from Sally Mill
After over 20 years, the OSGB finally has to move from Napier Hall. The owners of the Hall
have informed us that they will, from now on, only be hiring it out to the toddler group. For quite
a while now, the Management Committee have been on the look-out for a replacement venue –
the congestion charge is now 24/7 and Napier Hall is within the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions
Zone); now we have had our hand forced. When we resume face-to-face meetings, they cannot
be at Napier Hall.
I am happy to report that a new venue has been found. It is Cole Court, Twickenham, TW1
1HD (home of the Twickenham District Masonic Council). This venue will be familiar to many
members; several years ago, a couple of Orchid Fayres were held there, and the OSGB put
on small displays. Cole Court is easy to get to, whether by car or by public transport; it is in
central Twickenham and very near to Twickenham Rugby Ground which, for International rugby,
must have easy access.
The benefits of this new venue are as follows:
By car: outside the new ULEZ and congestion zone
free on-site parking
By public transport: very near to Twickenham railway station (nearer than Napier Hall was to Victoria)
served by several bus routes or the tube to Richmond, then two stops on train or take a bus
The room we will be hiring is at least as large as Napier Hall, with no Wendy houses or push-
chairs, etc. It has ample seating, and tables will be provided for the Table Show, Plant sales,
Library books, etc.
Cole Court is staffed and will be set up for us in advance, and cleared away!
Tea and coffee will be provided at a small cost; there is also a licensed bar, so other drinks and
snacks will be available.
Our first meeting at Cole Court will be the annual Auction in January (January 8th as the 1st is a
public holiday). I’m sure many of you are itching to either sell off some of your plants, or to
purchase new ones. So, please come along to this exciting new venue and make the Auction a
great success. Please remember, members can only auction 4 plants each, 6 for joint members.
As the Zoom meetings have been so successful, especially at attracting internationl speakers
and members that are unable to get to meetings in London, we are planning to continue with
some Zoom meetings. In fact, we are not able to book Cole Court for every first Saturday due to
Masonic commitments and rugby. Twickenham is a no-go area in February and March due to
the rugby Internationals; it is also quite near to Hampton Court, so a meeting there in July is not
advised. As well as the Auction in January, we will be holding our April meeting at Cole Court
and the AGM and meeting in June; do please join us.