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About Us We are a friendly Society, which was formed in about 1936, to provide a Forum for gardeners of all ages to air their views and ask questions of older more experienced people.
With the pasage of time, and the development of the television gardening programmes, and the internet, the question and answer sessions no longer have the same importance, and we only meet once a month, so that in this age where everyone needs an answer "now", "Googling" a question for an instant answer, has become the norm. And I must say that I have found that route most satisfactory.
However, gardening is not a cold and heartless activity carried out in isolation, and most people enjoy a good mardle while leaning on their spades, from time to time. And that is how we see ourselves in this Horticultural Society.
We meet at the Adult Education Centre, Longfields Rd, Thorpe St Andrew on the third Wednesday of every month, at 7.30 pm, for a lecture, or a talk, after a cup of tea or coffee, about various aspects of gardening: from pot plants, flower arranging and container gardening, to landscaping on a large scale and allotment management.
TV is an impersonal way of getting information, and the advantage of having a flesh and blood speaker is the ability to put questions to them, following the talk. Lively discussion often takes place.
 In August, instead of a Wednesday talk, we hold an Annual Show on a Saturday, towards the end of the month, at which members are able to parade as many of their skills in growing vegetables and flowers as they like to put to the test of an impartial judge, for 50p.
There is usually a good turn out, and the flowers and vegetables may be sold off afterwards, to boost club funds. There is a very well supported "Home Produce" section, at which other, mainly cooking, skills are demonstrated. These goods are also often put up for sale afterwards, and there is always very keen bidding to get the "Lemon Drizzle Cake", and the sausage rolls.
In December we hold a Christmas Supper instead of a talk. The food is produced "in house", to a very high standard, and the evening is one of the highlights of the year.
We meet up with three other Gardening and Horticultural Societies, around Norwich, for a yearly quiz, hosted by each club in turn, at which three representatives from each club, parade their knowledge. It is a very friendly and hospitable occasion, with much chat over tea and cake, afterwards.
The winning club gets to hold a trophy for the year.
In most years, our energetic secretary arranges a special outing to a garden of note, somewhere within a 3 hour coach drive, to which we may bring guests. We have seen the snowdrops at a private garden not always open to the puiblic, roses and the house at Hyde Hall the magnificent Botanic Garden at Cambridge, and we are contemplating a visit to Wisley, which will be the furthest yet, but the coach is extremely comfortable, and the driver excellent.
The club is thriving, but is still open for further members to join. The cost at present is £10 / year. People may come on an occasional basis, for a £2.00 fee, payable at the meeting. After the third payment, they may then ask to become members, by just paying the diference for the rest of the year, which entitles them to enter the Annual Show, and get an invitation to the Chrismas Supper.
This is only a flavour of the club and its activities. For more information, please Contact Us. |
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