Page 19 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2021

What a
difference a
year makes!
Isn`t it ironic that when we are all suffering an impact on our way of life and the way we carry out our NVS activities that there is always something springs up that is
a bonus. Although it has been a horrible year, we have managed to carry out some business by the medium of technology. The Trustees have been using Zoom
to meet virtually on a regular basis, as have a few Branches and DA`s. As it can accommodate a fairly large number of people logging in it seemed natural to expand a bit and start using it for talks etc.
So where did we start. Well, a bit cautiously at first with some 40 members taking part in a Vegetable Question Time
in January. A lot of interesting questions
and debate and once we fully mastered the technology it all went well. A big thanks to Ian Simpson, Simon Smith, and Ian Stocks for volunteering to be the first panel on Zoom. Not resting on our laurels, we started to go bigger. Around 70 people joined us for an evening with Medwyn, where Medwyn was in great form as usual, taking us through his life of growing vegetables. The most amazing sight was the number of people enjoying this in total relaxation, sitting on the couch with a glass of wine, enjoying every minute. That is definitely the way to listen
to a talk. At the time of writing this there are several more events lined up, including Leaf Nibblers and Sap Suckers, Beekeeping and the Honeybee, and Exhibition Leeks. So how do you join in.
All events are placed on Facebook and the Website – www.nvsuk.org.uk. The Facebook page will give you the date and time and direct you to the events page of the website. Once you access to the events page
you can then book a ticket for the event. The implementation of the new Website/ Membership system has given us the
capability of setting up events and allowing tickets to be booked – either free of charge as the talks are, or if there is potentially an event that is chargeable allowing a payment to be made. So apart from it being used by the Trustees it is available to any Branch or DA to advertise an event and if they wish control numbers by having bookings/tickets. So, if you do want to use this facility please contact Ian Stocks or Fiona Shenfield and they will arrange it for you. We will also continue to expand the events throughout the year by potentially introducing things such as a live event from a garden, or if we do have them from a show. However as we have always said it is your Society, so if you have an idea on what would be good to do with this type of technology drop us a line and let us know at nvsinfo@nvsuk.org.uk
Although it is a complete change to
the way we normally work it has certainly opened our eyes to the potential, and is now an area of focus for the Trustees to develop throughout the coming year. So hopefully we will see you at a Zoom event soon, and don`t worry it`s perfectly acceptable to be comfy with a glass of wine in hand!
NVS Award
submissions for
2021
Now is the time for thinking about the annual NVS awards and submitting any nominations via your local branch.
Each year the review board meets and this year it has been scheduled for July 3rd.Below is a quick reminder of the various types of NVS Awards:
MARTIN ROBINSON AWARD
This award can be obtained by Affiliated Societies. The award should reflect the work done by a member of the Affiliated Society over very many years for the well-being of that Society providing that it relates to the area of vegetable cultivation.
RON FLETCHER AWARD
This may be awarded to any recognised group of members of the Society or
to a Branch or DA who have made a considerable impact on the public by advancing the aims and objectives of the Society.
FELLOWSHIP
A minimum of five years continuous service to the Society of an outstanding nature being clearly defined is a requirement. Branch Officials, District Association Officers or those members who have rendered special supportive services would be deemed worthy of consideration.
SILVER MEDAL
A minimum of ten years continuous service to the Society, Branch or District Association. It must be substantial and well documented. Fellows of long standing who have progressed and gone on to perform outstanding work on behalf of the Society would be suitable candidates.
GOLD MEDAL
A minimum of fifteen years continuous service is required. A candidate for the Society’s most prestigious award must have been previously or is at present at the forefront and directly involved in the management of the Society’s affairs. Their name should be well respected not only to long serving members at District Association, Branch and National levels, but to the wider horticultural community.
Please note that a copy of the awards application form can be requested from any Branch Secretary, but that you can also download a copy from the NVS website in the “Resources” section, under “Admin”. If you are not sure of the award status that a member currently holds,
you can ask any Branch Membership Secretary (or myself) to check this for you using our new Membership system. The end of May is the target date for award submissions.
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