2011 saw the 125th Anniversary of the founding of Hayling Island Horticultural Society. The event was celebrated by an Anniversary Dinner and some special classes in the Shows. The cover of the 2011 Year Book was a special edition with illustrations of Victorian Gardening, specially designed by artist Mich'll Kenworthy.
The Society holds three Shows a year at the Hayling Island Community Association Centre. The Shows are open to both members and non-members. Admittance is £1.00, but any exhibitor showing more than two exhibits has free entry. Children get in free with accompanying adults. The disabled have entry to the Shows at 1.30pm, half an hour before the general public. A feature of the Shows is the splendid afternoon teas with home made cakes.
The Spring Show in April has the theme of Daffodils, the Early Summer Show is held in June with the theme of Sweet Peas and Roses and the Main Summer Show takes place in September with the theme of Dahlias and Horticulture. There is always plenty to see of interest with photography, handicrafts, cookery junior classes and floral art in addition to the flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Hayling Island Horticultural Society is proud of being awarded Hampshire Show of the Year on many occasions and last won it in 2006 for the Spring Show plus a Large Gold Award. Show of the Year has now been discontinued by the Hampshire Federation, but may be resurrected for special years.
The 2012 shows will be held at the Hayling Island Community Association Centre, Station Road, West Town as follows:
For details of Shows, please contact Gill Swift, Show Recorder, 023 9246 8359 or Jan Mitchell, Publicity Officer 023 9246 5147. To become a member, please contact Janet Lark, Membership Secretary, 023 9246 3538.
Talks, which are free to members and just £1.00 for visitors, including refreshments, are held at the United Reformed Church Hall, Hollow Lane, Mengham, Hayling Island, at 2.30pm on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
The 2012 - 2013 programme of talks is as follows:
The A.G.M . will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 November 2012 at the URC Hall.
This year's outings have been organised by Eve Osborne, Outing Organiser.
Booking for all outings is from mid January 2012.
The HIHS Holiday will be a coach trip to the Isle of Man in September 2012. All details can be obtained from Bill Biggs, Chairman, 023 9246 8789.
The Trading Centre offers an extensive range of gardening supplies at very favourable prices. Items not displayed may be specially ordered from the catalogue on request at the counter.
The Centre is run by volunteer members for the benefit of all members and there is usually somebody on hand to give advice and help when needed.
Membership cards must be shown when making purchases.
The Centre is on the telephone - 0780 0839 911 - for enquiries during opening hours and on Thursday mornings. To help, contact the Trading Manager, 023 9246 4654.
February to June inclusive
Sundays and Wednesdays 9.30am to 12.00 noon
July to January inclusive
Sundays 10.00am to 12.00 noon
The Centre is closed over the Christmas period.
We welcome new members who are able to help at the Trading Centre and with many aspects of the three shows - setting up, stewarding, catering and clearing up.
To contact us: Janet Lark, Membership Secretary, 023 9246 3538