National Begonia Society, North West Area

North West Area (Dodgy Dave) Area Representative Dave Weatherby 486a Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside PR8 3BD Tel:07770801867
The Southport Show 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Firstly let me introduce myself. I am Dave Weatherby from Southport the new NW Group area rep taking over from Vinny who has retired. I know its already been said but thanks Vinny for all you did for the group over the years and hope we still get to see you. I started showing 2 years ago after talking to our member Terry Tasker who kindly gave me 30 tubers to see if I could grow them for Southport Flower Show. At the time little did I know what I was letting myself in for. I did get them to the show and getting so much enjoyment and sleepless nights on the way have now become a big part of my life. I have met a lot of great growers since, here in the NW group and north of the boarder with lots of help and advice thanks to you all. Lastly thanks to all the group members for your help and support on taking over the area rep. Our meetings are held at the lovely Hartwood Hall Hotel, Preston Rd, Chorley PR6 7AX just 2 Mins from junction 8 M61. On the First FRIDAY in APRIL, JUNE and OCTOBER. Starting at 7.30. Rooms are available at the the hotel for people who would like to travel over and stay the night with it being weekend, But you would need to book well in advance you'll find their phone number below. Reasonably priced meals can be had in the Hartwood before we have are meeting... If you would like to join us we normally eat at 6.00. Let us know. We have speakers from our NW area and from our friends north of the boarder. All helps for some really enjoyable and informative meetings. We have a great friendly group here in the Northwest with members specialising in all aspects of begonia growing, showing and even breeding who are only too willing to share their knowledge. We are always happy to see any N.B.S. Members from England, Wales and north of the boarder, at our meetings. Any prospective new members wishing to join can do so at any of the meetings or at any of the shows where you see us come over and have a talk to us. Anyone interested you'll find my contact details on the web site.
AREA NEWS
5^th. November 2019 Obituary - Derek 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 Presentation at the 2015 Southport Show to mark Derek's 90^th. Birthday .
2020 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW MEETINGS Note Due to Corona Virus April meeting cancelled. First Sunday afternoons in April, June and October. All at 14.00 hrs at Hartwood Hotel, Chorley, off the M61. Next meeting in October ring D Weatherby to discuss speaker. .
North West Area Display at the Chorley Flower Show 2019 On Saturday 27th. July we won GOLD! Thanks to Terry Tasker and Dave Weatherby for all their efforts in supplying all the plants, erecting the stand five minutes before the judging started and manning the bureau for two days. Peter Mallon
2019 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Thursday 15th. - Sunday 18^th. August Victoria Park, Southport. Judges: Andrew MacDougall and Jim Evans MEETINGS After discussion arrising from poor attendances it has been decided that all future meetings will be held on the first Sunday afternoon of April, June and October instead of the traditional Friday night. Meetings will be from14-00 hours until 16-00 hours at our usual venueHartwood Hotel, Chorley. The meeting in October will hence be on Sunday October 6^th. starting at 14-00 hrs. .
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. Chairman Ian Rhys Williams
16^th. December 2017 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. Robert Bryce
2018 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 16th. - Sunday 19^th. August Victoria Park, Southport. Judges: Chris & Sandra Davies The Southport Show film by Marion Sycamore MEETINGS First Fridays in April, June and October All at 7.30 pm Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. Tel 01257 269966 (Hotel business only)
2017 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 17^th. - Sunday 20^th. August Judges: Jeff Rhodes and Ian Rhys Williams Schedule Results Pictures MEETINGS Friday 17^th. March - NOTE CHANGE OF DATE Phil Champion 2016 triple 12 board champion (this will be a great talk). Friday 2^nd. June Something interesting in the pipe line.. Friday 6^th. October Revue of the shows 2017 All at 7.30 pm Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. Tel 01257 269966 (Hotel business only)
2016 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 18^th. - Sunday 21^st. August Judges: Jeff Rhodes and Ian Rhys Williams Pictures Results The Southport Show on YouTube Marion Sycamore MEETINGS Friday 1^st. April - Michael Richardson - A novice growers view. Friday 3^rd. June - to be announced Friday 7^th. October - Review of the shows. All at 7.30 pm Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2015 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 20^th. - Sunday 23^rd. August Judges: Jeff Rhodes and Robert Bryce The Southport Show on YouTube Marion Sycamore Pictures of last year Show MEETINGS Friday 3^rd. April - Jim Evans Begonia Hybridizing Friday 5^th. June - Terry Tasker, Development of begonia Rex. When is a Rex not a Rex. Friday 2^nd. October - Review of the shows. All at 7.30 pm Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2014 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 14th. - Sunday 17th. August Judges: Alan Bryce and Robert Bryce RESULTS PICTURES The Southport Show on YouTube Marion Sycamore MEETINGS Friday 4^th. April 7.30pm Speaker Ian Donaldson - "Start up potting & feeding" Friday 6^th.June 7.30pm Speaker Ron Aldous - "Grow & showing plants his way" Friday 3^rd. October 7.30pm "A review of this year's shows" Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61. STOCK NURSERIES, 9 Stock lane, Over Peover, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 9EZ suppliers of rooted cuttings of Multiflora Begonias plus many other plants are having an open day on Wednesday 19^th February 10-30 - 17-00 hrs.
2013 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 15th. - Sunday 18th. August Judges Alan Harris & Barry Walker RESULTS PICTURES The Southport Show 2013 on YouTube by Marion Sycamore MEETINGS Friday 5^th. April 7.30pm Speaker Colin Hamilton "growing & exhibiting pot plants" Friday 7^th.June 7.30pm Friday 4^th. October 7.30pm Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2012 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 16^th. Friday 17^th. Saturday 18^th. Sunday 19^th. August RESULTS PICTURES The Southport Show 2012 on YouTube by Marion Sycamore MEETINGS Friday 6^th. April 7.30pm- Speaker John Irvine, Penicuik Scotland Friday 1^st. June 7.30pm - Speaker Bob Bryce (hopefully) Friday 5^th. October 7.30pm - Speaker Dave Coates, 2011 & 2012 National Cut-bloom Champion Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2011 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 18^th. Friday 19^th. Saturday 20^th. Sunday 21^st. August Judges Dave Staines & Alan Harris PICTURES RESULTS The Southport Show on YouTube by Marion Sycamore. MEETINGS Friday 1^st. April 7.30pm- Speaker John Hamilton Friday 3^rd. June 7.30pm - Speaker Alan Harris Friday 7^th. October 7.30pm - Speaker John Taylor Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2010 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 19^th. Friday 20^th. Saturday 21^st. Sunday 22^nd. August. Judges: Alan Harris & Dave Staines PICTURES RESULTS MEETINGS Friday 2^nd. April 7.30pm - Friday 4^th. June 7.30pm Friday 1^st. October 7.30pm - Speaker Terry Tasker Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2009 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 20^th. Friday 21^st. Saturday 22^nd. Sunday 23^rd. August . Judges: Dave Staines and Derek L Telford Schedules from Southport Show PICTURES RESULTS MEETINGS Friday 3^rd. April 7.30pm - Friday 5^th. June 7.30pm Friday 2^nd. October 7.30pm Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2008 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 21^st. Friday 22^nd. Saturday 23^rd. Sunday 24^th. August . Judges : Dave Staines and Derek L Telford RESULTS PICTURES MEETINGS Friday 4^th. April 7.30pm - Speaker Andy Hardie of Nutrimate Friday 6^th. June 7.30pm - Speaker Plant sale followed by Bob Bryce on "Times Gone By" Friday 3^rd. October 7.30pm - Speaker Denis Hague on"Begonias and Epiphyllums" Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2007 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 16^th. Friday 17^th. Saturday 18^th. Sunday 19^th. August Judges: Alan Harris, Derek Telford. Schedules from Southport Flower Show. MEETINGS Friday 6^th. April 7.30pm - Speaker Vincent Potts. Friday 1^st. June 7.30pm - Plant auction followed by a quiz, chaired by Jack Larter. Friday 5^th. October 7.30pm - 2 Speakers: Terry Tasker and Dennis Need. Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
2006 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport. Thursday 17^th. Friday 18^th. Saturday 19^th. Sunday 20^th. August Judges: Alan Harris, Derek Telford. PICTURES MEETINGS Friday 7^th. April 7.30pm Friday 2^nd. June 7.30pm Friday 6^th. October 7.30pm Hartwood Hotel, Chorley. On right hand side into Chorley off the M61.
SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Thursday 18th. - Sunday 21st. August 2005 The begonia classes were the best supported for many years with a good entry in both the pot and bloom classes. Report & pictures by Alan Harris MORE PICTURES OF THIS YEAR'S SHOW			3 cut-blooms - 1st. Denis Hague. Best Bloom - Fred Martin at front.
6 cut-blooms - 1st. Dennis Hague.	The Pot Plant Classes. .	The Cut-bloom Classes. .	Best Pot - Fireflush Vincent Potts.
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	Congratulations to Terry Tasker and his wife Shirley who staged a magnificent display of Species and Hybrid Begonias at the 2005 Holker Hall Garden Festival. They were awarded a Gold Medal and were also awarded "The Lady Cavendish Award" for the best exhibit in the Floral Marquee. PICTURES FROM THE NATIONAL COLLECTION Report & picture by Jeff Rhodes. Shirley's Plants Holders of a National Collection of Begonias. 2005 OPEN DAY - SUNDAY 18TH. SEPTEMBER 1pm. - 4pm. Please book first.
