For those of you who missed our annual general meeting on November 1, here’s a quick rundown of what happened. After the AGM business, Guy Litchfield gave us an excellent talk about tree diseases, reported elsewhere in this newsletter.

  Committee – The AGM re-elected all of the committee, all unopposed: you have to put up with us for another year.

  Finance – The accounts were circulated, and it appears we are spending more than we have coming in. So it was agreed that as from 2014, the annual subscription for the society will go up to a minimum of £7.50. We are sorry about this, but it has to be done. [Nearly as far back as the foundation of the society in 1971 the subscription has been only £5. —Ed.]

  Trees – Last year’s tree-planting was very poor. We were out doing jobs, but I’m sorry to say that some weeks there were only two or three of us. So this year we will be out planting only for good causes in and around Glastonbury; I will not be out every week.

  The winter rains put back our tree-planting for 2014. Our supplier, Kelways at Langport, was surrounded by water, and the Kelway nursery at Honiton was also cut off by the floods.

  We planted two hedges, one for Chris Hecks at West Pennard and the other for Mr and Mrs Cannon at the Old Schoolhouse, Parbrook — a total of 500 plants. Thanks to those people who helped me. The grand total of plantings by the Conservation Society in its 43 years is now 48,500.

  Footpaths – We plan to walk as much of our footpath network as we can, to survey the state of the stiles, gates and the footpaths themselves. If any members could help with this, which can be done at your leisure or pleasure, please contact Nathan Pritchard or any one of the committee.

  Glastonbury in Bloom has a new organization this year with Ian Tucker at the helm, and new plans to brighten the town. The Conservation Society was asked to adopt Paradise Lane — to keep it clear and plant wildflowers along it.

  A email request went out in early May to all members, inviting volunteers to turn out on Saturday May 10 to help plant nursery-grown wildflower plugs along Paradise Lane.

  Coombe House, August 1 – Keep the date for the annual evening in Alan Gloak’s splendid gardens.