This Society has been around for a very long time. Unlike many societies it has two roles to fill.
The first is to provide the normal activities of a horticultural society. In addition we work in partnership with other local societies. One example of this is the monthly programme of talks which are organised by the Shinfield society, SAGHA, to which we have a standing invite. These talks are held at Shinfield infant and Junior School, School Green, RG7 9EH on The Second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.
We also run two shows during the year. The first, The Spring Show held on a Saturday afternoon in Spring, The second, a much larger affair is a, Two Day Summer Show” help on the Sunday and Monday of the August Bank holiday each year. These shows cover horticultural classes matching the seasons but also cookery and art. A schedule of the classes at each event appears on this site each year a few months before each event. The Spring show is an ideal way to get some experience ready for the Big “Two Day” Event.
For many years we have run ‘Open Gardens around Swallowfield’ for the National Gardens Scheme. Over the years we have helped towards raising the millions of pounds the scheme gives to medical charities each year. This is an afternoon event arranged in partnership with the NGS for a Sunday during the early summer months. More details will appear on this site as soon as dates have been agreed with the NGS. In recent times we have attracted over 300 visitor, many of whom return each year and we have made annual contributions to NGS in the order of £4,000. We look forward to seeing you there at future stagings to share view our wonderful village gardens and make the day a continued success for our hardworking volunteers..
Our biggest role and the one which takes up most of our time and energy, is organising the Swallowfield Show which has taken place almost every year since 1884, interrupted only by wars and epidemics. In the 142 years since it’s first inception the show has grown from a purely horticultural event one day event into family country two day show, (since 1984), run on a grand scale, for the locals, by local volunteers, the bulk of whom are members of our society. In recent years the show has attracted over 8,000 visitors across the two days and contributed in excess of £30,000 to local charities and good causes, as well as providing a fantastic affordable day out which the local community looks forward to.
Click here to find out more about our show’s history
WHY NOT JOIN US?
With regards to this “Two Day Show”, we are always looking for more helpers, so if the idea of joining our local group of friends, neighbours, neighbours families and basically anyone we can persuade to come along and help, interests you please consider using the links below to put yourself forward. We guarantee we will match you with something appropriate to your abilities and wishes, which will leave you with that warm feeling that you have positively contributed towards a great community tradition.
Likewise we are also looking to increase our membership. Membership has a zero cost and no strings attached. Once we have grown to have sufficient number we will be seeking out local business for membership discounts etc. Again please click on the link below if you are interested.
Click here to register your interest in volunteering
Click here to submit a membership request
Contact numbers can be found on the contacts page of the website if you want to discuss anything and each coordinator is more than happy to be contacted with offers of help or just general queries.
