Ludlow and District Horticultural Society: As the summer draws to a close, the society has had a full and varied programme.

The weather was kind on all the summer outings; we were able to sit outside for lunch after enjoying the beautiful garden at Brook Cottage, Alkerton, at the National Herb Centre we had an informative talk and tour on growing and using herbs.

In June we shared the experiences and visit to Chile of Bob Haywood in an illustrated talk, July brought an afternoon outing to Glansevern Gardens and saw first-hand the reclamation work of both the lake and walled garden.

Our talk during this particular month was on rare and unusual trees and shrubs from seed by Susan Cooper.

The competition was for a collection of herbs and left a fragrance that filled the room.

A fresh look at the history and background behind the gardens at Hidcote and their creator Laurence Johnson filled our evening in August and was delivered by Duncan Coombs.

The competition, a variety of vegetable, brought some lovely produce, tomatoes leading with a first and carrots second.

As autumn brings darker evenings we look forward to a talk with Christine Foulkes-Jones on Perennials for summer and autumn. All are welcome next Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

LUDLOW COLLEGE: the following Year 11 pupils have achieved Performing Engineering Operations NVQ Level 1 as a result of attending Aspire Training through the increased flexibility programme, funded through the Shropshire Learning and Skills Council and overseen by Ludlow College.

One, Martin Bonell, is to continue training and progress to the Modern Apprenticeship scheme in Engineering.

There are still four places remaining on this year's new programme, due to start on September 17.

Young people who are considering a career in engineering should contact the Aspire Centre as soon as possible on 01584 811789.

Results: Ludlow: Harry Perks, Martin Bonell, Joe Morris, Kirsty Morris, Robert Cowell, Mark Gordon, Jamie Coleman, Michael Lockett and Lucy Evans.

Tenbury High School: Michael Templeman and Richard Higgins

Lacon Childe School: Dwain Hughes

FLOODLIGHTS: The floodlights were lit at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow on: August 11 AND 12: Juliet Greenall, Cleeview Stoves, 'For Dad.'

August 16: In memory of Ran Ogston on his birthday, from Richard and Barbara Francis.

August 23: For the birthday of Mary Forrester, ne Abbott, from her family.

August 24: In memory of Ernest and Eva Williams, with love from Isobel.

August 28: Joan Horsman, for the wedding of grandson Nicholas Merryfield and Katherine White.

August 28: Albert Winwood, with happy birthday memories, love always, from the family.

September 1: On the anniversary of the death of Elaine Gosnell (Cade), 37, John Goswell.

September 1: In memory of my husband Mark Jones for our 14th wedding anniversary; six months since he passed away, love always, your Ria.