Shropshire Horticultural Society in strong financial position for 125th anniversary
More than 60 members of the Shropshire Horticultural Society came together at the Shirehall Council Chamber, Shrewsbury, last night for the Society’s Annual General Meeting.
The Society’s Chairman, Mr Brian Goodwin, said it had been a privilege and pleasure to have been Chairman of the Society during 2011, and thanked the Committee Members and Staff for their work in ensuring the success of the Show, and the Members for their continuing support.
Delivering her annual report, the Society’s Treasurer, Mrs Ann Tudor said: “2011 was another impressive year for Shrewsbury Flower Show, with revenue up £12,000 on the previous year, to approximately £830,000, and more people than ever before ordering their tickets in advance and online.
“The Shropshire Horticultural Society is committed to fulfilling its primary charitable objective of promoting horticultural education, which we achieved with considerable success. We also pride ourselves in making significant donations to local causes and 2011 was an exceptional year for donations.”
“Our customary donations totalled £35,000 and included on-going support for the Young Horticulturalist of the Year award, sponsorship of student training at RHS Wisley and Pershore College and donations to the Age Concern Diamond Appeal, Shrewsbury Children’s Bookfest and the Walled Garden Project. In addition, our most significant donation was to the St Chad’s Church Renovation Appeal, with £150,000 given to fund urgent repair work to save the tower, which was in danger of collapse. We have a close relationship with the church and the donation demonstrates our commitment to supporting appropriate and worthy projects in the county. We work to maintain a strong bank balance to support our activity and thanks to show profit and investment income we are able to continually deliver our charitable objectives.”
“It also supports our wish to maintain the quality of the horticulture and entertainment at the Show as part of our contribution to the local community. Whilst it’s not within our charitable objectives to support tourism, we are proud that the Show does bring very many visitors to Shrewsbury and has a very positive impact on the local economy.”
In conclusion, Mrs Tudor said: “2011 Shrewsbury Flower Show was a fantastic event and I am very pleased that we are able to approach our 125th anniversary in such a strong financial position.”
During the meeting Shropshire Horticultural Society also appointed Hugh Trevor-Jones as its President for 2012, who will succeed Mr Hugh Meynell.
A long standing and respected member of the county, Mr Trevor-Jones was High Sheriff of Shropshire in 2010 and was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant for Shropshire in 2009.
On his appointment as President of the Shropshire Horticultural Society for 2012, Hugh Trevor-Jones said: “I was delighted to be appointed President of the Shropshire Horticultural Society for 2012, which I consider a great honour, especially as the Society is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
“Of course the Society is well known throughout the county as organisers of the magnificent Shrewsbury Flower Show, but it also makes many charitable grants to organisations in the community, particularly those involved in horticulture, gardening and young people. During my year as President I very much look forward to supporting the Chairman and his committee in all the excellent work that they do.”
Chairman, Brian Goodwin said: “We would like to welcome Mr Hugh Trevor-Jones as our new President and we are very much looking forward to this momentous year and are committed to making the 125th show one of the best!”
