THE first 2014 talk in Ripon Civic Society’s contiunuing series takes place on January 2, when Tony Cleaver will speak on the hidden gardens of London.

They include historic private squares, roof gardens above department stores, gardens around churches and cathedrals such as Westminster Abbey, in the Inns of Court, and even floating gardens on barges on the river.

Everyone is welcome to the talk, which takes place at 7.30pm at Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall, Victoria Grove, Ripon. There is a charge of £3 for anyone who is not a Civic Society member.