National Begonia Society, South West Area

South West Area Area Representative Gary Dando 17 Meadow View, Radstock, Somerset BA3 3QT Tel: 01761 432739
The South West Area was formed in 1997 under the stewardship of Stewart Mathews from Torquay, who continued until Gary Dando took over this year. It is probably the largest area geographically but the smallest as far as members. We have approximately 35 members at this time stretching from Gloucestershire to Lands End! One meeting was arranged in the earlier days but the attendance was sparse and was not repeated. However, out of this evolved the SW Area Show in 1998. This is held in conjunction with the Bideford & District Cacti & Pot Plant Club. In 2006 the club celebrated its Ruby Anniversary and is the only flower show now in existence in the North Devon area. The annual show is held in August of each year. In 2006, Harry Colclough our show judge was introduced to the Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, North Somerset, as a guest speaker. Harry’s talk entitled “The Beautiful Begonia” drew a bumper attendance, which included 12 NBS members. This gave thought as to whether to attempt another meeting and the general consensus was to “give it a go”. Grove Sports Centre, Nailsea, North Somerset was prepared to supply a room and a local member, John Chiswell, from Midsomer Norton volunteered to give his first lecture on begonias. John, who had been growing begonias for 9 years, won the National Blooms Championship at the National in Birmingham in 2006. Previous to that he was a chrysanthemum grower and had won numerous national awards and Best in Shows. The date chosen was Sunday 1^st April 2007, and with such a date, it was wondered whether anyone would turn up. No need to fear.
2008 ANNUAL SHOW Sunday 10^th. August. The Pannier Market, Bideford. Judge: Dave Coates PICTURES OF 2007 SHOW MEETINGS BRISTOL & DISTRICT MEETING Sunday 6th. April 2.30pm Talk by John Taylor “Begonias – My Way” followed by a plant sale. Grove Sports Centre, St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2NQ. Just off junctions 19 or 20, M.5. For further information/directions contact Basil Billinger 01275 855675 or email: b.c.billinger@talktalk.net
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Spring Meeting 6^th. April 2008 The first Area meeting under the stewardship of our newly appointed Area Representative, Gary Dando, took place at Grove Sports Centre, Nailsea, North Somerset on Sunday 6^th. April. Some member met up for lunch prior and around 40 attended the meeting. Many travelled some considerable distance, a round trip of over 400 miles for some. It was evidently well worth the effort. John Taylor gave a talk on “Growing begonias – his way”. After a break for the plant/tuber sale John followed this up with some slides of his recent visits to New Zealand. The begonias were absolutely stunning, in particular the pendulas. The round of applause following John’s talk was completely spontaneous and well deserved. John was accompanied by Dave Staines and Mags and their willingness to travel such a distance has set the Area up for the future. The next event is the Area Show that takes place on Sunday 10^th August at The Pannier Market, Bideford, North Devon. Report & pictures by Basil Billinger
Pre -meeting Lunch.	South West Area Display Board.	John Taylor Addresses the Audience.	Plant Sale.
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2007 ANNUAL SHOW Sunday 12^th. August. The Pannier Market, Bideford. REPORT & PICTURES CLEVEDON SHOW REPORT & PICTURES MEETINGS BRISTOL & DISTRICT MEETING Sunday 1st. April 2.30pm Guest Speaker John Chiswell, National Blooms Champion 2006 - "The Begonia year" covers all aspects of growing. Followed by a Plant Sale of John's named varieties. Grove Sports Centre, Nailsea, North Somerset. (sign posted off Queens Road - "Christ Church - Grove Sports opposite the "Ring of Bells") Only 10 minutes off junction either 19 or 20 of the M5. For further details or directions please contact Basil Billinger 01275 855675
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A Spring Visit to the South West Area Representative's Greenhouses
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Spring Meeting 1st. April 2007 Approximately 40 people came along including Andrew MacDougall’s party from Birmingham to give support, 2 from across the water in Wales and 12 locals brought in by local advertising and press coverage. The rest were SW members who travelled from as far a field as Kingsteignton, Exeter and Tiverton in Devon and from Taunton and the Mendip area in Somerset as well as some more local members. John’s talk was entitled “The Begonia Year” and covered all aspect of John’s inventive and at times different methods of growing. Besides his prize winning begonias he also gave a snapshot of his previous successes with chrysanthemums. It was very well received indeed and members were able to obtain Show and Rex Begonia plants that John had brought along. Pictures below: The attendance of 40, Speaker John Chiswell, SW Display board featuring National & SW Shows 2006, Blackmore & Langdon, Bellcross Nurseries and local greenhouses and gardens. Report & pictures by Basil Billinger

ARTICLES RELATING TO THE SOUTH WEST AREA Begonia Trial through the Mendips Members Greenhouses - Tony Willoughby . An early Visit to B&L Spring 2008 . A Year with Begonias John Chiswell National Cut-bloom Champion 2006