One of the highlights of 2010 was having our 3 Life Members as guests at the last meeting of the year in November.

Our first Life Member, Jeanne Black, member #9 of over 2,150 on the books, was considered 'the face' of the Gardeners' Circle. She welcomed everyone personally at the door of every meeting and her phone number was listed in the phone book for many years for general enquiries from the public. Being a fountain of gardening and plant knowledge, she was the equivalent of a modern-day website!

Our next Life Member, Katherine Ardizzone, fulfilled every role possible, whether that of President, Secretary, Treasurer or Newsletter Editor. Some of these positions may have run concurrently, but Katherine was and is full of humour and apparently imperturbable, a consummate organiser and team leader! She made good use of the depth of knowledge available amongst the members, as a good leader should.

Our newest Life Member just appointed in 2010 is Margy Clema, again a mainstay of the Circle over the years as President and Vice-President. Having a doctorate in plant taxonomy, she is truly a source of expert knowledge and a figure of authority in the nursery and gardens world throughout Australia. As President of the Circle, she instigated the now annual Garden Clubs and Societies Fair, bringing together 25 or more not-for-profit clubs or societies over a weekend. Having organised this huge job with volunteer help for 3 years, Margy has handed over to a dedicated committee to run the Fair under the auspices of the W A Horticultural Council. The Fair is a valuable legacy for the promotion of gardening to the general public in WA, as well as an opportunity for passionate plantaholics to get together.

Kate Nicholls