Introduction: Unfortunately the high commissioner, Vicki Treadell has an important delegation arriving in New Zealand on that date and is therefore unable to talk to us. However, we are very fortunate that Richard Nanson, the well-known horticulturalist is happy to talk to us that evening about his recollections of horticulture over the last 50 years. Richard was head of the WCC’s Parks & Recreation section from 1967-92. He was made a Fellow of the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture in 1970 and became a member of the Order of New Zealand in 2011 for services to horticulture.

Arrangements for the meeting: All members and their spouses and/or partner/friend are invited to attend this function.  Please contact Margery Renwick by e-mail at renwick.glenmore@xtra.co.nz by Monday 21 November at the latest advising whether you want to come. Margery will need your name, address and a contact number.

You will then receive an official invitation from the Homewood residence which will be required for admittance.

We will meet outside the gates of Homewood, 50 Homewood Avenue at 7.30 pm and walk to the house as a group. Parking in the grounds is not permitted, but anyone who has a problem with walking can be driven up the drive and dropped off at the house, and the car parked outside on the road.

Richard is very familiar with the garden at Homewood and he will meet us at the gate at 7.30 pm and walk up to the house and talk about the garden.

Supper will be served after Richard’s talk.

September 2011 meeting: A précis of the talk given by our speaker Jenny Jones, will be included in the next issue of our magazine The Stockade. Jenny would also like to hear from anyone who might know whether George Collier, one of the early settlers in Karori, has any descendants still living in Karori – or elsewhere. Please contact Jenny by e-mail at jennyrobinjones@clear.net.nz if you can help.

Stockade: Our editor, Jo Elworthy is working on the final draft for the next issue which we hope will be available in December.