THE December meeting of the East Lancs Alpine Garden Society meeting, held at Ramsbottom Civic Hall, was a busy evening which included a talk with slides by Gordon Fowler on 'The Plants of California'. A short AGM and a feast of mince pies welcomed the Christmas season.

Plans for a workshop on using digital photography for plant photography was announced for February 26, 2006 as were details of the spring coach trip to Cumbria on May 7. The East Lancashire National Show is planned for Saturday, March 25, at Lauren Street, Tottington - from noon. Subscription fees for the year were held at £1 to encourage new members.

Gordon Fowler talked about his journey through the deserts and mountains of California, seeking out and photographing plants. Some plants endemic to the locality including the Joshua Tree National Park, and the Senora desert, others more familiar to the audience of 80 members.

Gordon's enthusiasm for Calicorta species showed in his choice of slides, together with lewisia, penstemon and phlox in all their splendour. From Yosemite National Park came examples of lillium columbiana (the Tiger lily) lewisia cotyledon in their natural surroundings, and a large area of the Californian pitcher plant.

On January 9, 2006 at the Civic Hall at 7.30pm, Cliff Booker will talk on The Dolomites - A digital experience. The February meeting on February 13 will be a talk on The Plants of the Patagonian Andes. New and old members are always welcome and can be sure of an interesting and friendly evening. Entrance fee £1. EJ