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MEETINGS IN 2005: Friday 1^st. April 7.30pm Friday 3^rd. June 7.30pm AUTUMN MEETING Please note change of date. The venue is unavailable for the first (or second) Friday in October New Date - Friday 30th. September. 7.30pm Denis Hague North West Meetings Rep.
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Southport Show. Thursday 21^st. Friday 22^nd. Saturday 23^rd. August 2003 The entries in the show were better than I had expected following the very hot spell in the weeks prior to the show. There were some empty spaces on the benches, mainly in the cut bloom section. John Talbot being the winner of many of these classes, plus best cut bloom with ”Monica Bryce”. The pot plants made an excellent display, with Vincent Potts winning the 6-pot class, for which he was also awarded the John Wilder Trophy plus another of the Southport Trophies. Peter Foster was second. Bob Joy after only growing for 3 years was a worthy winner of the restricted 6-pot, which also gave him the Blackmore and Langdon Trophy to polish during the winter. Second place going to Brian Taylor, although he must have been pleased that it was Bob Joy who beat him, as he has been Bob’s mentor over the past couple of years. Denis Hague, with “Apricot Delight”, “Ziggy”, and “Geoff Bisley”, was the winner of the 3-pot class, with “Ziggy” being awarded the Rosette for best pot. Brian Taylor was second in this class with “Mrs Elizabeth MacLauchlan”, “Lady”, and “Beryl Rhodes”. Vincent Potts taking the 3rd prize. In the past few years Denis Hague has won the single pot plant class with “Jessie Cruikshank” and best pot with this variety, but whilst it was still a superb plant winning the class, his “Ziggy” was better this year. It was pleasing to see 4 entries in the class calling for a plant of tuberous and non-tuberous, this was another win for Vincent Potts. His rex of “Snow Queen” dwarfed the 7-inch pot in which it was grown. I was quite impressed with this spiral leaved variety, and thought it was the most impressive non-tuberous plant in the show. Thanks must go to Glenda Sweeney, who did a great deal of work on the Bureau, selling supports and other begonia items and organizing a system at the sell off of plants at the end of the show. Thanks must also be extended to the other members who gave help, Derek Telford, Len Gill, and others, especially Brian Taylor who took over late afternoon allowing helpers living further away to get home at a reasonable time. PICTURES Report by Dennis Need
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	Terry and Shirley Tasker were awarded a Gold Medal for their display of non-tuberous begonias at the Tatton RHS Show, 23^rd - 27^thJuly. Terry will giving a talk at the next Area Meeting (see below). Shirleys Plants Begonia Species & Hybrids
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OCTOBER MEETING 2003 For the October meeting, Terry Tasker will be giving a talk on the growing of non-tuberous Begonias, mainly as a beginners guide. Terry was an enthusiastic grower of tuberous begonias until his interest in other types became an obsession, and whilst he still grows some large flowered varieties, these have now taken a back seat compared to the wonderful collection he now has. With his wife Shirley they are now one of the three National Collection holders of Begonias, and they show at a number of venues during the show season. For folk interested in these wonderful plants, they are having an open day for the NCCPG, on the 7th September 2003, from 1.00 PM until 6.00 PM. Their web site is shown below, where their home address, phone number, and direction map is shown.http://www.stbegonias.com If attending, please inform Terry and Shirley, so they know how many tea bags milk and cakes etc to get in, to help make your visit more enjoyable.
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	June 2003 Meeting Following the excellent talk given by Bob Bryce in the April meeting on his growing methods, we had another good meeting in June, with another superb talk by Jack Larter. The points he brought up and variations on propagation, were an eye opener for both amateur and experienced growers. The plants he brought to show many of the different types of cuttings that could be taken, were looking quite bare by the end of the evening, but the hands on display were surely a great help to members with little experience of propagation.
THE SOUTHPORT SHOW

	Area bureau at the Southport Show 2003.
	Area entry at the Southport Show 2002 The display was awarded a Large Gold Medal and trophy for best Society entry.
	Area entry at the Southport Show 2001 The display was awarded a Large Gold Medal and trophy for "Best Society Entry".
	Area bureau at the Southport Show 2000. Left to right : Neville Webb, Jack Larter, Derek Telford (Society bulletin editor), Len Gill (Society Chairman and Yorkshire/Humberside Area Representative).
	Area entry for the Area Class at the Southport 1999, awarded 3rd. prize. First prize went to the Scottish entry.
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