June 2020

Kedar house of John Chiswell

    The left hand side of John's Kedar house. These were timed for Dundee, and are two weeks behind those on the other side of the house, which have been timed for the National at Shrewsbury. 

                  John grows his begonias in a kedar house, which measures 24x12 ft.

 He has two  tiered sections, divided down the middle, holding 175 plants. 

The side panels on the East and South, can be removed. 

He has an industrial 3ft, diameter fan, which blows cool air through the whole length. 

Also, there are two industrial cooling units which cools the whole glasshouse down, during extremely hot weather. 

This is the first time John's flowering house has been shown to N B S, Members'. 

Due to Corona Virus the  April  26th 2020  Area Meeting has been cancelled also

2019

SOUTH WEST REGIONAL SHOW
Sunday 18^th. August
The Pannier Market, Bideford, North Devon. EX39 2DX
Judges: Chris & Sandra Davies
SCHEDULE     ENTRY FORM
Staging 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. on Saturday 17^th and Sunday morning until 10.00 pm.
Schedules will be sent to all previous exhibitors.
Why not consider entering and enjoying a day out a day out in North Devon?  You will be most welcome.
For further information please contact Mike Avis on 01237 475914 or mikeavis44@gmail.com

AREA MEETINGS
Sunday 14^th April at 2.30pm
Speaker: Society President Terry Tasker
The area is delighted that Terry has agreed to be our speaker this year.
Terry is an acknowledge expert on foliage plants and also grows blooms.  Not to be missed
A plant, tuber and foliage sale of named varieties will also take place.
Venue: Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ. Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.
There will be the usual Sunday lunch at "The Moorend Spout" prior to the meeting .
For bookings, please contact   Tel: 01275 855675 or email Basil Billinger.

BLACKMORE AND LANGDON
Nick Langdon has kindly agreed to open the nursery to members on 14^th April, the day of meeting, until twelve noon.
Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase at sale prices prior to their open weekend on the 3/4/5^th May.
See how the Chelsea Flower Show plants are progressing.

For further information on the meeting contact Gary Dando on 01761 432739

2018

SOUTH WEST REGIONAL SHOW
Sunday 19^th. August
The Pannier Market, Bideford, North Devon. EX39 2DX
Judge: Andrew MacDougall
SCHEDULE     ENTRY FORM     RESULTS     PICTURES
Staging 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. on Saturday 18^th and Sunday morning until 10.00 am.
Schedules will be sent to all previous exhibitors.
Why not consider entering and enjoying a day out in North Devon?  You will be most welcome.

For further information please contact   Mike Avis  Tel: 01237 475914

AREA MEETINGS
Sunday 14^th April at 2.30pm
The area is delighted that Michael Richardson has agreed to be our speaker this year.
Mike is a noted exhibitor with many innovative methods of growing. 

Also, plant and tuber sale of named varieties.

Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ. Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.
There will be the usual Sunday lunch prior to the meeting .
For bookings, please telephone Tony Willoughby 01275 854035.

For further information contact Gary Dando on 01761 432739

2018

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.  

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 

2017

SOUTH WEST REGIONAL SHOW
Sunday 20^th. August
The Pannier Market, Bideford, North Devon. EX39 2DX
Judge: Andrew MacDougall
Staging 7.30 to 9.00 pm on Saturday 19^th and Sunday morning until 10.00 am.
Schedules will be sent to all previous exhibitors.
Why not consider entering and enjoying a day out a day out in North Devon?
  You will be most welcome.
SCHEDULE    RESULTS      PICTURES
For further information please contact   Mike Avis  Tel: 01237 475914
 

AREA MEETINGS
Joint meeting in conjunction with South Wales Area.
Sunday 2^nd. April  1.30 - 5.30pm.
John Hamilton, the renowned Scottish grower, will give a presentation to a joint meeting with South Wales Area.
John will be bringing around 100 begonias for sale.  These are sought after varieties rarely available in this area,
John Chiswell will hopefully have available some of his choice begonias.
Venue: Lysaght Institute, Orb Drive, Newport, Gwent NP19 0RB
A few minutes off junction 24 of the M4, less than 10 minutes from the Severn Bridge and an hour from the Midlands.
For those requiring lunch we have arranged to meet at the Blaina Wharf Carvery NP20 2FN
 which is located 100 yards from the meeting venue. 
Meet sharp at 11.45 a.m.to enable seating together.

