Welcome to the Lowdham Horticultural Society!
Lowdham is a village 8 miles north-east of Nottingham with a population of about 1600, in an area with a long horticultural history: the Bramley apple was raised 6 miles distant, the apple fell on Newton's head 15 miles away!
The village amenities host a very active social calendar for the residents, who in turn give a very warm welcome to members and participants from further afield. These activities include a Cricket Club, Youth Football and Netball Teams, a Book Festival and, of course, the Horticultural Society
The Society was founded in 1893 and comprises a very active group of members covering all age ranges (including Juniors), whose interests span horticulture, handicrafts, cookery and photography.
We stage three shows a year: the Spring Show for daffodils, tulips, spring flowers and plants; an Annual Show on August Bank Holiday, including comprehensive displays of vegetables, fruit, flowers, produce, handicrafts, photography and flower arranging; an Apple Day in late Autumn presenting large collections of apples and other fruit along with apple tasting, home made jams and so on.
We take advantage of the long summer evenings to arrange visits to gardens and other places of interest. There is a Winter Programme of presentations and talks to broaden our interest and remind us of summer.
We are Affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society. Our subscription fees are low, with significant benefits including a discounted seed scheme and subsidised trips.
Dates for your diary - 2011/12
- Committee Meeting - September 23rd
- AGM - October 14th
- Apple Day 11:00am to 4:00pm - October 16th
- Talk: Lake District - November 4th
- Talk: China - legacy of the emperors - December 9th
- Social with the History Society - January 20th
- Committee Meeting - January 27th
- Talk: Australia (held in the WI Hall) - February 17th
- Talk: Passions, potions and poisons - March 16th
- Spring Show 11:00am to 4:00pm - April 1st
- Committee Meeting (held in the WI Hall) - May 4th
- Summer Social (held in the WI Hall) - June 8th
- Committee Meeting - July 6th
- Committee Meeting - July 27th
- Annual Show 1:00pm - August 27th
Summer visits for 2012 to be arranged.
Unless otherwise specified all events are held in the Village Hall starting at 7:30pm,
Annual Show - August 29th 2011
The 2011 Annual Show was held in Lowdham Village Hall Grounds on Monday August 29th.
The morning’s weather was breezy with patches of drizzle but, by the afternoon, dry and bright weather blew in and we were able to enjoy the outside activities in pleasant conditions. The number of visitors was about the same as in 2009, slightly down on the 2010 attendance.
The strong tradition of horticultural displays, originally started in 1893, continued with classes for vegetables, flowers, fruit, produce, flower arranging and Young People exhibits being displayed in the large marquee.
The photographic section was displayed in the Village Hall with 95 photographs showing Gardeners, Night Time, Berries and Wheels. The handicraft section was staged alongside the photographs.
There was keen competition for the 21 Special Awards and Trophies Lowdham Leisureworld kindly sponsored the top two entries in the Horticultural Sections.
Overall the number of entries in the horticultural classes were up on last year. The newly introduced Novice Classes attracted 14 entries. The photographic entries were up, but the produce and handicraft were slightly down on last year.
During the afternoon we enjoyed the Carlton Brass, a Punch and Judy Show, Aurora’s Carnival, the spectacular Flying Angels and other displays. Following the previous Friday’s rain there was just enough water in the Dover Beck to enable the 140 ducks to swim in the Duck Race!
Frances Finn from Radio Nottingham presented the prizes and was followed by the Raffle and the auction of surplus produce.
Once again a very successful, enjoyable show.
Apple Day – Sunday October 16th 2011
11:00am to 4:00pm in the Village Hall
This will be our fifth Apple Day and will follow a similar format to our four previous successful shows.
The centrepiece of the show will, as in the previous years, be the display of over 100 varieties of apples. Pears and other fruit will also be on display.
A new feature for 2011 will be the display of Gregg’s Pit Cider and Perry products.
The range of jams and chutneys produced by the Society – up to 28 varieties of fruit jams (including Fig and Apple, Morello Cherry, Peach and Raspberry) and Courgette Chutney – have been much in demand. Let’s see what this year’s crop brings.
On our Apple Tasting stall you will be able to compare apples such as Winter Gem, Crowngold, Fiesta, Spartan, Ingrid Marie etc and, when you have found one to your liking, buy a pound or two.
If you do not know the variety of apple growing in your garden bring a couple along with you, our Apple Identification and Advice Panel will help with identification.
There will be a range of associated craft and produce stalls and refreshments will be available throughout (including pork and apple cobs).
Hope to see you there.
Location
Our events are held in the Village Hall and, for the Annual Show, in a marquee erected at the side of the Village Hall. The Village Hall is in the centre of the village opposite The Old Ship public house.
The centre of the village is to the north of the traffic island where the A6097 and the A612 meet. The area's post code is NG14 7BD. Click here to view the location in Google Maps.
Contact
If you would like further information, a Schedule for the Annual Show or have a query, please e-mail us at .