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I promised that I would post information about three events on Japanese gardens taking place in the South.

One is a one day seminar on the history of Japanese garden styles with a demonstration on how to construct a garden. This will take place at Hadlow College on Saturday 6th September and is being organised by the Japan Garden Society South East. The contact is Ann Dobson at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

There is also a one day seminar at RBG, Kew on 4th September, again on the history and styles with an explanation about the Japanese Landscape there, plus an opportunity to get advice if you want to design your own Japanese garden. Contact is Sara Oldridge at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Finally there is an evening lecture organised by the Japan Society on Japanese garden design being held on August 28th at the Physic Garden Hall, Petersfield in the evening. Contact is Wendy Arnold at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Recently, there have been concerns that the study of science, essential for the nation’s well-being, is not a popular choice for young people in schools or in universities. Because of lack of demand,  a number of university physics and chemistry departments have been closed, and it is acknowledged that there are insufficient trained science teachers emerging from the system. This has created a vicious circle which seems to be leading to continuing decline in the nation’s scientific culture. This was different a generation or two ago. A science degree was the goal of many schoolchildren at a time when the atmosphere was different. There was true excitement when Sputnik was launched in 1957, keen interest in Harold Wilson’s ‘White Heat of Technology’ speech of 1963, and widespread wonder at the first manned moon landing by the Americans in 1969. Today’s society is much more wary of science and its consequences

 Writing for work purposes can be very dull. Reports, minutes and presentations offer little scope for creativity or individuality. Now, perhaps, you have the time and opportunity to write for yourself. It’s an exciting prospect. This occasional series will try to help. It begins with a brief look at the semicolon.