What We Do

What we do

Our activities come under a range of headings:
  • encouraging an interest in gardening in local young people
  • newsletter
  • shopping
  • shows
  • social events
  • talks & visits

ENCOURAGING AN INTEREST IN GARDENING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE LOCALLY

There are three main areas where we try to involve children to appreciate the delights of gardening
  • The CENTENARY PLATE COMPETITION in which nursery and junior schools vie with each other to see which make the most progress over the spring and summer
  • The SHOWS in which there are 4 or 5 classes specifically for children to exhibit their artistic and horticultural talents
  • AUTUMN BULBS are offered to brownie and beaver groups, nurseries and schools in the area

More information here.

 

NEWSLETTER

This is sent by e-mail about 3 times a month and is to be an invaluable resource that keeps CHAS members up to date with what they need to be doing in the garden and on the allotment throughout the year.  We keep a copy in the Hut for those who are not on email to browse through. In addition, the Newsletter also includes details of future lectures and visits organised by the CHAS as well as local events, lectures and talks from a range of organisations as well as items of more general interest

SHOPPING

The Trading Hut is open every Sunday morning – except the first – is not just an opportunity to buy plants and other things for the garden but also an opportunity to share gardening difficulties, pick up tips from other gardeners or just to have a chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit. We also hold a larger plant sale for members in early May. The general public are welcome to shop on payment of a one day CHAS membership fee.

SOCIAL EVENTS

In this our Centenary year we are celebrating with an exclusive CHAS Thames River trip Kew Bridge to Tower Bridge and return plus a Centenary Dinner being held at Linden House on the banks of the Thames just up from Hammersmith bridge As in previous years we will also be arranging the CHAS Summer End of Season Party, as well as our traditional Christmas Party – both of which give members a chance to socialise with old friends and meet new ones.  And we have at least one quiz a year.

SHOWS

We hold two shows per year in June and September, with a wide range of classes for fruit, vegetables, flowers, art and photography and special classes for children.  All are welcome.

TALKS AND VISITS

We organise a selection of talks – some with horticultural interest, some with a more general local appeal. In addition we arrange visits to some of the less visited gardens of interest.  Members of the Kew Horticultural Society are welcome to join us.