An Invitation to Join

Situated in North Somerset Village the Yatton and District Horticultural Society exists to stimulate interest in all aspects of horticulture, and to arrange talks, demonstrations, garden trips and shows. We also get involved in community work, such as public bulb planting and so on.

Shows

Perhaps the best known of the Society’s activities, three take place annually (Spring, Summer and Autumn) on Saturdays in the Yatton Village Hall (The Causeway, Yatton, BS49 4HL – between High Street and St Mary The Virgin Church). Each show reflects the fruit, flowers and vegetables of the season in which it is held, with a wide range of entry classes appealing to those interested in Floral Art, Homecraft, Handicrafts and Photography – and, not forgetting the younger members of the community, classes for the children. There are also family classes and classes for the local schools.

The display of exhibits on show days is always well worth seeing, for inspiration or just as a casual viewer, and the day would not be complete without a cake and cup of tea, or a visit to the stalls offering plants for sale.

The major event of the year is undoubtedly the Summer Show, which spills out of the Village Hall onto the Glebelands outside. Here the visitor will find various additional exhibits, displays, trading stalls, plants for sale and entertainment. Linked to the Summer Show, the Society promotes and organises the allotments competition on behalf of Yatton Parish Council, with a prize for the best kept allotment and best newcomer.

Talks, Outings and more…

Outings are arranged to gardens of particular interest. These are usually on a Saturday.

The onset of Autumn marks the start of the Society’s monthly horticultural talks at Hangstones Pavilion, Stowey Road, Yatton BS49 4HS. These take place on the third Thursday of the month between September and April, and cover a wide range of topics given by a variety of expert speakers, with a reduced admission price for members. Another Autumn activity is the annual seed order. Dobies and Suttons seed catalogues are made available to members to help them select seeds and plants for planting the following year – at a generous discount!

Among the other benefits available to members is a 10% discount at the Blue Diamond Cadbury Garden Centre on all plant and garden products. A 10% discount at Congresbury Garden Centre on Smallway and at Banwell Garden Centre, Banwell. A gazebo and a 6m x 3m party tent, normally used at the Summer Show, is also available for hire by members at other times of the year.

Whether you are new to gardening or already enjoy its recreational or tangible benefits, becoming a member and joining in the activities can greatly enhance your pleasure. New members can learn from those more experienced, whilst “old hands” can gain and share knowledge. We are always willing to assist in answering any gardening questions at any of our meetings or shows. Those who fancy a challenge can enter the various show categories, and encouraging children or grandchildren may sow the seeds for the Horticultural Society of the future. Everyone is welcome to enter any class and to visit the shows.

Joining

Whether you have always lived in or around the Village of Yatton in North Somerset or are new to the area, why not come and take part? Membership costs a modest £5.00 per annum for an entire household. You will receive newsletters and advance copies of the show schedules, as well as all of the benefits outlined above.