HOATH AND DISTRICT GARDENING SOCIETY

The society was formed in 1969 to promote an interest in gardening within the village and surrounding rural area, through a variety of speakers at our monthly meetings, and occasional outings to various gardens throughout the south east.

Our monthly meetings are held in Hoath Village Hall at 7:30pm on the first Wednesday of each month, with the exception of August when no meeting is held.  The annual subscription is £4.00, and we hold three flower and vegetable shows throughout the year. April is an evening show of spring flowers, July see's our Summer show and September our Autumn show, these being held on a Saturday.

    The President of the club is Mr. J. Harbour
    The Chairman is Mr. A.R. Russell - (Telephone 860779)
    The Vice-Chariman is Mrs S Hawkes
    The Secretary is Mrs.A Thomas
    The Treasurer is Mrs. L.Trim.
    With a supporting five committee members.

Our membership is 50 +, they are friendly and enthusiastic and are pleased to see any new members with an interest in horticulture.
 
At the annual meeting Tony Russell, Chairman, gave a resume of the speakers, outings and Garden Shows that had taken place over the past year.  The shows have seen an increase in the number of vegetable exhibits, which is very pleasing.  Tony thanked the Committee, giving special thanks to Linda the Treasurer, Ann the Secretary, Brian the Show Manager, Jean Curtis the Show Secretary and to Jean Hopkins who stood in for Jean.  Thanks were also expressed to the two Pams who run the raffle and Ita for her press reports.  Ita has just relinquished her post.

Tony then stood down as Chairman and the Honorary President, John Harbour, took the floor, saying what a good year it has been and thanking Tony for all his work as Chairman.  As there were no other nominations, Tony Russell was happy to continue as Chairman for 2009 and the committee was also re-instated en bloc.

After a welcome cuppa and chat the raffle was drawn and a reminder given that next month is the Social evening when everyone brings a plate of food to share and a fun evening is in store with a Beetle Drive.

New members are always made welcome.

March 2010 meeting

Tony Russell, Chairman, opened the meeting and members were told that the trip to Hampton Court Palace on 18th July by coach would cost £20.00 inclusive of entry to the gardens. The evening outing in June will be to Belmont House.

Mr. George Puddifoot was then introduced to talk to members about his national collection of fuchsias.  He began by giving a potted history of his family business.  He comes from Dartford and the business was first started on his nursery site in the 1850’s at Crockenhill. George gave many tips on growing fuschias successfully – how to train and treat them, as well as keeping them free from pests and diseases.  He brought a good selection of plants from his nursery for members to purchase.  He was very informative and amusing and the talk was well received.

Next month’s meeting on Wednesday, April 7th will be the Spring Show.  Staging will take place between 6 and 7 pm and the meeting will start at 8.00pm.  It is to be hoped that the weather will stay mild to encourage plants to blossom in time for the show.