The Society was originally founded to encourage allotmenteering and it is again very much in vogue to have an allotment.  We are fortunate to have several allotments within the delightful Walled Garden at Halstead Place.  Barrie Blundell (01959 533084) is at the helm, so telephone him about availability.  Produce grown on the allotments often wins prizes at our Shows, in particular our Autumn Show.

Three Shows take place each year at Halstead Village Hall where silver cups are awarded.  It is interesting to read the names on the cups, some of which were donated decades ago.  The Spring Show is in the evening on the fourth Thursday in March, when it is a joy to see an abundance of daffodils, tulips, polyanthus and bulbs grown in pots.  On the fourth Thursday in June our Summer Sweet Pea and Rose Show is held, and at the beginning of September - usually the first Saturday - our Autumn Show is held in the afternoon at the Village Hall.  There are classes for vegetables, fruit, cookery, arts and crafts, photography and flower arranging.  There are seven children’s classes, and the Pat Lewis Trophy is presented to the child with the highest aggregate number of points.

The thriving gardening club at Halstead Community Primary School is encouraged by members of the Society, who often lend a hand when needed.

Talks on Horticultural topics are held at the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m. on the fourth Thursdays of February, April, July, September and October.  Visitors are always welcome at a minimal charge.  Our AGM is held on the fourth Thursday in November and strangely popular with mince pies and wine tasting !

Coach outings are always popular and these usually take place in June, where over the years we have visited many, many wonderful gardens.  Sometimes an “Autumn Colours” outing is included.  Each May we have an evening outing to a fairly local garden, followed by a convivial supper at a pub or restaurant.

Every other year in May or June the Society opens a number of gardens to raise funds for charity.  The whole village becomes involved and many thousands of pounds are raised, to be divided equally between St.Margaret’s Church and another worthwhile charity.

To join the Society contact Membership Secretary, Sally Nicholson, (details to the left).