BROADSTONE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The society is celebrating its centenary in 2005. Although we have no record of the first meeting, we do have prize cards and newspaper cuttings of the first summer show in 1906. We are therefore assuming that the society would have started at least in the previous year.

The early shows were held in Waterman Fields behind Brookdale House (now the Brookdale Close area) by permission of the society President Mr Waterman and in some respects were very similar to those held at the present time. However a marked difference showed the class differences of the time. One section was open to 'cottagers of Broadstone only' The professional gardeners and nurserymen showed their produce in an exhibition. A ladies section was judged by public ballot rather than by official judges. An industrial section included plain sewing, knitting, carving and 'carpentering' by children under 16. Cooking included cooked potatoes and plain cakes. There was a class for the best patched and darned garment. Flower and vegetable classes were similar to those we include in our present shows. The show was followed by sports and music was provided by the Broadstone Band.

Unfortunately we have no details of the society from before World War I until the 50's as much information was lost following the death of Mr and Mrs Jackson who were treasurer and secretary for many years.

Next year we will be displaying some of the history of the society in an exhibition in the library. There will be a celebrity lecture on 8 February by gardening journalist and broadcaster, Ann Swithinbank talking about 'My Life With Plants' and on April 12th Jim Buckland of West Dean Garden in Sussex will talk about the restoration of the walled kitchen garden. We will also be having a centenary lunch on November 23rd. The Spring Show is 2nd April in the War Memorial Hall and the Summer Show is

20th August in the grounds of the United Reformed Church. Our meetings are on the second Tuesday in the month in the War Memorial Hall from September to April with outings during the Summer months. We have a rising membership in what we like to think is a friendly society and welcome new members or visitors. If you would like more information or can even supply us with information about the history of the society please tel 01202 695873.

Archive Winter 2004 | next

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