THE gardening clubs of Eaton Bishop and Michaelchurch Escley hosted a visit by Bob Flowerdew, well-known author of organic gardening books and regular panellist of Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time.

He came to Hereford by train and arrived at Hereford Station around mid-day with a view to visiting the Sunnybank Vine Nursery at Rowlestone in the afternoon, prior to his talk at Escleyside village hall that evening.

At the station he summoned the first taxi in the rank and gave the driver details of where he wanted to go.

But it soon became evident to Mr Flowerdew that the driver understood very little English. Also, when they started heading in the wrong direction, it was apparent the driver did not know where he was going.

Mr Flowerdew eventually persuaded the driver to return him to the station, where he found another taxi which eventually delivered him to his destination, somewhat delayed.

I understand taxi drivers are required to be registered by the local authority, so how come a licence was issued to a driver who could speak little or no English and did not know the whereabouts of county destinations?

Despite his experience, Mr Flowerdew enjoyed his time in Herefordshire. Escleyside village hall was full that evening as Mr Flowerdew delivered a most informative and entertaining talk.

What a pity that our guest’s first impressions of Hereford were rather unfavourable.

DAVID DARTS Chairman, Eaton Bishop Gardening Club, Clehonger