Society News

AIMS
OFFICERS & CONTACTS
MEMBERSHIP DETAILS
AREAS 
THE SECRETARY'S PAGE

5^th. November 2019
Obituary - Derek L Telford

                             I returned from a twelve-day holiday and Dorothy and I were saddened to hear that our good friend D L T; had passed away after a short illness.
I first met Derek in 2005 at King’s Heath, Birmingham where he was judging the National. From that moment we became very good friends and would converse regularly over the years.
The second time I met Derek, was the following year in 2006, where I exhibited as a Novice at The National in Birmingham. He escorted me around the Show after judging and went through the exhibits with Eagle eyed precision and pointed out faults and pluses – giving reasons why one exhibit was better than the other.
His words were etched on my brain from that day forth. Freshness, Form, Symmetry, Balance and very important- good Rose Bud Centres if possible, forming a horizontal and vertical line, once staged.
D L T; was the longest serving Editor in the history of The N B S; stretching over a quarter of a Century. He would phone me on a regular basis, particularly when he was searching for copy for the Winter bulletin when the deadline for copy was due.
Quite often he would send me emails stating that he was short of material and could I supply some more. Needless to say, as a good friend I would oblige. He too would write lots ensuring his bulletin was a quality issue.
The last time I met Derek, was at Southport Flower Show a couple of years ago. He was with Andrea his Daughter and Granddaughter Lois Mae. He was proud of his family and he was pleased to have introduced them both to me.
D L T; was a Gentleman, principled, truthful and honest. The N B S; is indebted for his loyalty as Editor, Senior Judge and Exhibitor for so many years. His memory I know will be kept in the hearts of those whom knew him. He will be missed by all.
On behalf of The National Begonia Society, our heartfelt condolences go to Andrea his Daughter, Mark his Son, Lee and Loise Mae, Derek’s Grandson and Granddaughter and all family members’.

Funeral Monday16^th. December 12.30 at St Stephens Church Lindley, committal at Huddersfield Crematorium  at 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to the Stroke Unit at Calderdale hospital.

                                                                                                                                   Ian Rhys Williams,
                                                                                                                                          Chairman.

Sadly we have lost another great servant to our Society. As Bulletin Editor Derek was without doubt one of our hardest working members,
carrying on the great tradition of producing a publication packed with excellent articles and pictures, the arrival of which is so eagerly awaited by the membership. Rest in peace Derek.

                                                                                                                                 Brian Simmons
                                                                                                                                       Website Editor
                                                                                                                                       Website Editor

7^th. October 2018
Obituary - Bill Squibb

We are very sorry to announce that Bill Squibb has passed away aged 87 after a long illness.
A keen and excellent grower of both pots and blooms he joined the Society in 1980 (after being a big fuchsia grower and exhibitor).
He was an active member of the South Coast Area and a top grower winning many awards and contributing to the large displays we used to stage for over 25 years.
He loved his begonias and exhibited his blooms at several of the National Shows and the London Show until its demise. He dabbled with hybridizing and named a lovely basket variety 'ISABELLA' which is still highly regarded.
He was always a popular and jovial member who made many Begonia friends up and down the country and was always keen to try new varieties.
He will be sadly missed and our sympathies go out to wife Wyn and family.

                                                                                                                                                          Dave Coates and Brian Simmons

It was with great sadness that I heard from Martin Squibb, Bill’s son that his Dad had passed away after a long illness. He had been admitted to hospital three months ago, before going into a care home just a short while ago.
Bill exhibited for many years at his local Area Show at Porchester and at the N B S National. I first met Bill at the South Coast Area Show in 2005, where he exhibited cut blooms and this is when I first saw Isabella- a pendula that Bill had hybridised. It looked stunning. Isabella, is probably one of the best Pendula Begonias ever and is exhibited throughout the U K; and worldwide.
Bill was a kind hearted man- liked by everyone. The N B S has once again lost a lovely character who will be missed by all who knew him.
                     On behalf of The National Begonia Society, we send our condolences to his wife and family.

