Alfie Bruce MBE, the retiring chairman, and Robert "Ness" McConachie BEM, who also retired from the committee this year, were honoured at a gathering in the Commercial Hotel, Tarland, on Saturday.

A presentation was made by the Honourable Philip Astor, President of the Society.

Alfie Bruce served on the committee of the Society from 1982, after being involved for several years previously. He became chairman in 1996 and his energy, enthusiasm and resourcefulness in organising events will be sorely missed. His role as auctioneer at the sale of flowers and produce after the annual show is legendary - few people have left empty-handed on show day since Alfie took over!

Ness McConachie also joined the committee in 1982, after several years of unofficial service to the Society. The committee relied heavily upon him to open the hall and begin preparations for any event, and for many years he escorted judges to the gardens entered in the Society's Amateur Garden competitions.

The highlight of the Society's year is the annual flower show held in the MacRobert Memorial Hall, Tarland, on the second Saturday in August.
A whist drive and a plant sale are also held each year to raise funds.

The Society is anxious to extend its range of activities with the emphasis on encouraging young people to take an interest in gardening, cooking and crafts, thereby fostering a spirit of community self reliance and sustainability.

To ensure its future, the Society is recruiting new committee members. Specialist knowledge of horticulture, floral art, craft or baking would be most welcome but is by no means essential. The only requirements are enthusiasm and a desire to see the Society flourish through the promotion of traditional skills and rural activities. Anyone interested in helping to organise events or with ideas for furthering the Society's aims should contact Maureen Cuthbert (013398 81479), Rhoda Ross (013398 81263), Sue Erskine (013398 81136) or Stephen McCallum (013398 81099).