Sunday 30^th. April
The area is delighted that Rosemary Langdon of Blackmore and Langdon has agreed to give a talk to members.
    An event not to be missed.
Followed by pictures of 2016 shows by John Chiswell.
Also, plant and tuber sale of named varieties.
Venue: Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ. Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.
There will be the usual Sunday lunch prior to the meeting at the Moorend Spout, Kingshill,  Nailsea BS48 2BB at 12 noon prompt.
For bookings, please telephone Tony Willoughby 01275 854035.

For further information on both events contact Gary Dando on 01761 432739

2016

AREA SHOW
Sunday 21^st. August
BIDEFORD SHOW  The Pannier Market, Bideford.
Judge: Phil Champion
SCHEDULE     RESULTS     PICTURES

AREA MEETING
Joint meeting in conjunction with South Wales Area
Sunday 3^rd. April
Both areas are delighted to welcome
 Samuel and Elizabeth Kennedy  from the Scottish Begonia Society.
 An event not to be missed.
Further details will be advised. Also, plant and tuber sale of named varieties.

Venue: Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ.
 Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.

2015
AREA SHOW
Sunday 23^rd August
BIDEFORD SHOW  The Pannier Market, Bideford.
Judges: Chris and Sandra Davies
SCHEDULE     RESULTS     PICTURES

MEETINGS

Joint meeting in conjunction with South Wales Area

Sunday 29th March at 2.30 p.m.
Both areas are delighted to welcome Ian Donaldson, Scottish Bloom Champion.
Further details will be advised. Also, plant and tuber sale of named varieties.
Venue: Grove Sports Centre, St Marys Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ. Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.

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.
 

2014

AREA SHOW
Sunday 17^th. August
BIDEFORD SHOW  The Pannier Market, Bideford.
Chris and Sandra Davis trainee Judges overseen by senior Judge Ian Rhys Williams
I would suggest anyone coming to the Bideford Show should contact The Royal Hotel for potential accommodation as the one used previously has now closed down. The Tel No is 01237 472005. -  Mike Avis Show Secretary
SCHEDULE          ENTRY FORM          RESULTS          PICTURES
Show Secretary's report of last year's Show  Pictures

MEETINGS
Sunday 6^th. April at 2.30 p.m.
GENERAL PUBLIC MEETING
Presentation by
IAN RHYS WILLIAMS
(Growing for Garden Displays – hanging baskets, growing medium, feeding & display settings)
Plant/tuber sale of named begonias
 Venue: Grove Sports & social Club,
St Mary's Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ. Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.
For further information/directions contact Gary Dando on 01761 432739
For those requiring lunch at the Moorend Spout, Nailsea (BS48 4BB) at 12 noon telephone 01275 854035 to book

2013

AREA SHOW
Sunday 18^th. August
BIDEFORD SHOW  The Pannier Market, Bideford.
Judge Andrew MacDougall
SCHEDULE     ENTRY FORM     RESULTS     SHOW SECRETARY'S REPORT

MEETINGS
Sunday 7^th. April at 2.30 p.m. - Meeting and Plant Sale
Speaker  Ian Rhys Williams.  Plant and tuber sale of named varieties.
 Venue: Grove Sports Centre, St Mary's Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ. Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.
For further information/directions contact Gary Dando on 01761 432739

2012

AREA SHOW
Sunday 5^th. August
BIDEFORD SHOW  The Pannier Market, Bideford.

SCHEDULE     RESULTS     PICTURES

MEETINGS
Sunday 25^th March 2.30pm .  Dave Coates, current National Champion will be our guest speaker.
 Plus, plant & tuber sale of named varieties.
Further details

Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ.  Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.

2011

AREA SHOW
Sunday 14^th. August
Judge  Barry Walker 
BIDEFORD SHOW  The Pannier Market, Bideford.
Information and schedules from Mike Avis on 01237 475914 or email: michael.avis@virgin.net
SCHEDULE          PICTURES OF LAST YEAR'S SHOW 

MEETINGS
Sunday 3^rd. April  2.15pm . Bob Bryce, top pot & bloom grower will be the Speaker.
 Also plant & tuber sale of named varieties.
Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ.  Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.

