A CALL to arms has been made to all budding gardeners in Meirionnydd to ‘use or lose’ their vibrant agricultural societies.

Garden club enthusiast Valerie Dyer, who also acts as secretary for the Llwyngwril group, believes the future of clubs is under threat due to dwindling numbers and interest.

She wrote to several Meirionnydd gardening societies to gauge membership levels and was vexed by their reports.

She wrote: “The responses received were somewhat worrying and I believe are a cause of concern.

“Aberdyfi’s club has ‘gone into suspension’ following the resignation of the entire committee who have each served long service.

“It is to be hoped that at some point the status quo will be restored, but there is no guarantee.

“Tywyn has a club – but no show. Llanegryn has a show – but no club. Llwyngwril has a club and a show. Arthog has a show –but no club. Fairbourne has a club and a show.

“However Barmouth Club also hit the buffers when only four faithful members remained, making the club unsustainable.

“It is a great pity that club members do not step up to the mark and do a turn on the committee."

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News