3^rd. April 2018
Obituary - Len Gill

It was with sadness that I heard that Len Gill had died last Wednesday, 28^th. March, 2018.
We all knew that Len hadn't been enjoying good health during the last year or two, however, I had recently spoken to Len several times, as he wanted a few tubers to start growing again. He sounded well and was eager to get his tubers started in the spring.
The last time I spoke to Len, was a few weeks ago, when he phoned me to say that his tubers had arrived safely.

Len was an ex-miner and a Royal Marine, two of the hardest occupations anyone could do.
Len was The N B S Chairman for many years until 2012; when ill health prevented him carrying on that role.
I often referred to Len as a principled man- that he surely was. 

Ian Rhys Williams.

......................................................................................................

From Derek L Telford

On the eve of the 2^nd of April my phone rang and I was informed that my long time friend Len had passed away..
He had been suffering several illnesses for a long time and I always included him in my prayers each night.
Over the years we traveled together to all of the shows. and we gave many talks to societies.
He often called at my home  and being a miner my wife Jeannie (being a miner's daughter) - always gave him a warm welcome. 
He had been a Royal Marine in action.

One winter he cut his hand on a glass greenhouse and he had to go to hospital to have it dressed. The result was he that lost All of his tubers in the frost.
Needless to say I fixed him up with some more to get started again. That really cemented our friendship.
Such was the tenor of the man. he had KINDNESS. which he evinced over the following years.
He was a keen ballroom dancer with regular partners but I never saw him dance. However I am sure that he was an excellent one.

God Bless 

Blackmore & Langdon Sale and South West Area meeting.
Sunday 15^th. April

Nick Langdon has kindly agreed to open their nursery once again this year, between 9 & 11 AM,
for members' of The National Begonia Society.

FANTASTIC SAVINGS.

Most stock will be reduced, some by at least 50%, all started, all grown in pots.

Non- Members' Special Offer.
Non Members' will be able to join on the day. There will N B S membership forms available. Membership, is presently £18 for the year. Once joined, you will receive a N B S handbook free of charge, plus three N B S, bulletins yearly.
Why not take advantage of this unique opportunity. You will save more than the joining fee!! 

NEW VARIETIES AVAILABLE.
Blackmore & Langdon, are now able to sell many named varieties, which previously were not available from their nursery, including the rarer, hard to obtain varieties.

South West Area Talk.

Venue. The Grove Sports Centre, Saint Mary's Grove, Nailsea BS 48 2NQ.
Date. April 15th, 2018.
Time, 2 :00 P M.
At 12:00 Noon, prior to the talk, members' are invited to The Moorend Spout Public House for Sunday Dinner. To book your meal contact Tony Willoughby, tel: 01275 854035, or Gary Dando tel: 01761 432739.
Speaker. Michael Richardson, past Winner of The National 12 Cut Bloom Championship, will disclose his methodology of how to grow Championship - class blooms. Not to be missed.  

18^th. March 2018
Obituary - Jack Larter

I received a phone call on Saturday March 17^th to advise me that my good friend Jack Larter from Heywood had died in his sleep that morning. It was quite a shock as I had been talking to him on my return from our AGM.
Jack had been a very keen and active begonia enthusiast up until about 3 years ago winning the National Championship 12 cut bloom in 2007 and writing a book Tuberous Begonias: An Essential Guide in 2011.
Anyone that knew Jack would say that at his best he was a larger than life character often holding court at many shows. He could be controversial and was often supported by his mentor the late Neville Webb, the late Les Smith and indeed his apprentice Mike Richardson. Jack was also the North West Area rep not many years ago and was loved by all in the area and other areas beyond. He was a lot of fun.

I am sure that all that met him will miss him. Sleep well my friend it was a pleasure to have enjoyed your company. Our condolences go out to his wife Muriel and all his family.

Secretary Bob Bryce

.........................................

