The "Gardening Club"

The "Gardening Club"

The Gardening Club was originally created in the mid 70s during the days of a vibrant irrigation department in Newcombe House as a cover for an adjournment after work to a nearby hostelry. It was continued in various guises and locations over the years, and was reactivated in May 2007 at the gathering of many of the former members of that department to mourn the passing of Bob Camacho: Gardening Club meetings are modeled on the annual walk and lunch that Bob had with Riaz Hasan and Peris Jones Since then the Gardening Club has met twice a year somewhere within a hour's drive of Swindon for a 2 hour walk and a pub lunch.

The last meeting was held at Birdlip on 5th September 2012 and took in part of the Cotswold Way. The attendees were: First timers Martin and Jane Smith, Edward and Pia Evans and Mike West, and Malcolm Wallace and Peter von Lany (who had attended previously meetings but only to welcome the walkers arriving at for lunch); and regulars Patrick and Pippa Hawker (plus dog), John and Fantu Ratsey, Robin Clark, Andrew Scarf, Eddie Thomas, Tim Kingham, Baghi, Jon Bateman and Malcolm Bennett.

There are no formal requirements for membership of this club except for some connection with Halcrow. You are welcome to join in and meet old friends. The next walk is planned to be on 9th April. Email the HPA webmaster if you would like to be added to the Gardening Club mailing list.

Here are some photos from the last walk: