The Object of the Orchid Society of Great Britain
The object of the Orchid Society of Great Britain is the furtherance of the knowledge, and conservation, of the natural habitat of orchidaceous plants by encouraging the cultivation of these plants. Gathering and disseminating particulars of their cultivation, holding meetings and shows, and in other ways, and in general to undertake any activities that shall be consistent with the purpose for which the Society is constituted.
The Society was formed in 1951 and in 2001 celebrated its 50th Anniversary with much enthusiasm. It is a warm and friendly group of people. We have well over 1000 members worldwide who are linked by our quarterly publication, The Orchid Society of Great Britain Journal. This is a glossy magazine of articles and beautiful full colour photographs, published to meet the needs of all orchid growers from the new hobbyist to the most experienced professional grower.
Monthly meetings
In addition a monthly meeting is held for those members who are able to come to London on a Saturday afternoon. Each meeting is different. There is usually an experienced speaker who may talk about travel or cultivation or any other subject related to orchids. Sometimes we hold an auction of orchids. These are good plants belonging to members who have usually decided that they no longer have space for all their collection and wish to sell a few. The sessions are really fun and there are some great bargains to be had.
At each meeting a raffle is held and this is another opportunity to gain extra orchids as many growers donate their surplus young plants as raffle prizes. Tea and coffee are available and whilst we nibble on our biscuits we have a chance to mingle with the 'great' and ask the questions that have been bothering us for ages. ‘Why won’t my Cymbidium flower,’ is the most common. No question is too silly to ask.
OSGB Library
Another Society facility is the extensive library. Members can borrow books at meetings and return them the following month. The librarian brings a selection each time but special requests can be accommodated. Books can be sent to members who can’t get to meetings providing that they pay the postage. We welcome donations from private collections and also from publishers who provide us with new books to review for The Journal and then allow us to keep them in the library.
Annual shows
We also have annual shows in Spring and Autumn for members who wish to exhibit, plus a monthly show table at meetings to allow us all to appreciate the amazing expertise of some of our growers. For those of us with less experience the opportunity to see the best and to be able to ask how they are grown is invaluable.
You may have been to the larger British Orchid Shows like EOC2003, The Chelsea Flower Show. You will probably have seen a display provided by the Orchid Society of Great Britain members. What is rarely appreciated by the admirers is that all the orchids are lent from the personal collections of members. They are arranged wonderfully by the Society’s Display Secretary. All the work is entirely voluntary with the intention of promoting orchid growing and conservation.
Travel circle
The OSGB Travel Circle offers orchid related trips nationally and internationally. Other day trips for events such as local carnivals and shows can also be negotiated, with no organisation required from you.
We have come a long way in fifty years; who knows what the next fifty will bring.
Do join us: we are always pleased to welcome new members.
