NEWS

Fashion Parade

What a day! Kelly Higgins-Devine, Drive Presenter on 612ABC Brisbane Radio gave a very interesting and amusing talk which included stories about some of her ‘on air’ guests. Kelly is a vivacious woman with an infectious laugh who kept us all engrossed for well over 30 minutes. At the end of her talk several members in the audience took the opportunity to ask questions.

Roz from Portofino had a good selection of reasonably priced garments, very ably modeled by 5 ladies, all members of garden clubs. Roz sells through her fashion parades so all her stock was on racks and tables in the Camellia Room. Following the parade many people present made use of the ‘change room’ to try on garments and went home with a purchase or two. As usual, Ross McKinnon and Garden Clubs Ambassador 2009, Penny Hegarty addressed the audience. This was one of the best Fashion Parades hosted by QCGC.

Click here to go to the Fashion Parade Photos Page

Christmas Luncheon

Well, another year has come and gone and it’s time to announce who the Garden Clubs Ambassador for 2010 will be. The Wendy Wragge Trophy was presented to Bayside Garden Club but unfortunately Hervey Bay Garden Club was not able to be present to receive the Country Competition Trophy. The Garden Clubs Ambassador for 2009, Penny Hegarty, gave a short speech saying what a fabulous year she had enjoyed and would recommend it for anyone to have a go. It was then announced that the new ambassador was Kath Stumer from Karana Downs Garden Club. Unfortunately, there can be only one ambassador so hopefully the other entrant Elizabeth Parkinson from Kenmore Garden Club will try again. There were about 60 guests including Ross McKinnon and his wife Susie and Narelle Richter from the Gap. Ross and Narelle were on the interview panel for the Ambassador. Ross said approx 14000 school children go through the gardens each year.

A photo was taken of all the former Mrs Garden Clubs and Garden Clubs Ambassadors that were present and Penny Hegarty is hoping to organize a get together later in the year for them all. Kath left Mt Coot-tha that day with several invitations from garden clubs, just a small indication of what is to come in 2010.

On behalf of QCGC, Kath, we all wish you well and have a wonderful year and Penny we wish you well also and hope to see you around the clubs in 2010.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE CHRISTMAS PARTY PHOTOS

St Fiacre

The Patron Saint of Gardeners has his Feast Day on the first day of Spring and Newstead House celebrates this by having “Salon Gardenesque”. This year 10 members from some Brisbane garden clubs arrived at Newstead House armed with secateurs, greenery and enthusiasm to produce 2-3 floral arrangements in each of the 11 rooms of the House - bathroom included. Usually the arrangement in the vestibule is done by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees but this year Jan Nixon-Smith created an arrangement that ideally suited this location. The Qld Herb Society and Hibiscus Society of Qld were also involved in the weekend. It is always a special treat to be a part of this day decorating the house with perfumed flowers to set off the collection of historic furniture. Newstead House is well worth visiting as part of a bus trip and especially for the afternoon tea at the weekend.

Click here to go to St Fiacre Photos

Arbour Day

The first Arbour Day celebrated by QCGC, occurred on Tuesday 13 October at Roma St Parklands Brisbane. Curator Bob Dobbs arranged for a Lacebark tree, Brachychiton discolour, to be planted at Bottle Tree Ridge just up the hill from Fern Gully. Noel Prior did the honours with his ‘special’ spade and was watched by the 15 or so people that attended the morning. It was a nice fine day and following morning tea at a nearby shady picnic area Lawrie Smith and a volunteer guide led the group on a tour through the parklands giving information about the history and plantings in this very special place. All agreed it was a great day.

QCGC have included Arbour Day on the calendar of events for 2010 and encourage member clubs to mark the occasion also. Arbour Day in North Qld is the second Tuesday in May. All Australian states and territories celebrate Arbour Day in different months.

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New Ambassador for the Q.C.G.C. for 2010

Please contact the Q.C.G.C. to contact Kath Stumer