Bookham Firefly

A bit chilly at the outset, but let’s hope the alpine weather heralds brilliant displays this Spring!

NEW SHOW VENUE

Members will already know, but the exciting news this Spring is that the Southern Society is going back to its roots for its three shows this year – to Great Bookham in Surrey. Great Bookham was home to the famous Douglas Nursery from 1893 to 1985, and its founder James Douglas was also one of the founder members of our Society. We are still growing many auricula cultivars raised there.

The new venue is The Old Barn Hall, Church Road, Great Bookham KT23 3PQ. – off Junction 9 of the M25.

It’s hoped the new hall will allow us more space to stage our plants, and visitors a little more elbow room!

HELP If any member is available to help at the shows please let someone on the Committee know, there are telephone numbers/ addresses in the 2009 Year Book for most of us. We need more new Stewards, and it’s a grand way of acquiring judging skills as well as tips on exhibiting.

THE FLORISTS MISSION

The primary aim of the National Auricula and Primula Society is to promote our plants and raise and exhibit new and improved cultivars. This is done according to criteria laid down in the main as long ago as the 1700s by our predecessors, the old time Florists.

If you are new to hybridizing and exhibiting, and would like to get in touch with other members trying to raise new and worthwhile plants, please email the Web Master and we will try to put you in touch with like-minded folk.

If you are a beginner and need help, don’t forget there is a list of people to contact in the latest Year Book.

Allan Guest’s new book is now available – ‘The Auricula – History, Cultivation and Varieties’. A hardback, with lots of fabulous photographs, it’s a rattling good read for all of us interested in auriculas. The RRP is £19.99, and stocks may still be available from other NAPS sections at a reduced price. Pop’s Plants Auriculas can supply it for £18.50 in the UK, including P&P. – mail@popsplants.com.

NEW PUBLICATION

Ray Weeks has produced a new Southern Section publication of interest to all auricula growers.

'The Auricula', by F.D.Horner, was originally published in 1877, and then transcribed in the 1955 Year Book of the Northern Section of the Society. It is being serialised in our own Year Books, but won’t be completed for some years. Here’s your chance to get the whole package in one go!

Further Press information – Lesley Roberts, NAPS (Southern)

01725-511421 pops08@btinternet.com

Website - www.southernauriculaprimula.org