Listen Live

"Friendly" Horticultural Society

Sunday, 17 August 2025 17:07

By Martin Webber

The Chair of the Groombridge Horticultural Society, Gwyneth Davies, tells us about the varied events that the 200 members of the society enjoy.

In a live interview on Friday drivetime with Martin Webber back in July 2025, Gwyneth Davies explains that you don't have to be a keen gardener to enjoy the programme of talks and outings that the society arranges.

Gwyneth Davies (pictured below) told us that the society is a "very friendly, community run group, interested in all aspects of horticulture and nature".

The Groombridge District Horticultural Society was formed in November 1930 by Mr McDonald who was the head gardener at Burrswood and was the first chairman.

Gwyneth Davies says she got involved around 2016 and took over from Gillian Grey as Chair in 2019. Gwyneth says she only moved to Groombridge 12 years ago and being a member of the group has allowed her and her husband to meet people who are now valued friends.

There are typically 12 events a year, including speaker evenings, coach trips and spring and autumn shows.

Recent events include a visit to Doddington Place Gardens which is part of a 850 acre Edwardian estate, located on the edge of Doddington village, near Faversham in Kent (see pictures below). 

The membership is £5 a year but the membership card entitles holders to discounts at three local garden centres.

To find out much more, listen to the 8 minute interview with Gwyneth Davies here:

Share

More from LOCAL NEWS FEATURES

  • Christmas Tree Festival

    The King Charles the Martyr Church in Tunbridge Wells is holding a Christmas Tree Festival from December 11th to 14th.

  • Safer Streets for Women

    A "Reclaim the Night" walk took place along two routes in Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday 25th November 2025.

  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

    The Christmas production at the Oast Theatre in Tonbridge is a classic by C.S. Lewis and the actors have been telling West Kent Radio all about their preparations.

  • Gymnastics for People with Dementia

    A programme called "Love to Move" is a seated gymnastics programme which is transforming the lives of people living with dementia.

  • Kent Relief Helps Ukraine

    The Kent Relief charity is continuing to support communities affected by the war in Ukraine.

  • Improving Body and Mind

    Anne Whitley has been organising yoga and pilates classes at the Boundes Studio in Bidborough since 2006.

  • Have Reform Made Savings at KCC?

    It's six months since Reform UK were voted in to run Kent County Council, so do their claimed budget savings stack up?

  • Linden Kemkaren Profiled

    Linden Kemkaren has often been in the headlines during her first six months running Kent County Council, but how did her BBC and freelance career lead her to Kent's top job?

Comments

Add a comment

On Air Now Chris Woodward 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Now Playing
The Riddle Nik Kershaw
Recently Played
  • Camera Ed Sheeran 17:52
  • Summer Of '69 Bryan Adams 17:44
  • Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe Barry White 17:38

COMING UP

  • Pete Moore

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    West Kent Country

  • Classical Selection

    9:00pm - 10:00pm

    Classical Selection

SOCIAL MEDIA