Kintbury & District Horticultural Society

The village of Kintbury has known a garden society since the mid-1800’s. The records that have survived come from reports in “The Banner”, the church magazine of the day where a full report of the show, amongst other things, reveals that Thomas Head, in winning the “best collection of vegetables”, received a hive of bees! There was also disappointment that only two entries were received for the bread making. Further records show that in 1924 “The Kintbury and Avington Cottage Garden Society” made a successful effort to revive the Annual Flower Show. An advertisement for that year states that it was the “forty-fifth such show” and a cutting from the Newbury Weekly News details the plans for the day’s events. The show was held in the grounds of Inglewood Lodge by kind permission of Colonel Walmesley.

The vicar chaired the meetings with a committee of nine men some of whose descendants still live in the village.

Sadly, in 1931 the Society fell on hard times and was wound up due to lack of interest. No written records survive for the years from 1931 to 1978, although we know that the new Kintbury & District Horticultural Society began life in 1960 and has continued uninterrupted until today with a few refinements to reflect changing times.

In addition to the informative quarterly newsletter the Society poduces a colourful brochure, a copy of which can be downloaded here:

Herb gardens have been a part of our lives for hundreds of years. They may be purely functional, or they may include a blend of functional and ornamental plants. The herbs are usually used to flavour food in cooking, though they may also be used in other ways, such as discouraging pests, providing pleasant scents, or serving medicinal purposes (e.g., a physic garden), among others.

The Society welcomes youth participation at our Annual Show, open to all ages and abilities. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing their delight at harvesting the first vegetables!!

The Society is a very vibrant group of like-minded gardeners ranging from the experienced to those whose interests lie mainly with the visits to view the many great gardens in our area and further afield. We hold three seasonal shows and a bulb show each year, culminating in the Annual show in August which is open to all-comers. Throughout the year our programme includes talks, demonstrations and garden visits. With regular monthly meetings (except December) we are often able to include tips and advice for those with special interest.

Our aim is to encourage as many of the younger members of the community as possible to come and join us, thus preserving horticultural knowledge for future generations.