The 2006 Annual General Meeting of the Society was held on 25 February at Peterborough. The above picture shows members congregating before the meeting. It was the opportunity to meet old friends, make new acquaintances and above all talk about Dianthus! For a National Society it is always difficult to meet up. Travelling is always a problem. So for those of you who didn’t make it hopefully this article and pictures will give you a flavour of the event. Sadly the internet doesn’t give you the opportunity to sample the delicious cakes which Alexandra provided!
The Trophies were all polished and on display.

It a was a time to photograph them and they are displayed individually under Trophies. If members have further information about each one do let me have it and I will include it on the site.
Roger Potter our President opened the meeting

There was a minutes silence for departed members.
Our treasurer Hylton Oberst

The meeting received reports from our secretary, Betty Linnell

show secretary, Neville Smith

There was a vote of thanks for Eileen Galbally who has contributed so much to the Society over the years. For those who are new to the Society Eileen and her late husband John have been stalwarts of the BNCS. There can be few contributors to Yearbooks as prolific as the Galballys.
The highlight of the day was probably the inauguration of our new president.

Here we see Doug Cottam being given the Chains of Office. A fitting reward for such a prolific breeder of pinks and borders, chairman of Judges and all round giant of the BNCS.
There was a discussion about collecting subscriptions by Standing Order to save administrative costs. This is perhaps an opportunity to encourage all members to pay in this way.
The idea of forming a Heritage Plant Section to preserve old varieties was discussed at some length and Council has been given the job of working out if this is feasible.
Finally after much discussion it was agreed to hold the 2007 AGM at Peterborough again.
