Saturday May 19 2012
Gardening Archive
TheVillage Gardening
Still blooming
Posted on May 15 2009 at 2:42:02 0 comments
Jeff Griffiths looks back over the history of Rowney Green Horticultural Society, which is preparing for its 39th Annual Rose Show.
The society has been in existence for many years and has gone through many changes, including a change of name. Although born 87 years ago, it remains alive and kicking and continues to provide a focus for a lot of people in the local community who have an amateur interest in gardens and who like to socialise. Long may it continue to enjoy this role.
Nowadays, the society offers members and friends opportunities for garden visits, illustrated video and slide shows, talks with gardening experts, coach trips, social events and two annual shows: a Rose Show and a Flower or Main Show – but at its inception many years ago, the scale of events was not as extensive.
Rowney Green’s first annual Flower Show was held in 1922, but the early years were not easy and, due to dwindling support, the gardening venture was suspended in 1935. However, it came back to life again in a different guise six years later, owing to the warring intervention of Adolf Hitler.
As part of the WWII war effort, a new club was formed in Rowney Green in 1941, when local communities throughout the country were encouraged to establish Food Production Groups. “Grow your own” is not a new concept! Other groups were formed in Alvechurch, Barnt Green and Wythall.
27 people attended the inaugural meeting at the Peace Hall, on December 18, 1941. Among those attending were two men who would give years of service to the club – Mr E Quinney and Mr Hugh Randall. In June this year, many people will come to the Peace Hall to attend our Rose Show, entering through the Randall Gates – named in recognition of Mr Randall’s contribution to the village.
Some things haven’t changed: during the war years, meetings were held on a monthly basis – they still are. Specialist speakers gave advice and answered questions – they still do. There was a scheme for seed and fertiliser distribution – we still have a seed purchasing scheme.
However, what we no longer have are orders for soot. In the 1940s these were not uncommon, and one particular order was for two tons of soot, a challenge that the present society would find a touch difficult to meet.
One event that does resonate with today’s programme of events is a Horticultural Show, the first of which took place on September 4, 1942. The present main Flower Show is staged in September, but although it is packed with competitions, it does not include a Best Kept Garden competition or a Rabbit Show, which were part of the 1942 Show! The BBC came to Rowney Green in 1946 to record a programme at the house called Corner Hollow. It’s still there, and is the home of the Halse family, staunch members of the society.
In 1955 the Food Production Group changed its name to its present title, and in the 1970s a second annual show was introduced. This was the Rose Show. Later in 1986, the society was granted affiliation to the Royal Horticultural Society, and Rowney Green’s members have enjoyed a number of benefits from that association.
Now, in 2009, the Horticultural Society continues to thrive and is still based at the Peace Hall. Although not considered to be a large group by contrast with others in the Midlands, Rowney Green attracts members not only from the village, but also from Alvechurch, Beoley, Bordsley, Redditch and Hopwood – all are welcome.
It continues to provide significant community events, one of which is the 39th Annual Rose Show on Saturday June 20. There are four sections for entries: roses and other flowers, floral art, children’s competitions and a photographic section.
For details of how to enter the Show, please contact Show Secretary Felicity Rixon on 0121 445 2371.
What Villagers have been saying about this story . . . most recent comments first
HAVE YOUR SAY . . .
What do you think? Share your views by typing in the box below.