It was with great sadness that when Dorothy and I were away on holiday, we heard about the sad loss of our friend Jack Larter. Until a few years ago, prior to his illness Jack was a long time member of the N B S. He was The North West Area Representative and North West Area Bureau Manager, who led the way with other North West Area Members' to winning numerous large Gold Medals with their Society Bureau stands. They were always outstanding, drawing thousands of visitors' to the N B S; stands at The prestigious Southport Flower Show over numerous years. Jack was liked by all those who met him. His greatest achievement in the begonia world, was his winning the National Championship Twelve Board in 2007. A 4 x 3 feet picture of his winning Twelve Board was proudly  displayed on his kitchen wall. Jack was also known world wide, being the Author of his book Tuberous Begonias- An essential guide. His memory will live on for decades to come. On behalf of The National Begonia Society our sincere condolences to Muriel, Toni and family. Jack will be missed by all in the begonia world.

Jack's funeral will be held on Tuesday, 10th, April, at 1 P M; at Rochdale Cemetery/ Cremation Centre, Bury Road, Rochdale. OL11 4DG.
Family flowers only please.

12^th. March 2018
Obituary - Harold Clough

Whilst away on holiday I heard that my good friend Harold had died, he had been a friend of Alan and I for around 30 years. He died on the morning of the 28th March blessed in his sleep at the age of 93. 

In his day Harold was one of the societies top pot plant growers always giving his near neighbour Derek Telford a run for his money at the Yorkshire and Humberside shows. His love for begonias started after his wife bought him a greenhouse and  Derek got him started with some stock, after his first year he was hooked. He always used to greet me with the affectionate  phrase, "how ista yung un!".  Harold a former miner and later brickworks employee named a seedling obtained from  Alan  Bryce, The Choral and this variety was much sought after in the 90's. The name embraced Harold's first love and he was a member of the Huddersfield Choral Male Choir for most of his life. Harold was an ethereal singer and sung at the late secretary's Dr Eric Catterall's funeral. All that were there knew Harold was fabulous and loved his singing. 

The funeral will take place on Friday 23^rd March at 10 am at Blackey Baptist Church,  HY5 0TD . 

I personally will miss his company, sleep well my friend and the condolences of the whole society go out to his family. Gone but not forgotten and much loved. 

8^th. February 2018
Obituary - Dr. Derek Maitland
I was informed today that Derek had died suddenly at the on the 5^th. February after returning home from a skiing holiday. In my early days in the NBS  the  two Derek's (Telford and Maitland) traveled to all the society areas giving slideshows and talks . Derek was a lecturer on Chemistry and was also somewhat an action man. The number and types of sports Derek was active in always surprised me, skiing, hand-gliding, windsurfing and  martial arts to name a few.  He was gregarious and generous to a fault. the last time I saw him we discussed the Higgs Boson. I am sure that all that knew him will miss his wit and company. Gone but never forgotten I will miss him lots. 

Funeral on Wednesday 21^st. February, 11.15 am at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium, Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury Moor,
Dewsbury,   WF13 3PL.

Members Free Raffle -  donators & prizes
To be drawn shortly

All Tubers will be posted out to the winners in due course.                                                 
Many thanks to our donators without whom we could not have a raffle.
All donators should claim all postage costs from the NBS via Derek Bonner Treasurer. We need more donators.

Members are reminded that EVERYONE can donate. Please do not leave it to the same people year on year.

4^th. January 2018
Obituary - David Elliott
Our very good friend and exhibitor for over 50 years, David Elliott lost his fight to Prostrate Cancer on Monday 1st January. His love and growing of Begonias, both Tuberous and Species extends back over all those years having been encouraged by his cousin Cecil Gammon. His support of the South West Begonia Show and indeed visits to the National when he was fit enough has been unstinted. Even in the last two years when it has been a struggle to get plants together he still exhibited right up to 2016 show. His other loves of Chrysanthemums, Dahlias and Vegetables made him a very significant exhibitor in our locality and indeed further afield too. I've personally known Dave for over 60 years dating back to schooldays and employing his skills as a plumber and electrician. Clearly the shows will be missing a much loved and respected stalwart. 

