Noggin at McBeans Orchids and The Rainbow Pub 15 March 2023

Posted On 16 Mar, 2023 - By David Neary

This was a mid week Noggin in two parts. Firstly 38 members met at 11.30 am at McBeans Orchids near Cooksbridge. This was the largest party they had ever had! Ruth gave a talk on the history of McBeans which is the oldest Orchid grower in the Uk., established in 1879., and growing conditions The company was forced to downsize a few years ago and has been through difficult times, most recently due to the staggering increases in the cost of oil needed to heat the greenhouses. However there was an amazing show of beautiful orchids in the greenhouse we visited. They have won over 70 medals at The Chelsea Flower Show. Orchids are favoured by Royalty and McBeans have had their orchids in Royal displays and bouquets since they first started. Ruth said that they were hoping that there would be some of their orchids at the forthcoming coronation of King Charles.111

At 1pm the party moved just down the road for lunch at The Rainbow Pub and Carvery where we were joined by some other members increasing our party to 42. Harvey the Landlord, had laid on a carvery with some vegetarian options at a fixed price of £12.75 a head. He and his small team coped admirably with 42 people all arriving at the same time and the food was plentiful and delicious. We have made a note to return here for another Noggin sometime in the future.

The dry weather had tempted a good number of Morgan owners in their Morgans and we made it home just as rain was about to start.

The day was organised by David and Marilyn. Thanks to Ruth and Harvey for making the day a success.