Garden Club

THE FIRST meeting after the Christmas recess took place on Wednesday, 3 February. Numbers were somewhat diminished from the norm, but there were 13 people in attendance, with apologies received from six. A visitor on the evening also subscribed to membership.

After a welcome from the chairperson, it was pointed out that the illustration on the year programme, also to be used for the show schedule, had been designed specifically by a local artist to commemorate the club’s 70th anniversary year, and they were indebted to Lavinia Range for this. The minutes of the AGM, held in November, had been circulated, and were signed as correct. A few items of club business were discussed before the speaker for the evening was introduced.Trefor Owen, who is from Criccieth, set up a display of equipment with which to illustrate his talk, wood to clogs. Most connect this type of footwear with mill towns in Lancashire, or as traditional costume in Holland, but they originated long ago in Spain.Their use spread through Europe, to Holland (and thus to the UK) but also to Lithuania and onwards up to Russia. The tools he uses date from the 1840s, and the wood of choice is sycamore, worked in the green for lightness and the good ‘tap’ it gives for dancing. An oblong block is cut and the initial shape is made, different blades are then used to hollow out the heel and footbed. Work in progress was passed around for inspection, as were the lasts used to shape the leather to enclose the foot. Hand-stitching and embellishments complete the product. The audience had been fascinated by this demonstration and had learned a great deal, and a vote of thanks was given by member Ian Moss. The evening concluded with the usual refreshments.At the next meeting, on Wednesday, 2 March, they learn about recycling, from rubbish to compost. All meetings are held in Y Ganolfan at 7pm.