A Potted History
Growing since 1884, the Chorley and District Gardening Society have been bringing together the local community and gardeners of all levels of experience
The origins of the Society go back to 1884 when Great Britain was still in the grip of ‘The Class Wars’. It was decided by a group of prominent gentlemen that they would canvass the local gentry with a view to forming a Chrysanthemum Society. To eliminate the working class, they fixed the annual subscription at a high figure so that the working man could only exhibit in the local public houses, these being The Townley Arms, The Plough Inn, Sebastopol Inn and the Old Burton Ale Stores in Bolton Street.
The first meeting was held on 5th May 1884 at the Red Lion, Market Street, Chorley. A committee was formed featuring four Vicars, one Rector, one Doctor, one Colonel, a Justice of the Peace, one Accountant, one Mayor, and several Aldermen and Councillors from the Borough of Chorley.
The first show, which offered lunch listening to a string band and speeches, was held in the Town Hall, Chorley over two days, in November 1884. The classes came under three strict headings: Open Class, Gentleman’s Class and Amateur’s Class. To enter, there was a fee of 2s-6d and prize money of 55 Shillings. The Gentleman’s Class raised a prize of 60 Shillings. To achieve this high standard, a conservatory was required as well as a full-time gardener to tend the blooms.
During the next 10 years mixed fortunes surrounded the Society. The show often included renditions from local Choral Societies together with the usual lunches. In 1890 a bar was set up run by the Red Lion from Chorley, to encourage further exhibitors.
The following 20 years saw a new generation emerging and more amateur gardeners competing. In the early 1900s the first working man was allowed to become a committee member following his personal undisputed success in the growing of the Chrysanthemum.
In the 1920s various lectures were introduced, with the shows reported in the Chorley Weekly News. Trips were offered and Chorley Council began to support the Society with shows taking place at the Town Hall, often with the Chorley Orchestra in attendance.
By 1984, the Chrysanthemum Society had become Chorley & District Horticultural & Chrysanthemum Society, and by 1992 it was decided that Chorley & District Gardening Society was a friendlier and more inclusive option.
Today, the Society is thriving with over 100 members, many attending the monthly meetings at the Hall of St. Mary’s Church in Euxton. The Society’s own Flower Show is held each September and will be held at Euxton Community Hall on 7th September 2024.
Chairman David Brown said: “Gardening is a hobby or pastime that is often perceived as being for the older generation, but this is definitely not the case. Now younger people are appreciating the benefits of having a garden, however small, in which they can grow fruit and vegetables, as well as having a nice flower display.”
More information about meetings and events can be viewed at: chorleygardeningsociety.com
