Nork Residents' Association

The Banstead Horticultural Society (BHS) was the original idea of the Rev Arthur P.Hopkinson with the objective to promote horticulture within the Parish of Banstead by means of lectures, discussions, exhibitions and the exchange of plants and advice.

The Fur and Feather Association was the forerunner of the Banstead Horticultural Society which held its annual shows of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, cats, fruit, vegetables and domestic classes at the Riding School in Nork Park owned by Nigel Colman. The first show was held on 23 July 1932 at Court Lodge, the home of Mr. Gordon Braddy, with the catering rights given to the Scotch Cake company in Purley. The show was opened by Mrs. Southby, wife of the local MP with alcoholic refreshments provided by Mrs. Gilbert of the Victoria. A punch ball match was held at 5pm, a tug of war at 6pm and the distribution of prizes at 7.30pm! Additional entertainment was provided by Banstead Prize Band in preference to a mobile organ. In 1939 the show was held in Banstead

Connections with well known local people
Many well known people and families have had connections with the society. They include: Derek Mcculloch (Uncle Mac of childrens radio), Commander Southby, Lady Carr and the Garton, Trollop, Edwards, Wingrove, Marshall and Baple families. In addition, Stafford Rayner,Ray Joslyn and John Goddard who were also national exhibitors.

Over the years, the quality of the exhibits at the shows has received much praise, with the society gaining an enviable reputation as the best organised and set out show around. Many of the exhibitors who started exhibiting have also gone on to exhibit at national level. They include Terry Smale, Peter Smith, Dennis Franklin, Christina Samways and Norman Harris who obtained 2 firsts at the National Dahlia show

The new show schedule for 2011 has now been announced. There are no major changes but a lot of minor details have changed.

Some classes have been dropped or amended while some sizes or numbers have been changed.

Show dates for 2011
All shows are at the Banstead Community Hall, Park Road and are held on a Saturday.
Summer Show - July 30
Autumn Show - September 17
Late Autmn Show - November 5

To see past shows see: Past Shows

MEMBERSHIP
The society has a good exhibitor base, but its membership is increasingly centred round exhibitor’s families. Like all societies, the committee needs more people to volunteer to help to ensure its future. It is constantly adjusting its schedule to reflect modern trends and looks forward to the next 25 years, seeking to add to its membership and exhibitor base. For more information and on membership contact our secretary Neil Watson on 01737359409.

The Show Secretary is seeking your help. People are needed to help set up the shows and to steward. Setting up starts at 7pm on the Friday before the show. We need table humpers at this time and any other helpers at 7.30. We also need help to tidy up after 11.00am on show days.