I hope some of the South West members may be able to attend the service at North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple on Wednesday 17th January at 10.20am 

16^th. December 2017

OBITUARY BRIAN TAYLOR
I received the sad news that Brian had passed away on  on Thursday 14^th. December 2017. He died at home in Southport after struggling with Vascular Parkinson's disease for some time. He was cared for to the end by his loving wife. Brian in his day was a top showman of begonias his specialty was the 20 pot class at Southport as well as all the other pot plant classes. In 1996 he put a 9 pot in the British Championship at Kings Heath that many people thought that was the best in the history of the NBS. Later he won awards and large gold medals in the trade tent at Southport along with Peter Foster putting up large showstopping stands. He loved his begonias with a passion.

 Brian was quiet and unassuming, a gentleman whilst also being a great teacher. He tutored many people including Peter Foster, Terry Tasker and Peter Soubutts. Definitely a top grower of his day he will be missed by all that knew him.Our condolences to the family.at this sad time.

NATIONAL SHOW
Shrewsbury Flower Show
Friday 11^th. & Saturday 12^th. August  2017
Quarry Park, Shrewsbury
Judges: Open Cut Bloom and Pot Classes - Robert Nelson (SBS Judge) and Sandra Davies
Species, Intermediate and Novice Classes - Chris Davies and Robert Bryce
 RESULTS     PICTURES    NBS CLASSES SCHEDULE

2017 Annual General Meeting
The 68^th. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 18^th. February  1pm
Manningford Community Hall,  Bell's Lane,  Nr Maypole Island
Birmingham B14 5TJ

7th. November 2016
Albert Gostlow one of our former members has died in the Isle of Man aged 100 years. Albert was well known to a number of members and visited Southport when into his middle 90's. It was a pleasure to call him a friend, he was quite a character and an excellent grower.

Albert's Greenhouse on the Isle of Man

2016 Annual General Meeting
The 67^th. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 20^th. February  1pm
Manningford Community Hall,  Bell's Lane,  Nr Maypole Island
Birmingham B14 5TJ

Agenda & Minutes in Members Only section

3^rd. August 2015

This 18^th. May 2015 - I was informed that Jeanie Telford the wife of our Editor had
passed away after a long illness. The thoughts of the whole society are with Derek and his family
at this sad time. Our sincere condolences.
                                                 Robert Bryce  Secretary

January 2015

RALPH TRINDER

Ralph has been moved into a nursing home, a half mile from the hospital where he was previously.
His son Andrew took this photo two weeks ago. He is wearing the South Wales Area 'T' shirt proudly.

His speech hasn't improved as quickly as expected, however, as the photo shows, Ralph is continuing to smile. He understands everything said and tries to reply, however, his speech is not always clear and understandable. 

Both Derek Bonner, Danny Davies and I have visited Ralph on numerous occasions, the last being the week before Christmas.

Annual General Meeting  2015
The 66^th. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 10^th. January  1pm
Manningford Community Hall,  Bell's Lane,  Nr Maypole Island
Birmingham B14 5TJ
*NOT LICKLEY PARISH HALL AS PREVIOUSLY ADVISED*
NOTE
Manningford Community Centre is now back operating after the fire.
 I therefore feel that this is the best solution as many members do not use the website and would
therefore be relying on the Bulletin which states Manningford Hall.

For the attention of Committee Members' only.
Committee Meeting to begin at 10:30AM. Minutes of last year's meeting will be published in the Member's only section.
If you attend meeting please have a copy of these minutes with you..

221^st. October 2014

BERYL SPURR

   Beryl Spurr who suddenly died last weekend will be remembered by many of our older members. She was the widow of the late Vic Spurr, who was a gold and silver medal winner, and past Chairman of our society. Beryl was always at Vic’s side, enjoying their many visits around the country, especially the South Coast Area and Yorkshire and Humberside Area. Beryl has been in a care home for the past 11 years since Vic died. I have visited her on many occasions, the last time was only a fortnight before she died, she was always eager to know how various members were getting on, and loved to recall many past treasured memories.

