Did you know that Ruislip has its own Gardening Society? The Ruislip Central Horticulture Society (RCHS) has been an active part of the Ruislip Community since 1940, when it was formed as part of the “Dig for Victory” campaign. Over the 77 years of its existence it has provided advice, expertise and encouraged the sharing of experiences through its shows and talks. The membership is open to all irrespective of age. The youngest member is 4 years old and has already submitted entries in the Children’s section and the oldest is over 90 and she displays exhibits in every Show. The Society keeps abreast of changes in horticulture and seeks to respond to the wishes of its members.
The RCHS would like to encourage more Ruislip household to join. What can you expect when you join? First throughout the year the Society has a varied programme of talks, excursions and workshops. The talks are given by experts in their field and the topics covered, for example, have included Heritage Plants; Colour in the garden; 40 years of gardening tips. As speakers we have welcomed Matthew Biggs, Christine Walkden, Jim Buttress and Pipa Greenwood. The excursion this year was to Highgrove Royal Gardens and members and guests had a guided tour around the grounds.
The RCHS also has three Shows a year at the Great Barn in Ruislip. The Shows are designed to allow both expert growers and beginners to display their gardening ability and enthusiasm and everyone has something in the garden that can be displayed. The Society believes that a lot is learnt by sharing tips and advice with each other. All members can exhibit at the shows without charge. A schedule of the flowers, plants and vegetables that can be entered is on the RCHS website and there are also categories for craft, flower arranging and photography – so you see there is really no excuse. The RCHS has also developed links with local schools to showcase their horticultural talents.
There are other benefits to joining the Society: automatic membership of the Ruislip Cacti Section; access to the Eastcote Trading Hut were, on production of your membership card, you can buy plants, compost and other gardening paraphernalia; a 10% discount at Ducks Hill Garden Centre.
The Society welcomes all who have an interest in Horticulture. You definitely do not have to be an expert or have “green fingers” just enthusiasm and interest. Membership is £5 per household per year. The RCHS has a web site that is open to all with details on what is going on in the Society. At the moment the committee are putting together the programme for 2018 and which it is hoped will appeal to existing and new members.
However the programme for 2017 is not finished and on Tuesday, 21st November, there will be a talk by Patricia Thirion and Janet Honour on Creating a Chelsea Flower Garden. The talk starts at 8pm in St Lawrence Church Hall HA5 2SJ. For members the cost is £3 and for guests £5. The final event is the Christmas Workshop, led by Margaret McIntosh. Again this will be at St Lawrence Church Hall but it is an afternoon event starting at 2pm. Margaret will be getting us to make our own Christmas table decoration. The tickets cost £5 pp and include all basic equipment e.g. oasis, foliage, fir cones and festive food. If you would like tickets or more information contact Patricia via the website.
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Historically, Ruislip is in the hundred of Elthorne, in the county of Middlesex, but for modern administrative purposes it is part of the London Borough of Hillingdon. Answers to many questions about services in and around Ruislip can be found on Hillingdon’s website:
Areas surrounding Ruislip are covered by other Residents’ Associations, so here are links to them:
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