Report on the AGM
Formal Business
It was pleasing to note the large number of members that attended the Society’s AGM on Saturday, 11 November 2006. Prior to the start of the formal business members enjoyed a friendly chat over coffee and some also took advantage of the opportunity to buy bulbils and plants. Others were tempted by some of the books on offer on the AGS Book Stand.
The outgoing President, John Richards, then opened the formal proceedings with the Society Director, Chris McGregor and the Treasurer, Colin Smith.
New President voted in
John Richards hands over the reins to the new President, Frank Tindall who presents John with a retirement gift from the Society in the form of a painting by the late Lawrence Greenwood.
The Lyttel Trophy
The Society’s most prestigious trophy, "The Lyttel", was awarded to Keith Lever of Aberconwy Nursery. Keith is pictured receiving the Trophy from the President, Frank Tindall. Keith was awarded the Lyttel Trophy in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of alpines. Our heartfelt congratulations to Keith on receiving this award.
A meeting of two Presidents
This year not only saw the AGS appoint a new President but our sister Society, the SRGC, also appointed a new President - Ian Christie. Ian was present to receive the Kath Dryden Award in recognition of his work with the genus Meconopsis. He is pictured receiving his award from the AGS President, Frank Tindall.
Show Awards and E B Anderson Memorial Lecture
Immediately after lunch Show Awards were presented. Jim McGregor announced the recipients and this was accompanied by a slide show of the award winning plants.
The presentation of Show Awards was followed by the E B Anderson Memorial Lecture. Mmembers enjoyed a very entertaining and informative talk on ’Orchid Hunting in China’ by Phillip Cribb from Kew. Phillip gave a fascinating account of his experiences in searching out rare Orchids in China. The mountain views were quite breathtaking and it was obviously a risky business scaling some of the steep slopes. Since Phillip last visited the area it was sad to note that many of the sites have been stripped bare of these beautiful wild orchids.
Phillip’s talk concluded the day and it was all over for another year.
Chris McGregor