4^th. September

IRWIN MORGAN
Died 17^th. August 2014

 It is with great sadness that I and other members' of the South Wales Area heard about the bereavement of Irwyn Morgan aged eighty eight, who died peacefully, on Sunday, 17th. August 2014. Irwyn attended every Area Meeting and Show until very recently, when illness prevented him from attending. He was the Secretary of the Pontarddulais Agricultural and Horticultural Show for over forty years, gardening was in his blood. Irwyn worked for the South Wales Evening Post as Chief Photographer since the Second World War, retiring in 1988. As a young photographer in 1966 he covered the Aberfan disaster, where one hundred and sixteen school children died when a mountain of colliery waste engulfed their Aberfan school. He will be missed fondly. Our thoughts are with Marian his wife and family, at this very sad time.

30^th. July

DENIS HAGUE
Died 29^th. July 2014

Robert Bryce

15 June 2014  OBITUARY
Donald (Don) Dewey
   It with deep regret that I report the passing of Don on Saturday 14th June after a short illness.

   Don lived in Little Stoke, South Gloucestershire and had grown, shown and judged chrysanthemums for over forty years before transferring his allegiance to begonias eight years ago.    He had exhibited from time to time at shows at Bideford, North Devon and also at Portchester on the South Coast.

   Don loved visiting shows and attended on a regular basis the National, when it was held at King’s Heath, Birmingham and also the South Wales Show at Swansea. His great love was visiting other growers and their greenhouses and talking “all things begonia”.

   Many in the South West will miss him greatly and we extend and our sympathy and condolences to his family and friends.
 

   December 2013

GEOFFREY PORTER

It is with great sadness we report death of Geoffrey Porter on 10^th December at the young age of 56.

   Geoff was a stalwart member of both the National and Scottish Begonia Societies and as “our man” in Northland Ireland he grew pots, blooms and baskets to a very high standard. Geoff exhibited at numerous shows including his local Comber Show and the University of Belfast. Annually he made the journey to Malahide, Dublin, to exhibit and to promote begonias on that side of the border. Additionally, Geoff grew fuchsias and pelargoniums, again to a very high standard.

   If it had have been logistically possible he would have been a winner on any show bench on the mainland. Geoff contributed to the Bulletins and web sites of both societies. He was a regular visitor to the SBS show at Ayr and also took in Shrewsbury and Southport shows at times. Whenever he was on the mainland he would call in to visit Bellcross Nurseries and also Blackmore & Langdon.

   What many in the begonia world did not know was that he was an acclaimed canine judge both nationally and internationally, specialising in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Two years ago he was proud to judge at the Stoneleigh, Warwickshire National Show considered by many to be superior to Cruffs. Last summer, though not in the best of health, he was able to undertake a further judging assignment in the States. His critiques on the dogs he judged were outstanding and his comments were eagerly awaited by exhibitors.

   Geoff was a gentleman and one of life’s “good guys”. He will be sorely missed.

   Our condolences go out to his family and friends in North Ireland and worldwide.

Basil Billinger

NATIONAL SHOW  2014
Shrewsbury Flower Show
Friday 8th. & Saturday 9th. August
Quarry Park, Shrewsbury
Judges:   Dave Coates, Robert Bryce or Terry Tasker and Scottish Judge to be named
Further details

Pictures of last year's Show

Annual General Meeting  2014
The 65^th. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 22^nd. February   1pm
Manningford Community Hall,  Bell's Lane,  Nr Maypole Island
Birmingham B14 5TJ
There will also be a talk given by Robert Bryce. The 2014 N B S; raffle will also be drawn.

June 2013

FRED NEWTON

   For many years in the seventies, eighties and nineties Fred was a regular visitor to Shows and meetings in the South Coast and Reading Areas. For several years along with his wife and other local members he staged displays in our Society's name at the Reading Show. He later moved to Cambridgeshire but continued to support our Society, he was well known to many.
   Our sympathies go out to wife Elsie.

