Great Waltham Horticultural Society
Great Waltham Horticultural Society dates back to 1873 and the highlight of the calendar is the Annual Flower & Produce Show which includes flowers, vegetables, fruit, crafts, home-made drinks, baking delights, children’s classes and many more fabulous classes.
No records are available until 1947 when the society restarted after the second World War. The Annual Show was the main event at that time and the classes were mainly Vegetables, Fruit and Flowers and Domestic.
The prizes were 1st - 5shillings; 2nd - 3shillings and 3rd - 2shillings except for the
collection of vegetables which was 1st - 7shillings; 2nd - 5shillings and 3rd - 3 shillings.
Prizes for school children were 1st - 4shillings; 2nd - 3shillings and 3rd - 2shillings.
In the early 1950s a trophy was presented by Mr H.F. Rogers.
The show was run more or less on the same lines over the next 20 years. There were a good number of entries most years and the show was held entirely at the school.
In the 1970s new sections were added to the schedule such as a Children’s Sports and Fancy Dress. The show was run with Great Waltham Women’s Institute and the President was Mrs. Eve Coulson. Further trophies and medals were presented.
In 1973, the Centenary Year, the show had expanded into the Village Hall and the School and included Old Age pensioner, handicrafts, chrysanthemums and wine classes.
The society is affiliated to the Essex Dahlia Society
the National Dahlia Society
the Royal Horticultural Society
These societies except the Essex Dahlia Society supply medals for the competitor gaining the highest number of points in certain classes.
In 1986 the Schedule had grown and included cacti and succulents, rose and a co-operative exhibit for W.I. The Old Age pensioners class had been dropped by 1986. The Treasurer was Gerald Smith who is still going strong as treasurer today (2020)
Today’s Society
Throughout the year, we run various other events such as an annual trip to RHS Hyde Hall, adult Christmas Wreath making workshop, children’s Pumpkin Carving workshop, Plant Sale in May and are always looking for new activity ideas for members and guests.
The Society is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers and, like so many organisations, relies on people’s goodwill, time and enthusiasm. If you enjoy gardening and have a few moments to spare you are welcome to join us.
Committee Members 2024
Helen Willis - Chairman
Liz Bennion - Treasurer
Gerald Smith
Beryl Furley
Chris Anderson
We welcome new committee members and if you are interested please contact Helen Willis on 07747847240 or email hnwillis@hotmail.co.uk
If you would like to become a member of the society please contact Helen Willis 07747847240 or email hnwillis@hotmail.co.uk
Annual membership is £6 to include a copy of the Annual Show Schedule.
Events for 2024.
Annual Show September 21st 2024 - you can purchase the schedule from the village shop for £2.
Or download and print the form from here (you may need to right click and choose one of the open options like "open immage in new tab". You can then save or print the form)
Also availlable here is the entry form, and colouring competitions