"It is quite time a Begonia Society should be formed. There
can be no question about the success. The Society should have
several shows a year, under auspices which would bring lovers of
this flower together, and influence their friends to become growers.
They could not withstand the inducement, ocular demonstration of the
beauty, and advantages this flower has over all others for
decoration as well as bedding".
C.A.Farini wrote the above in his book
published in 1895, but it was over 50 years later that the first seeds
were born.
1945 a Mr
Burgess visited a Mr Simpson and on seeing the magnificent display of
begonias in the latter's greenhouse in Birmingham suggested that they
form a society ( he was probably not aware that The Scottish Begonia
Society had been formed a few years previously). The idea slowly gained
impetus and in 1948 an inaugural meeting was held, it was agreed
that the Society should be known as THE NATIONAL BEGONIA SOCIETY OF
ENGLAND AND WALES. Mr L.A.Simpson was appointed Chairman and Mr
F.Burgess Secretary/Treasurer. The annual subscription was set at
10/6d. Later that year Mr F.J.Bedson was appointed as the Society's
first President, Mr Burgess resigned and Mr Simpson was appointed
Secretary.
1949 The first Annual
General Meeting was held at the R.H.S rooms London, membership was
reported at 76. That same year Mr Simpson staged a group of
begonias at the City of Birmingham Show. An enrolment form was
completed by a Mr F.J. Martin - this gentleman was to play a major part
in the Society's activities for many years to come.
1950
Mr Bedson resigned as President and was superseded by Mr M.W.Beer.
Mr J.Woolman.VMH appointed Chairman. The first Annual Show
was held in September, at the City of Birmingham Show. Membership stood
at 108.
Mr W.Hudson organised a decorated advisory bureau at the Southport Show,
and continued to do so for over 25 years.
1951
Mr Bedson produced the first
multi-paged bulletin (single sheet newsletters had been produced prior
to this).
1956
Mr Martin appointed Secretary/Treasurer.
1957
Mr Simpson appointed President.
1959
Title of the Society changed to THE BRITISH BEGONIA SOCIETY. This
resulted in a protest from The Scottish Begonia Society and in 1960
THE NATIONAL BEGONIA SOCIETY was adopted.
1960
Membership 352.
1961
Mr Martin awarded Gold Medal.
1962
The Society's first Annual Show in London.
1966
Annual subscription raised to 12/6d. Membership 493.
1969
At the 20th Annual National Show 258 pots and 333 cut blooms were
exhibited. Membership 564.
1973
The first Annual Show at Southsea. Annual Subscription raised to
£1.
1975
The Secretary/Treasurer Mr F.J. Martin passed away. Membership
1250.
1976
Dr E.Catterall appointed Secretary. Subs. raised to £1.50
1979
Membership 883.
1984
Mr V.A.Spurr appointed Chairman.
1990
Membership 900
1991
The City of Ballaarat in South Australia donated their first
special award to the Society for the best un-named new variety submitted
by an amateur . First award presented to Mr J.Allely for his seedling
named "Yellow Elegance"This award is different each year and
retained by the winner.
1993
Subs. raised to £3.
1995
Subs. raised to £5.
1996
Dr Catterall passed away. Mr C.Nicklin appointed
Secretary. Subs raised to £6. Membership 600.
1998
Mr C Welsh appointed Chairman. Mr Spurr awarded Gold Medal.
1999
Subs. raised to £6.50.
2000
Mr M Webb appointed President.
2002
Mr A Harris appointed Secretary.
