Welshpool celebrates two-thirds of a century of horticultural excellence

OVER SIX and a half decades of local gardening was celebrated by the Welshpool and District Horticultural Society with the opening of the 66th annual spring show.

Adopting the theme ‘Spring Carnival’ the Welshpool Memorial Hall was transformed into a tapestry of colour and an infusion of delicate fragrances for the two-day event.

The annual flower show draws a large crowd of locals and visitors every year attracted by the region’s reputation as a premier destination for lovers of gardens.

Society President Pru Fleming praised the outstanding quality of this year's entries, particularly highlighting the floral displays. "The roses are spectacular this year. We’ve got more roses than usual," Ms Fleming said.

“We do two shows a year. We do a spring show and an autumn show. We have judges from Melbourne and Warragul and there are over 600 exhibits.”

Visitors were encouraged to wander through the onsite nursery to purchase local plants while others queued up for homemade Devonshire teas and light refreshments.

Society Life Member Arie Bos opened this year’s show followed by guest speaker Tom Reakes who introduced Rob Gyles author of ‘A Local Triumph’.

Mr Gyles has spent many hours chronicling the rich 66-year history of the Welshpool and District Horticultural Society archiving more than 2,000 documents and 800 photographs unearthed from bottom drawers and back-issues of the Foster Mirror.

The book highlights the community spirit that built the Memorial Hall from the ground up. "Every brick in the place was handmade by the people of Welshpool," Gyles noted.

"I interviewed one of the people who had helped make the bricks when he was 15 years old. It’s about ordinary people who have done extraordinary things," said Mr Gyles who credited the collaborative efforts of many people who had helped him complete the book project including his grandson, Finn Tully, who designed the book cover.

Mr Gyles also extended his gratitude to co-contributor Dr Mary Ellis, who helped put the book together and write the foreword.  "The club has been going for 66 years and has been a central meeting point for the community," said Gyles.

"It really has been a meeting place for Welshpool and district."

The book is already selling fast with only 100 copies printed. "I’m hoping it will be a sell-out," said Gyles revealing that 60 copies had already been sold. Copies are available at the Atticus Bookshop and Gallery, local libraries, and regional historical societies.

The book features vintage photos, seasonal newsletters, past show schedules, meeting minutes, financial statements, and press clippings. Adding a highly personal touch, the collection also incorporates unique ‘mini biographies’ highlighting the personal journeys and motivations of original members as told by their families.