Welcome

About the Society
There has been a Horticultural Society in Otford for over a century and the present Society can trace its roots back to 1943 when the Village Produce Association was formed as part of the ‘Dig for Victory’ Campaign. Today’s Gardening Society has over 150 members of all abilities and is affiliated to the Kent Federation of Horticultural Societies (www.kentfed.com)

The Society holds its shows and lectures in the Otford Village Memorial Hall. This is a good sized venue with a large free car park adjacent. It was in this hall that the Society has twice hosted the recording of BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, most recently in 2003.

The Shows
The Society puts on three shows each year – spring, summer and autumn. The members take the opportunity to exhibit seasonal flowers, fruit and vegetables. At the autumn show, there is an opportunity for non-members to compete in the open vegetable class. There are also classes for cookery, photography (including digital), flower arrangements, handicrafts and art. There are junior classes at all of the shows; these classes are open to all under 16’s.

The visits
The Society usually arranges one or two visits to gardens of interest each year. The summer evening visit is usually a private visit organised solely for the Society. Last years all day visit to Hatfield House and our evening visit to Chart Edge were both very successful.

The Lectures
The Society meets on the first Tuesday of the month for six months of the year to enjoy a talk from a speaker. The speakers come from a variety of backgrounds, both amateur and professional. On some occasions there is a plant sale. Last year we heard lectures on wildlife gardening, growing vegetables in containers and heard traveller’s tales from Portugal and Chile. A full programme of this years' speakers is available.

Membership
Visitors are always made welcome at the Society with a small extra charge levied for entry to lectures. New members are also welcome and benefits of membership include
• An annual schedule and regular newsletters
• Reduced entry to lectures
• Eligibility for show entries
• Discounted seeds from a major seedsman when ordered through the Society
The annual subscription rates for the society are £4.50 for individual membership and £7.50 for joint membership. Under 16’s have free membership. To join send a cheque (made payable to OGS) for the correct amount to
Mr D. Dickerson,
34, Willow Park,
Otford,
Kent
TN14 5NE

Contacting the Society
E-mail gardeners@otford.net. Alternatively you can contact the Society Secretary: Mrs J. Finney, tel. 01959 523760.