A society with a spring in its step


Local resident Win Bond, secretary of Biggin Hill & District Horticultural Society, reflects on the history of this active group. Committee members are pictured by Keith Larby (akphotos.co.uk).


IN 1901 Biggin Hill was part of the parish of Cudham and was hardly a village, consisting mainly of farmland owned by the Aperfield Estate, whose owner decided to sell and divide the property into 250 building plots for sale at £10 each.


By 1922 the population had grown and interest in gardening was sufficient to enable the formation of Cudham, Biggin Hill and District Horticultural and Fanciers Association. The "Fanciers" in the title relates to an interest in


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rabbits, which continued until 1952, with the Piggott Rabbit Cup being awarded annually. This interest declined and in 1952 the Association became a Society, deleting both Cudham and Fanciers from its name. The association held its first show in 1923 and now holds three shows per year. The society has prospered, holding meetings and shows in various premises, and is now established in St. Mark's Church Hall. For a modest household subscription of £5, members can enjoy a programme of monthly evening talks on a variety of topics, as well as outings to interesting gardens. The three flower shows include categories for cookery, art and craft skills as well as a wide range of vegetables, fruit and flower categories. There are cups and awards and specialist judges, but encouraging entries is the aim. In addition the group runs an annual general knowledge quiz and an inter-society quiz, pitting Biggin Hill horticulturalists against their Bromley rivals! Each year there is a plant sale and a trade table at meetings provides a selection of basic gardening essentials. Bulky items like compost and growbags are available through an annual order. At present the society


membership covers 230 households and new members are welcome, whether they are keen gardeners, beginners or those happy to admire other people's hard work.


www.bromley.gov.uk/ldf www.bromley.gov.uk/ldf 18


“The purpose of the society is to encourage an interest in gardening and increase our knowledge by discussion amongst members,” explains Win Bond. “Most of us are not specialists, but we enjoy


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