However, it should not be imagined that the aims
of this new society are to cater only for those wishing to grow
palms in cool climates. It is, in every sense of the word, a "European"
society, and members from all over the continent: North, South,
East and West, are welcome. We hope to publish articles of interest
to palm lovers everywhere, hot, cold, and in between, from Sweden
to Sicily, from the U.K. to the U.S.S.R.
This editorial would not be complete without a large
debt of gratitude being paid to Mrs Tamar Myers, of Pennsylvania,
U.S.A., for 7 years the editor, producer, publisher and distributor
of "The Palm Quarterly" magazine referred to above. Her
many fans will be p leased to know that she will be writing a regular
column for Chamaerops ', beginning with this issue; she is not gone,
and certainly not forgotten!
It was tempting to compare her 'term of office'
with that of our ex-Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, especially
as they both resigned at about the same time, and both resignations
in a way signalled the end of an era. But, as they say, a week is
a long time in politics and by the time this is published the analogy
will probably be lost.
I think it is true to say that Tamar focussed attention,
perhaps for the first time, on temperate-growing palms, as an issue
separate from that general interest in palms, so closely associated
in most peoples' minds with the tropics, and holidays in the sun.
Indeed, the use of the palm tree as a symbol of all things tropical
is so common and widespread, that the public at large feel a certain
familiarity with the subject, even though they would probably be
surprised to learn that there are palms other than coconuts and
dates.
Editorial