Brian Simmons
 

April 2013

MARY WEBB

   I was saddened to hear of the death of Mary Webb, the wife of our President Maurice Webb.  Mary has played an active part both as a member and a committee member of the society for many many years.  She was appointed treasurer following the death of Fred Martin.  A post she held for a good number of years before resigning the position, only to be hastily recalled to the post when the society found itself in difficult circumstances.  Thanks to Mary and others the society managed to survive.  Our sympathies go to Maurice and family.

Jeff Rhodes
 

NATIONAL SHOW  2013

WEBBS GARDEN CENTRE
Saturday 31^st. August & Sunday 1^st.September
 Worcester Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, Worcester   WR9 0DG
2 minutes from Junction 5, M5, on the A38 between Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove
Show Secretary   Mike Avis, 19 Moreton Avenue, Bideford, Devon. EX39 3AY Tel. 01237 475914
Judges A.Bryce, R.Bryce, A.MacDougall, T.Tasker
SCHEDULE     RESULTS
Pictures of last year's Show

Annual General Meeting  2013
The 64^th. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 18^th. May   2pm
Manningford Community Hall,  Bell's Lane,  Nr Maypole Island
Birmingham B14 5TJ

NOTICE TO MEMBERS: Publication of the BULLETIN will be delayed until after AGM

April 2012
GOLD MEDAL AWARD
Society President Maurice Webb and wife Mary (for many years Treasurer) have been awarded our highest honour at this year's AGM.

The National Show 2012

NEW VENUE & NEW DATE
WEBBS GARDEN CENTRE
 Worcester Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, Worcester   WR9 0DG
2 minutes from Junction 5, M5, on the A38 between Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove
Saturday 11^th. &  Sunday 12^th. August

Annual General Meeting
The 63rd. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 21^st. April   2pm
Manningford Community Hall,  Bell's Lane,  Nr Maypole Island
Birmingham B14 5TJ

   November   2011   GOLD MEDAL AWARD

Brian Simmons   Website Editor
  I am greatly honoured to receive this Award that our Society has bestowed upon me.  A part of it must belong to the many members who  supported me through our wonderful years at Southsea and now with articles and pictures for this website. Along the way I have made lots of friends and probably would have made many more if I had travelled to the shows. It is your support that has kept me going and hopefully it will continue into the future. Next year will be the 10th. anniversary of our website and I would like to make it a bumper one please, without your contributions there would be no website..
   An added bonus was to have the Medal presented to me by my good friend Dave Coates (right) as we have been associated together in our Society’s activities for so many years. The fact that Dave is the current National Champion also has added a little extra status to the occasion.
   Many thanks to Dave's wife Pauline for the excellent buffet lunch. 

   October   2011   GOLD MEDAL AWARD

  Chairman Len Gill presented Society Treasurer George Rushforth with his Gold Medal Award for outstanding services to the Society.

   October   2011   GOLD MEDAL AWARD

   Society Chairman Len Gill presented Derek L Telford with his Gold Medal Award for outstanding services to the Society.
   Derek has been bulletin editor for many years.

In Derek's own words:    "It is beautiful and I am truly overjoyed by the honour which the NBS have conferred on me.   It is a mixture of feelings which assail me as I gaze at it on the side of my desk. In particular I glow with the feeling that it comes from my friends."

Annual General Meeting 2011
The 62nd. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 7^th. May   2pm
Manningford Community Hall,  Bell's Lane,  Nr Maypole Island
Birmingham B14 5TJ

The National Show 2011

NEW VENUE
BLOOMS SOLIHULL GARDEN CENTRE
Kenilworth Road, Hampton in Arden, Solihull  B92 0LP
Saturday 3^rd. &  Sunday 4^th. September
Judges  Alan Bryce, Alan Harris, George Thompson SBS

