About Us
We are community run horticultural society holding annual shows as well as arranging a variety of talks and visits to gardens of interest throughout the year. To find out more about subscriptions and discounts.
Member Subscriptions
Annual Subscription of £5.00 is due on 1st January each year – Please join / renew at any of our events, or pay by BACS to:
Sort code: 09:01:55
Account number : 86878602
Account name : Groombridge Horticultural Society
Reference: PLEASE QUOTE YOUR NAME, followed by SUBS (space permitting)
This is a Business Account if you are asked for this information
Alternatively cash or cheque can be delivered to Mrs G Davies c/o The Homestead, Groombridge, TN3 9RN together with name, address and contact details and we will deliver a membership card.
Member Discounts
Discounts of 10% are available at:-
Royal Mires, Lye Green
Coolings Wych Cross Garden Centre
Babylon Eco Centre (formally Ashdown Forest Garden Centre), Duddleswell
On production of your membership card (exclusions may apply).
History
The Groombridge District Horticultural Society was formed in November 1930 by Mr McDonald who was the head gardener at Burrswood and was the first chairman. The president was Col. Royds from Glen Andred and the patron was Sir Derek Watson from Burrswood.
The first Annual Show, in a marquee on the cricket ground, was held in August 1931 and for many years was held in conjunction with the Children’s Sports Day on August Bank Holiday.
The Society was suspended during WW2 and restarted in June 1945 and from 1946 the shows were held in the old King Edward VII Institute, now known as Groombridge Village Hall.
The Sweet Pea and Rose Show was first held in 1950, becoming the Summer Show in 1959. In 1958 the Spring Show started under the guidance of Mr Herbert Barr who was a prominent raiser and exhibitor of daffodils.
During the 1950’s the Society began competing in other shows in the area, winning prizes at Tunbridge Wells and Brighton amongst other places. Entries in the Luxford Cup competition were won on several occasions
Inter Society meetings and competitions began in 1963, between five neighbouring village societies, and continued until recently.
The Autumn Show grew out of chrysanthemum competitions which were held at the November monthly meetings and started in about 1978. The format and timing of the shows continues to be reviewed and adapted in an effort to keep them relevant to modern life styles and to encourage “weekend gardeners” to have a go.
Our Team
Gwyneth Davies
Chair
01892 862430
Lindsey Symonds
Vice Chair
01892 861057
Ian Draper
Treasurer and Membership Secretary
01892 862430
Lisa Innes-Cook
Secretary
Committee
David Robson
Belinda Gray
Mark Gyngell
Hannah Mashford
Bev Watkins
Sue Obbard
Christiane Brook
Robert Hollands
Honary Auditor
Karen Wolfle
President
Peter Taylor
Honorary Life Member
Vice Presidents
Michael Truscott
Christine Wells
Society Rules
- The Society is called ‘THE GROOMBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’ and membership is open to anyone. The objective of the Society is to promote interest in, and to encourage and support gardening and other horticultural practices by arranging talks, outings, shows and offering prizes for competitions, and in any other manner considered appropriate.
- The affairs of the Society will be managed by a Committee. The Committee will consist of a Chair, a Treasurer, a Secretary and a Vice Chair together with a number of general Committee Members. Five members of the Committee will form a quorum for meetings, to include the Chair and Treasurer (or alternates). The Committee may fill any vacancy that may occur during the year.
- The Society will also have a President who will support the Committee in their efforts and who can choose to be an ex-officio member at any Committee Meeting. The Committee may also appoint Vice Presidents as appropriate.
- The Society requires members to pay an annual subscription, the amount of which will be determined by the Committee, with any changes being ratified at an AGM. The subscription period will run from January to December and subscription payments will become due in January each year.
- The Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held at such time and place as
determined by the Committee, to receive and approve the Annual Report, to pass the Audited Accounts, to elect the Committee for the ensuing year, and to transact any other General Business. All members of the Society are invited to attend the AGM.