2010

ANNUAL SHOW
Sunday 15^th. August.
BIDEFORD SHOW  The Pannier Market, Bideford.
Information and schedules from Mike Avis on 01237 475914 or email: michael.avis@virgin.net
SCHEDULE     RESULTS     REPORT & PICTURES

MEETINGS
MEETING & PLANT SALE
Sunday 11th. April  2.30pm
Illustrated talk by top grower and exhibitor, Jack Larter.
 Lessons with tips we can all learn from. Followed by a plant and tuber sale of named varieties.
Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ.  Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.
For further information/directions contact Basil Billinger 01275 855675 or email: b.c.billinger@talktalk.net

2009 ANNUAL SHOW
Sunday 9^th. August.
The Pannier Market, Bideford.
SCHEDULE          RESULTS          PICTURES

MEETINGS
ANNUAL MEETING & PLANT SALE
Sunday 5th. April  2.30pm Speaker Dennis Need Followed by Plant Sale.
Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ.  Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.
For further information/directions contact Basil Billinger 01275 855675 or email: b.c.billinger@talktalk.net

Gary Dando's magnificent display of begonias at the Shepton Mallet Show in September 2008

2008 ANNUAL SHOW
Sunday 10^th. August.
The Pannier Market, Bideford.
Judge: Dave Coates
  SCHEDULE          RESULTS          PICTURES
Information and schedules from Mike Avis on 01237 475914 or email: michael.avis@virgin.net

MEETINGS
BRISTOL & DISTRICT MEETING
Sunday 6th. April  2.30pm
Talk by John Taylor “Begonias – My Way” followed by a plant sale.
Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ.  Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5.
For further information/directions contact Basil Billinger 01275 855675 or email: b.c.billinger@talktalk.net

Spring Meeting  6^th. April  2008
            The first Area meeting under the stewardship of our newly appointed Area Representative, Gary Dando, took place at Grove Sports Centre, Nailsea, North Somerset on Sunday 6^th. April. Some member met up for lunch prior and around 40 attended the meeting. Many travelled some considerable distance, a round trip of over 400 miles for some. It was evidently well worth the effort.

   John Taylor gave a talk on “Growing begonias – his way”. After a break for the plant/tuber sale John followed this up with some slides of his recent visits to New Zealand. The begonias were absolutely stunning, in particular the pendulas. The round of applause following John’s talk was completely spontaneous and well deserved.

   John was accompanied by Dave Staines and Mags and their willingness to travel such a distance has set the Area up for the future. The next event is the Area Show that takes place on Sunday 10^th August at The Pannier Market, Bideford, North Devon.

Report & pictures by Basil Billinger

2007
ANNUAL SHOW
Sunday 12^th. August.
The Pannier Market, Bideford.
REPORT & PICTURES

CLEVEDON SHOW
REPORT & PICTURES

MEETINGS
BRISTOL & DISTRICT MEETING
Sunday 1st. April  2.30pm
Guest Speaker John Chiswell, National Blooms Champion 2006 - "The Begonia year" covers all aspects of growing.
Followed by a Plant Sale of John's named varieties.
Grove Sports Centre, Nailsea, North Somerset.
(sign posted off Queens Road - "Christ Church - Grove Sports opposite the "Ring of Bells")
Only 10 minutes off junction either 19 or 20 of the M5.
For further details or directions please contact Basil Billinger 01275 855675

Spring Meeting 1st. April  2007
   Approximately 40 people came along including Andrew MacDougall’s party from Birmingham to give support, 2 from across the water in Wales and 12 locals brought in by local advertising and press coverage.   The rest were SW members who travelled from as far a field as Kingsteignton, Exeter and Tiverton in Devon and from Taunton and the Mendip area in Somerset as well as some more local members.
   John’s talk was entitled “The Begonia Year” and covered all aspect of John’s inventive and at times different methods of growing.  Besides his prize winning begonias he also gave a snapshot of his previous successes with chrysanthemums.   It was very well received indeed and members were able to obtain Show and Rex Begonia plants that John had brought along.

Pictures below:
The attendance of 40, Speaker John Chiswell, SW Display board featuring National & SW Shows 2006, Blackmore & Langdon, Bellcross Nurseries and local greenhouses and gardens.

Report & pictures by Basil Billinger

ARTICLES RELATING TO THE SOUTH WEST AREA
Begonia Trial through the Mendips          Members Greenhouses - Tony Willoughby
.
An early Visit to B&L Spring 2008
.