* THE June meeting of the Alresford and District Horticultural Society was filled with roses. Guest speaker, Tom Stone, led members on a floral journey through the gardens of Mottisfont Abbey.

Close-up photography displayed the intricate beauty of many of the roses which make up the historical collection. Practical cultivation and propagation tips were discussed and the use of mixed herbaceous planting to enhance the roses, adding texture and colour. Members who did not have a rose in their garden went away with the name of at least one suitable cultivar.

The second part of the evening was the members-only rose show. Tom used his expertise to judge the varied exhibits. The Brill Trophy, an elegant crystal rose bowl commissioned by the family of the late Dr Christopher Brill, was presented by his daughter-in-law, Laura Brill, to May Wood for her outstanding Rosa Alba Maxima bloom.

The next meeting of the society is on Wednesday, July 10, when guest speaker, Marion Emery, returns for another light hearted and nostalgic look at a chapter of her fascinating life. Meetings are held in the Phair Hall of Alresford Town Hall in West Street. All welcome.

* THE future for the elderly in Alresford will be discussed at a public event next month.

The town council and Alresford Society are staging “Choices for Elderly People in Alresford” at the town recreation centre at Arlebury Park, from 4.30pm on Thursday, July 4.

There will be an open exhibition, including a chance to talk to representatives of a range of providers, including Hampshire County Council, Brendoncare, Bluebird Home Care & Live In Agency, Home Instead Senior Care and McCarthy & Stone. Between 6.30-7.30pm, there will be presentations and public discussion.

In its vision for the future, the town council has suggested moving industry out of The Dean and freeing up space for development aimed at the retired.

* ALRESFORD Music Festival will definitely return in 2014 following the success of this year’s event.

The fourth annual event attracted more than 2,000 people, some 75 per cent up on 2012, according to the organisers. The 2014 event will be held on June 7, at Arlebury Park.

* ROPLEY is set to become a magnet for gardeners and garden visitors this weekend, courtesy of the village horticultural society. This evening (June 21), the beautiful garden at Chalkwood, in Stapley Lane, is open from 6.30-8.30pm; £4 entry includes an aperitif, canapés, and optional guided tour. Proceeds to Hampshire Air Ambulance.

On Monday (June 24), let John Wood solve your problems at a Gardeners’ Question Time. Ampner House and offers comprehensive practical knowledge, alongside a particular interest in roses. It starts at 8pm in the Coffee Room, close to the village church. Admission: £5 on the door, all welcome.

* ALRESFORD Community choir returns to the town for a concert next Saturday, June 29, at St John’s Church. Summer Breeze starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, including a drink, available from Six West newsagents.

The choir is open to all and practises weekly in St John the Baptist Church, Alresford.

* THE future of a Ropley pub remains unclear. The Anchor closed in 2012 after struggling for several years.

The pub, on the A31 at The Dene, is for sale, although proceedings are on hold because of complications over an Irish bank involved with the property.

The parish council has persuaded East Hampshire District Council to declare it a “community asset” which gives a six-month breathing space before any sale can go through.

The parish council states: “We have already secured significant expressions of support – both time and financial – from a number of local people – we’re keen to secure more support for the retention of the Anchor as a community hub and we’d be pleased to hear from anyone who’d like to be part of this group.”

The closure means Ropley has no pubs: The Chequers, further up the A31 towards Alton and The Star, in the centre of the village, have closed in recent years.