Programme 2026/2027
We’re delighted to share a varied and engaging programme that we hope will appeal to both long-standing members and visitors alike.
Indoor Meetings are held at Dodford Village Hall, Priory Road, Dodford B61 9DD Doors open at 7.30pm, with talks or demonstrations beginning at 7.45pm. Afterwards, enjoy complimentary tea or coffee and biscuits—a perfect chance to chat and connect.
The Annual membership remains at just £20.00 and visitors are warmly welcomed for £5.00 per meeting You can join at any time of year—subscription fees are calculated pro-rata, so you only pay for the months remaining.
A Summer Social Evening is hosted in a member’s garden and there is at least one group visit to a hidden gem of a local garden—always a treat!
The Dodford Show in September is open to members and non-members, this is your chance to exhibit your homegrown or homemade produce.
Saturday 5th September
The Dodford Show
THE DODFORD SHOW on SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER. We hope to see members and non members on the day either exhibiting or supporting this annual event in its 72nd year. Geoff Oke is the Show Judge for the vegetable, fruit and flower classes so lets put on a fantastic display of our home grown produce and members don’t forget that you can also enter the W.I Classes as well!
All members of the community can come along to the Village Hall and see the exhibits when the show opens at 3.00pm (FREE ENTRY). Catch up with your friends and neighbours over a cup of tea with a slice of WI homemade cake! There will also be a raffle and auction of produce.
Reminder: Members, if you can spare an hour, on Friday 4th September come along to the village hall at 2.30pm to help set up the tables etc. for the show.
Sunflower Competition: All Sunflower Growers are very welcome and now encouraged to bring their plants/heads to the village hall so that they can be exhibited. If you prefer to submit a photo we will accept this as per the show schedule.
Monday 12th October
'Roses - English Roses, their history and cultivation' - Liam Beddall
English Roses are one of the highlights in a summer garden. Liam is Head Rosarian at David Austin Roses and leads the Professional Trade Services team. With years of experience of roses and companion planting, he helps create planting schemes that showcase roses beautifully alongside carefully chosen companion plants.
Liam's talk will cover, English Roses and their history along with their cultivation,( feeding, mulching, pruning ) and companion planting.
Monday 9th November
'The Restoration of the Walled Garden, Worcester' – Will Scott
The Walled Garden, Worcester was a 19th century Walled Kitchen Garden and is a peaceful oasis near the centre of Worcester. A tapestry of culinary and medicinal herbs, fruit of all sorts including medlar, mulberry and quince, vegetables and flowers are all grown organically. History is at the centre of it's rescue and evolution.
Owner, Will Scott will give an illustrated outline of the restoration and development of Garden, including a brief history of Kitchen Gardens.
Monday 14th December
AGM followed by Bring and Share Christmas Supper
Monday 11th January 2027
'Composting' - Mick Poultney
The 'Compost King' is coming to Dodford! Join us for an evening dedicated to all things compost. If you've struggled to make good compost, this is your chance to learn the secrets from a true expert. Discover a natural, cost‑effective, and highly efficient method that produces ready‑to‑use compost in just one month. Come along, ask questions, and leave with the confidence to transform your garden waste into garden gold.
Monday 8th February
TBC
Monday 8th March
TBC
Monday 12th April
'Bonsai' - David Cheshire
David's talk will cover the history and origins of Bonsai: Tracing bonsai back to its ancient Chinese roots over 3,000 years ago and its evolution through Japanese traditions. He will also explain the methods of styling, regular pruning of branches and roots and proper wire placement on stems. Daily Care and Maintenance will also be covered.
Examples of Bonsai will be on display to aid David's talk. David is an experienced horticulturist, accredited bonsai judge, and owner of David Cheshire Nurseries.
May - TBC
Monday 14th June - Members Social Evening
The June meeting will take place in Diane's garden from 6.30pm. All members and partners are welcome to come along and enjoy the garden. Refreshments will be available. Please contact us for directions if needed.
July - TBC
August - No Meeting
Saturday 4th September
The Dodford Show
THE DODFORD SHOW on SATURDAY 4th SEPTEMBER. We hope to see members and non members on the day either exhibiting or supporting this annual event in its 73rd year. TBC is the Show Judge for the vegetable, fruit and flower classes so lets put on a fantastic display of our home grown produce and members don’t forget that you can also enter the W.I Classes as well!
All members of the community can come along to the Village Hall and see the exhibits when the show opens at 3.00pm(FREE ENTRY).Catch up with your friends and neighbours whilst enjoying a cup of tea with a slice of WI homemade cake! There will also be a raffle and auction of produce.
Reminder : Members, if you can spare an hour, on Friday 3rd September come along to the village hall at 2.30pm to help set up the tables etc. for the show.