A GARDENERS’ club which was facing closure after 80 years has
been saved.
Downend Horticultural Society, which was founded in 1943 as
part of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign to grow food during the Second
World War, had suffered a recent decline in attendances and a
shortage of volunteers to run its committee.
But after a plea for more people to get involved was published in
December’s Voice, some new members attended the group’s 80th
annual meeting in December, and some old members returned.
The new attendees included some former members of another
group, Lincombe Barn Gardening Club, which closed last October.
People also stepped up to run the society’s committee, and a new
direction is being planned to broaden its appeal.
New chair Andrea Cross said: “We had a few new members and
some people came who hadn’t come for some months but heard that
the society might have to close.
“I’m not a natural chairperson but I didn’t want to let it fold
because my grandparents used to go to the society. We’ve now got a
working committee so hopefully we can carry it on.”
The first meeting of the year included a discussion on what people
would like the society to offer.
Andrea says the club aims to be more inclusive by holding more
events for beginner and younger gardeners, with workshops on
how to make bug hotels and fat balls for birds, and chances for
experienced members to pass on advice.
February’s meeting will include a talk on the pros and cons
of different types of plant beds, and an an opportunity to share
gardening experiences and problems.
Society meetings take place on the second Thursday of the month,
at 7.30pm in Downend Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road.
For more information email ecbkidson@gmail.com.