About the club

General

Our club’s roots go back to 1918 when the club was set up to fulfil the need for greater food production after the first world war.

Our gardening club is a group of people that initially had an interest in gardening, anyone is welcome to join or visit.  We could certainly be described as a mixed interest club. The friendly group is open to all ages  and sex although we tend to be of an older demographic. Our membership age range is from people in their 40’s to some well into their 90’s.  Members and visitors do not need to live in Chalk or even have a garden.

We offer a programme of mixed events – a monthly event of some description, normally a guest speaker in the hall, covering a range of subjects. Refreshments are always on offer so there is time to chat. Other events include an annual garden show, coach trips and we round off the year with our Christmas social.

CHALK VILLAGE GARDENERS’ CLUB HISTORY 

In 1918 the “Rural League “ appealed for the greater production of food, particularly potatoes.

The Chalk Parish Council held a public meeting in February 1918 to discuss the question.

Mr Ashdown was the Chairman of the Parish Council and took the Chair. Subscriptions were offered by Messrs J Ashdown, G.H Brooke, T.B Mclean and H.J Barnard. There was to be a prize for the best kept garden or allotment. But only inhabitants of the village to be eligible.

A Cottage Garden and Allotment Society was formed and the Officers and committee were chosen.

Chairman Mr F W Barnes, Secretary Mr H J Barnard, Messrs F and W Holden, Brown, Crowhurst, Atkins, Johnson, Fuller and Kemp.

In March a committee meeting was held in the White Hart – various gentleman of the neighbourhood were to be approached for support as patrons, president and vice president. The subscription was to be 2s 5d per annum. Persons desiring of becoming members should apply to the committee.

Saturday 12 October the Chalk Cottage Garden and Allotment Society held its first show at the school room.

The show was considered a great success with the exhibits being of high quality. The arrangements and organisation had been carried out by the committee.

Chairman Mr F W Barnes, Secretary Mr H J Barnard, Messrs F and W Holden, Brown, Crowhurst, Atkins, Johnson,  Kemp, Mullender.

Miss Mclean opened the show.

Classes – Collection of vegetables (5 varieties); onions (spring sown); onions (autumn sown); Kidney potatoes (6 in a dish); round potatoes (6 in a dish); cabbage: table marrow: heaviest marrow; beet; runner beans; shallots; collection of salads (2 varieties) long carrots; shorthorn carrots; tomatoes; parsnips; cooking apples; desert apples; special prize – (best dish of potatoes in the show); specimen plant; table decorations: bouquet of wild flowers or berries (tied) for school children; needlework for girls of Chalk school senior and juniors; fancy work for girls of Chalk children; handwork (boys and girls); children’s vegetables.