THERE was a full house at the February meeting of Newton St Cyres Garden Club to hear Audrey Jackson, Tony Jackson and Simon Heard tell us about the history of Bernaville Nurseries at Cowley.

The very informative and extremely interesting talk covered the early beginnings in the mid-1950’s when it was a chicken farm and salad crops, beans and eggs were sold at the farm gate.

The chance of expansion came in the mid-1970’s to erect the large greenhouses when further land became available.

Now in the present day we all expect an outing to a garden centre to include enjoying food at an on-site restaurant and the chance to buy clothing and gifts.

The nursery is an independent family business which grows approximately one third of what it sells.

Trees and large shrubs which take time to mature are also, where possible, bought locally, and the community is served by selling newspapers and milk.

It was interesting to learn that the name Bernaville was the name of the original house on the site bought by Terry and Audrey Jackson.

It was built by a soldier returning from the Battle of the Somme in World War One and named after a French town.

The Club meets bi-monthly with the next meeting taking place on April 6 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. Landscape and Garden Designer, Mark Robertson, will give a talk on “Perennials”.

Visitors and new members are always very welcome. Entry is only £1.50.

Sandra Akehurst