SCHEDULE          RESULTS          PICTURES
 Pictures of last year's Show

Annual General Meeting  2010
The 61st. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 10^th. April   2pm
Manningford Community Hall,  Bell's Lane,  Nr Maypole Island
Birmingham B14 5TJ

The National Show  2010
Held in Conjunction with
The Gardener's Weekend,  Kings Heath Park,  Birmingham
Saturday 4^th. &  Sunday 5^th. September

Pictures of last year's Show

The National Show  2009
Held in Conjunction with
The Gardener's Weekend,  Kings Heath Park,  Birmingham
Saturday 5^th. &  Sunday 6^th. September
Judges: R. Bryce  D. Coates  G. Thompson (SBS)
SCHEDULE          RESULTS          PICTURES
Prize money has been considerably increased this year.
Pictures of last year's Show

2009 Annual General Meeting
The 60th. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 4^th. April   2pm
The Renewal Christian Centre, Lode Lane, Solihull

   Neville Webb
15^th. February 1930-16^th. August 2008
78 years of age.

   Neville Webb was the best sort of friend any man would have been proud to have had.  He was honest, loyal, kind, considerate, and supportive.  He was married to his best friend and love of his life Barbra, who in turn waited on him hand and foot. He lived a good life entering into several different hobbies and gave 100% of his self into every thing he entered into.  His love of the begonia came only second to that of his wife, he was competitive and always wanted to win, however when he didn’t, he was always amongst the first to congratulate the winner.  The later ten or twelve years Neville was dogged with ill health, he carried on growing as long as he could but eventually had to give up his beloved flowers. Throughout his life he made very many friends, who I am sure will miss him.  For my self it was an honour to have known him and a privilege to have had him for my friend.

2008 Annual General Meeting
The 59th. Annual General Meeting
Saturday 12^th. April   2pm
The Renewal Christian Centre, Lode Lane, Solihull

The National Show 2008
Held in Conjunction with
The Gardener's Weekend,  Kings Heath Park,  Birmingham
Saturday 30^th. &  Sunday 31^st. August
Judges: Alan Bryce, Derek Telford, R Frazer Wood (SBS).
SCHEDULE
Schedules from: Jeff Rhodes 7 Tew Street, Wakefield. WF2 8DR
Tel 01924 217579     email rhodesjeff@care4free.net
PICTURES OF 2007 SHOW

The 56th. National Show.
Held in conjunction with The Gardeners Weekend.
Kings Heath Park,  Birmingham    Saturday 1st. & Sunday 2nd. September  2007

The 55th. National Show.
Held in conjunction with The Gardeners Weekend.
Kings Heath Park,  Birmingham    Saturday 2nd. & Sunday 3rd. September  2006

The 54th. National Show.
Held in conjunction with The Gardeners Weekend.
Kings Heath Park,  Birmingham    Saturday 3rd. & Sunday 4th. September  2005
  The Show  was one of the best for many years. Entries were up on last year in most classes and the quality was very good, especially in the cut bloom classes, where Ken Gallagher again won the National 12 bloom championship.   Barry Walker was champion of the pot plants in the 7 pot championship and Lakin Earl was once more the master of the restricted pots.
   Best Pot was won by Paul Lakin with Whispers, whilst I was successful with Ruby Young as best bloom.  We still need more entries next year, but this was a big improvement and a credit to the society.

The highlight on Saturday was the presentation of Society Silver Medals by Chairman Len Gill (right) to Dave Coates (left) and John Taylor (centre) for service to the society over many years.

56^th. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

   The AGM of the society was held in the Christian Renewal Centre Solihull on Saturday 9th April with a very poor attendance of just 21 people.  Obviously members are happy with the way things are run!!  The only resolution was a change to the rule regarding the Floral Committee where it was agreed to change the wording such that it always comprises the current judges.  This simplifies matters and removes the need to continually update the list.
   Following the meeting John Taylor showed a very interesting series of slides taken during his recent visit to New Zealand.

