Gardening advice for Ballywillan Men’s Fellowship

This distinguished Portstewart-based horticulturalist gave a broad-ranging presentation under the all-encompassing title of “Gardening”, dealing first with the prospects for the new season before spending some time on many varieties of potatoes, of which he has considerable knowledge.

Judging by the many questions put to Dr. Turbitt by members of the Fellowship it was obvious he had many keen gardeners in his audience and a considerable amount of information was gratefully received and acknowledged.

Vegetables were also discussed, the speaker’s enthusiasm for these extending to an attractive display which he had created in lieu of the customary Sunday floral display in his home church!

Flowers were by no means forsaken, however, and Dr. Turbitt showed pictures of some of the superb exhibitions he had attended in recent years, as well as of blooms he himself had cultivated.

The talk was illustrated throughout by excellent slides, thus revealing another hobby in which Dr. Turbitt excels – photography.

Thanks to the speaker on behalf of an appreciative Fellowship was extended by the president, Dr. Michael Gardiner.

The speaker at the next meeting (this Thursday) is Fiona Watters, Coleraine Borough Council waste and recycling officer, who will be asking “What’s in your bin?” and no doubt also offering some answers to this intriguing question.

New and former members of the Fellowship are always welcome. Proceedings at the Thursday meetings start informally with tea or coffee and biscuits, interspersed with chat, in the Link at Ballywillan Presbyterian Church Hall, Portrush. The talk follows at 11am in the adjacent Octagon.

Membership of Ballywillan Fellowship is open to retired and semi-retired men of all denominations and none, with the emphasis being on friendship and craic.