Tirelessly working to shape the organization in order to provide horticultural talks throughout the season, an annual Plant Sale and the Summer Show, David has managed to convene a devoted committee who are also responsible for many tasks, while he himself has done much organising as well as hands-on work. He has devised a programme of varied and informative talks which are given by local experts throughout the season on anything from wildlife in the garden to growing cactus or fruit and vegetables; he has supervised visits to gardens; organized and grown plants for the Plant Sale; found and liaised with judges for the Show, and overseen and worked hard to provide a faultless Show every year.

 

The Show itself has enabled the gardeners and all creative folk in Oundle (which includes among many others, painters, cooks, embroiderers, photographers) as well as encouraging children to enter with classes in growing and presenting their art-work. This wide variety has produced a Show that has enormous appeal both to the entrants and to the viewers, who come in droves to see the results. It also draws people from the local environs. While 2020 held great difficulties, he ensured the survival of the Society in 2022, with it regaining full strength in 2023.

 

It may not be well-known that the Society is supported by over 300 members, called Patrons, and the very small amount paid by this membership during the year ensures a good financial base for the organization.

 

We hope that David’s work will be seen as a fine example of true citizenship that has genuinely benefited Oundle over the years, and has ensured that upon his retirement will continue to thrive well into the future.

 

Juliet Abrahamson

Chair

Oundle Horticultural Society