safe haven for flora and fauna. It is the home to many species of fungi, flowers and butterflies. Resident wildlife also include deer, hare, badgers, foxes and a diverse bird population.

Some of the wood product is sold for thatching, preventing bank errosion, stakes and also creating beautiful and practical products for the home. These are all produced solely by hand tools employing traditional methods as much as possible and using green wood. The wider use of the Woodland by youth groups, health groups and university students is encouraged. Mike gave a fascinating talk and his love for coppicing was obvious.

Kathy Bradley, Press Secretary. 07970 980088