Glynneath and District Horticultural Society

Glynneath Horticultural Society was founded in 1984 and it is still going strong. The Society exists to promote horticulture in the Glynneath area and its annual "Flower and Vegetable Show" is always held on the first Saturday in September at the Town Hall, Glynneath. The Show not only has sections for flowers and vegetables to be exhibited in but also domestic and children's sections. A photography competition was introduced in 2007.

2008 is an exciting year for the Society as all the classes for exhibits in the Show have been reviewed and the Show schedule, which lists things like the classes and rules, is being made available free of charge. The children's section has been redesigned and there is now something for all ages to enter. The photography competition brings a new dimension to the Show as more and more people take up digital photography as a hobby.

Although the annual Show is the main focus of the Society's work other activities have been organised. Group trips have taken place to visit gardens and horticultural shows in the locality and further afield. There have been plant sales and swaps. Evening talks and slideshows on gardening topics have taken place during the long winter months. And in early 2008 a new gardening club has been launched.

The thinking behind the gardening club is to provide somewhere within Glynneath for people interested in gardening to be able to meet socially and informally on a regular basis. Membership is open to anyone. Glynneath Training Centre is the venue for the club with members meeting up in the evening at 7.00pm on the second Wednesday every month and in the day at 1.30pm on the fourth Friday every month.

Lots of club activities are planned. Talks and slideshows will feature and be organised to meet the needs of members. Topics could include "garden design" or "growing your own vegetables". Practical demonstrations are likely to take place, for example, on "how to prune shrubs" or "how to make a hanging basket". Visits to gardens, shows and allotments are intended. Plant sales and swaps could be held. Club members would be able to exchange gardening tips or ideas. The emphasis will be on members enjoying the various club activities and making gardening inspiring, productive and fun.

A copy of our 2008 Annual Show schedule is available from June 2008 free of charge from Glynneath Training Centre, Oddfellows Street, Glynneath (up until 18 July 2008) or, if you prefer, these items can be e mailed to you.

For any further information about Glynneath and District Horticultural Society then please contact Graham Morris, the Society's development officer, by phone on 01639 722105 or by e-mail grahamghs@aol.com. Enjoy your gardening!