Affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society
and Hampshire Federation of Horticultural Societies

BOGNOR REGIS & DISTRICT

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

A POTTED HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

 

This Society has been in existence for 74 years, when enthusiasts met in March 1936, in the Magistrates Room of the Pavilion annex, to discuss its formation.  The very first show was held on 11th November 1936 in the Pavilion in Waterloo Square.  In the first schedule issued for that show, it was stipulated that those entering the cookery section should produce a 3lb Fruit Cake for less than 2s 6d!

Sir Richard Gregory was President and there were 43 Vice Presidents! amongst these were Mr Billy Butlin, Mr Reynolds (of the High Street) and Mr E Bryant (who now has a school named after him).

The first show was judged by Mr Peacock and Mr Capon - possibly members of the caged Bird Society, who at one time had considered putting on a joint show with us.

In 1948. after the demise of the Pavilion, the venue moved to the Rex Ballroom on the sea front, but the strong south-westerly winds could decimate delicate Chrysanthemums before they even got through the door.

St John's Church Hall in London Road was next and then we moved to the United Reform Church in Linden Road, before going to the Church hall in Bersted Street.  In March 2002 we moved to the Jubilee Hall in the Community Centre at North Bersted, Bognor Regis.