No one is quite sure when the Society first started. The general view is that it was either late 1940’s or 1950’s, probably as a merger between two other local societies one of which was the Priory Allotments Association.
Annual flower show and vegetable exhibit
We have a monthly meeting with a Speaker. The talk is generally on gardening although this varies, last year we had a talk on Jaguar conservation in South America! The June talk was “Growing Sweet Peas for show” by Mrs Hazell of Clutton who has won many National prizes. The July meeting will be “An evening with John Tucker”. John is a well known local gardening character with a wealth of gardening experience. The August meeting takes on a more serious note “Preparing vegetables for show” by Dave Tucker, in readiness for the Annual Show on 30th August. At the Christmas meeting there will be a talk on “Local Villages” by John and Pauline Helsdon. These meetings are held in The Corsham Club on the 1st Tuesday of the month and are free to members and guests. If you are interested in joining (membership £5.00 p.a.) or just wish to get the flavour of the society you will be very welcome.
We have a skittles evening with buffet supper at the Cricket Club in April and a Plant Sale in May at the Royal British Legion. This is an opportunity for members and the public to purchase quality plants at reasonable prices. Then we have an Annual Dinner in October.
An annual full day coach trip to a major garden (at very reasonable prices) is made. Last year we went to Kew Gardens and in June this year we went to the Welsh National Botanic Gardens (cost £11.50), a gem of a garden not on the same scale as Kew, but with interesting plants, sculptures and beautiful wildflower meadows. We also run an evening or half day car trip to a local garden and in July we have a walk (drive) round some of our own gardens and allotments. It’s always interesting to see other people’s gardens.
Annual flower show and vegetable exhibit
Then there is the annual flower and vegetable show. This is recognised as one of the best of the local shows. Last year there were 190 different classes. These include Flowers (multiple, single and arrangements), Vegetables (large, mixed and comical), Cookery, Wines, Handicrafts, Photography and a series of classes for children. Over the years this has been one of the major events of the Corsham year, although, unfortunately support both in the number of entries and attendance is declining. So if you are in Corsham on Monday 30th August please come along to the Community Centre, Beechfield Road. It’s well worth a visit.
We also run three other competitions for members through the summer; best Flower Garden, best Allotment and Vegetable Garden and best Container Garden.
Please contact the Secretary Maureen Cundict on 01249 713027 for further information.
Jim Leech
Treasurer, Corsham Gardeners’ Society