Autumn News 2026

Our 101st Annual Show was held at the Fitzjames Hall in King's School, Bruton, on Saturday 22nd August. Another hot year inevitably limited the number of floral, veg and fruit entries but by show day we had just under 500 entries in a wide range of classes. Special thanks to the show team of Anne Jelliffe, Helen Parker and Deborah Duffy who made the show happen; the committee who were so invaluable for set-up and on show day; and friends, visitors, judges, Scouts and the school staff for their help. We have much appreciated the kind comments that we have received as feedback. See a full gallery of photos on our website.
We had a lovely Summer social in June, despite the threatened and actual thunderstorms and a series of wonderful garden visits through the summer.
In early April we received the news that our dear friend and only recently retired committee member Sue Bradder had died unexpectedly after a short illness. The Society donated to Perennial in memory of Sue, her wonderful gardening life and her horticultural prowess. We miss her.

COMMITTEE We welcomed Sue Marlow and Kate Dawson to the committee in the summer and both helped us with the show. By the end of the year, Deborah Gibson, after an above-and-beyond 5 years of organising visits, will step down from this role. Jane Hodges, after 10+ years as Secretary, will step down from her role once we get a replacement sorted. Both will stay on the committee. If you would like to join the committee and help us organise our full programme of events then please call Janet on 0753 085 2418.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT Alison Bleasdale
CHAIR, MEMBERSHIP, VISITS ADMIN, WEBSITE Janet Jones
VICE CHAIR, VISITS, SEED ORDERS Deborah Gibson
SECRETARY Jane Hodges
TREASURER Hugh Wauton
SPEAKERS Caroline Rathbone
SHOW TEAM Anne Jelliffe
SHOW TEAM Helen Parker
SHOW TEAM Debs Duffy
RAFFLE Felicity Smith
REFRESHMENTS Sarah Waller
COMMITTEE MEMBER Sue Marlow
COMMITTEE MEMBER Kate Dawson

DISCOUNT BUYS
Castle Gardens discount cards are available at our Autumn talks. These now show a barcode, which is unique to our Society and can be swiped at the till on multiple visits, so please retain your card as it may be used as long as stock is available within the dates specified.

SEEDS
Copies of Dobies and Thompson & Morgan catalogues will be available at the Autumn talks. The discount for seeds is up to 50% and up to 20% for all other items. Please ensure you have the discount code before you place your order. Contact Deborah Gibson on deborahmarygibson@icloud or phone 0771 137 7684

Our programme of AUTUMN TALKS began on Monday 21st September. The Winter Lunch will be held on Saturday 23rd January 2027 at The Stapleton Arms, Buckhorn Weston, SP8 5HS. See details on the Programme page.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2027:
SATURDAY 15th MAY Plant Sale/Coffee Morning at Bruton Community Hall. Note that this is later than usual to try and ensure that we don’t clash with other local plant sales
MONDAY 21st JUNE Summer Social at Elliscombe House
SATURDAY 21st AUGUST Annual Show at Kings School, Bruton.