Talk, Darwin and the Galapagos, with David Dennis, Thursday 20th August 2026, 7:45pm, Church Centre, Featherbed Lane

David Dennis’s talk is in two parts. In the first, he traces Charles Darwin’s early life, his career as a scientist and the effect of his Theory of Evolution on Victorian Society.

In the second part, David uses his own photographs to take us to the Galapagos Islands where Darwin’s ideas began to develop, documenting their landscapes and their spectacular wildlife.

80th Annual Show, Saturday 5th September 2026, Holmer Green Village Centre

Our Annual Show features flowers, fruit, vegetables, domestic classes (cakes, jams and so on), photography and, of course, classes for junior entrants under 16 years of age. The Village Centre will be open from 8:45am to 10:45 for the placement of exhibits and the Show opens to the public from 2:00pm, with the presentation of prizes at 3:30. Admission is free and refreshments are available for purchase.

Talk, Matthew Flinders: The Man Who Named Australia, with James Cadle, Thursday 15th October 2026, 7:45pm, Church Centre, Featherbed Lane

The name of Matthew Flinders is little known in the UK but widely known and admired in Australia. He proved that Tasmania is an island and produced the first detailed map of the Australian coast; and he popularised the use of ‘Australia’ as the name for the continent. In this talk, James Cadle describes the career of this pioneering explorer.

Talks at the Prestwood Gardening Society

Don't forget that we have a reciprocal arrangement with our friends in the Prestwood Gardening Society whereby our members can attend each other's talks at no cost. You can view Prestwood's programme here: Events Calendar - Prestwood Gardening Society (e-voice.org.uk)

Music on the Common 2026

Many thanks to everyone who helped out on our stand on 18th July and also to the many members who donated plants for our sale. Over £200 was raised from the sale.

Change to the date of our AGM

Please note that our 2026 Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 26th November 2026, at the Church Centre in Featherbed Lane, starting at 7:45. This is a change from the date originally advertised.

Trading Store open for 2026

Our Trading Store is fully open for business each Sunday morning. Copies of the 2026 Show Schedule are also available at the Store.

No more discounts at Hildreth's Garden Centre or Peterley Manor Farm

From 1st September 2025, Hildreth's no longer offer our members the 10% discount on horticultural purchases. Apparently, this is because they have launched their own loyalty card costing, we believe, £5 per annum. We also understand that discounts are no longer offered by Peterley Manor Farm.