Still growing strong...

29th September 2006

• Keen horticulturists gather in Bleadon every month to pick up tips and swap ideas.

TEAM work and a loyal band of volunteers have helped ensure a rosey time for Bleadon Horticultural Society.

While many horticultural societies are struggling due to falling membership and lack of interest, Bleadon’s club, which has been running for 33 years, is still going strong. About 40 people turn up to its monthly meetings.

Members put on two annual shows, help to look after the flower beds in the village and hold regular social and fund-raising events.

Organising secretary Chris Cudlipp helped to set up the popular society and is the last remaining founder member.

He said: “We are quite a small, select society and we make ends meet very well.

“We are not a profit-making organisation, but we never make a loss. We just do it for the pleasure of giving people pleasure. I think we help keep the village alive and vibrant.”

The society meets on the third Tuesday of every month and invites experts in to talk about all things horticulture.

Organisers stage regular quiz nights, beetle drives and social evenings and members also enjoy a trip every July when they visit gardens of interest around the country for inspiration.

The society is renowned for staging shows which attract quality entries.

The horticulturists hold a Spring show on the third Saturday in March and a summer show on the first Saturday in September.

Around 200 talented gardeners, artists and chefs enter the competition. The most coveted trophy is for the best Victoria sandwich cake, a competition which sparks a huge battle of the sexes.

Mr Cudlipp said: “I think the shows are important to the village. A lot of people come along and enjoy them. They are always well supported.

“We are blessed with a lot of people who come along and help. If they see a job that needs doing, they just do it. We’ve got a good band of willing volunteers who work happily together.”

Shows cost a fair amount to stage and stalls at the event, as well as the society’s annual plant bring and buy sale in May, help raise the cash to pay for them.
The society does not have an official membership or a president or chairman. Mr Cudlipp, who is also a keen amateur weatherman, takes on most of the duties with help from a treasurer and small committee.

THE FACTS:
• Name: Bleadon Horticultural Society.
• Founded: October 1973.
• Membership: No official membership, but around 40 people turn up to the meetings.
• Who the club caters for: Anyone of
any age, from anywhere in Weston and its surrounding villages, who is interested in horticulture or meeting new friends.
• Meeting place/ time: Coronation Hall, Bleadon, at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of every month.
• President/ chairman: No president or chairman. Chris Cudlipp is the organising secretary.
• Who to contact for more details: Chris Cudlipp on 01934 813152.