THE latest community news from Llwyngwril

Garden club

THE chairperson welcomed 17 members to the meeting.

The club enjoyed a good annual show in August, which was much enjoyed by participants and visitors. Thanks were given to the members for all their support.

It was suggested more cakes and produce could be available for sale next year.

Some members not involved in any class entries said they were willing to bake.

Laundering and ironing of the show tablecloths had been problematic due to their large size, but they gave a pleasing cohesion to the show layout.

The speaker, Alan Gayden, who spoke about the production of garden pottery and ceramics, was then introduced to those at the meeting.

Mr Gayden first explained that most of the pots we see on sale at stores and garden centres are made in the Far East. These are not usually all-weather pots.

Three different clays are used: red clay, earthenware and stoneware. Stone-glazed pottery is fired at a higher temperature and is frost-proof.

Several items of Mr Gayden’s work were on show, the method of construction described and details of the decoration given.

Colourful glazes can be glossy and reflective, others using glass infill add intense colour. His examples ranged from heavyweight pots to lifelike blackbirds.

Several slides illustrated his talk and showed how such pieces can enhance the borders by filling a space in the planting, or making its own focal point.

A vote of thanks was given and members then had the opportunity to ask questions and inspect the exhibits while enjoying refreshments.

The speaker for the 3 October meeting is Nick Smyth, who will talk about local standing stones.

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