The 54th. National Show.
Held in conjunction with The Gardeners Weekend.
Kings Heath Park,  Birmingham    Saturday 4th. & Sunday 5th. September  2004
Unfortunately due to the weather conditions in the month before the show, entries were very low and the quality was not the best we have seen. The main prize winners were John Taylor with his entry of 7 pots and Ken Gallagher with his 12 Cut Blooms. The high point of the show was the very good entry, and quality of the non tuberous and species classes. These were the best for many years. The other high point was Ian and Christine Yeardley's entry in the display class. We must all try harder next year to get the show back to former glories.                                                                   Alan Harris

The 2004 AGM
   The 55th Annual General Meeting was held in Solihull on Saturday 13th March 2004 with the President, Maurice Webb in the chair and 29 members attended.
Picture 1 shows Maurice in the centre, with George Rushforth, Treasurer on his right and the Secretary Alan Harris.
  Andrew MacDougal was welcomed to the meeting as the new representative for the Central Area. The Secretary's and Treasurer's reports were accepted and the following officers were re-appointed. Maurice Webb, President. Len Gill, Chairman. Alan Harris, Secretary.
   The following committee members resigned in rotation and offered themselves for re-election; Dave Staines, John Taylor and Dave Hall. They were all re-elected together with Andrew MacDougal, the new Central Area Representative who now joins the committee.
Picture 2 shows that the meeting is also a social occasion and shows members enjoying a cup of tea and a chat after the meeting.

The 53rd National Show
Kings Heath Park, Birmingham on 30th &  31st Aug.  2003
    Entries were well up to previous years in total, which was amazing considering the tropical conditions in August. It was particularly pleasing to see 3 entries in each of the main pot plant classes and the standard was exceptional with Peter Read and Lakin Earl the winners.  The cut blooms entries were down with 5 entries in the 12 board class.  The standard was not as high as recent years, but still a lot better than expected.  Blooms seem to be more affected by the heat than plants.  It was nice to see Ken Gallagher back to winning ways.   We still need more entries in the non tuberous, novice and intermediate classes but all in all it was a very good show expertly managed by the stand-in Show Secretary Jeff Rhodes.          Results         Pictures

.
The Scottish Begonia Society honoured one of our own members when they awarded their Silver Medal to Derrick Foster for his services to their society. The photograph shows Derrick being presented with his medal by Andrew Todd, President of The Scottish Begonia Society at The Ayr Show.

The 2003 AGM of the society was held on 26th July and it was Len Gill's pleasure to present Derek Telford with the Silver Medal for many years of service to the society.  The picture shows the presentation being made at the meeting.

Left Len Gill, Chairman.  Right Derek Telford, bulletin editor.

Tarsonamid mite
There appears to be a major outbreak of  on begonias up and down the country.
Report in THE SECRETARY'S GREENHOUSE

Obituary. Vic Spurr

  After coping with the after effects of two strokes for a number of years, Vic passed away in hospital on June 1^st 2003.
   Vic was one of our longest serving members of the National Begonia Society, and was a great ambassador for the society. He and his wife Beryl regularly travelled the length and breadth of the country promoting the society. He willingly gave his time to give talks to the members, and was well respected as a judge. He gave invaluable service on the committee, and was society chairman for a number of years. Vic was awarded both the Silver medal and the Gold medal for his services to the society.
   On a personal note he gave me tremendous support in setting up the Yorkshire & Humberside area, and was a regular attendee at our meetings and shows. He always became involved and thoroughly enjoyed the friendly argument and banter. After such an active life, Vic found it most difficult to come to terms with his situation. He thoroughly enjoyed his visits to the society AGM and the National show at Kings Heath, where he could meet up with all his begonia guys and gals. We all will sadly miss him. Our sincere condolences go to his wife Beryl, (who, due to her own immobility has now had to move into a residential care home,) and his son Nigel and family.

April 2003
CHANGE IN THE "RESTRICTED POT" CLASSES AT SOME SHOWS. 
The rule that restricts the number of flowering side shoots to three has been relaxed at some Shows.
There is still a requirement for only one main stem and on pot size.   Please check the schedule before entering.