Trumpington Horticultural/Gardening Society, 1893-2023

Wendy Roberts

Trumpington Working Men’s Chrysanthemum Show/Society and Trumpington Horticultural Society, 1893-2002

In 1893, a Trumpington organisation was established called the Working Men’s Chrysanthemum Show. At a meeting at the Vicarage, it was resolved that a show should be held for chrysanthemums, fruit and vegetables about the end of November. The following officers were elected (Cambridge Chronicle, 7 April 1893, p. 4):

President: Mr Porter

Secretary: Mr F. Prime

Treasurer: Mr J.A. Sturton

Committee: Messrs. Forbes, Chapman, Lilley, Blows, Cowell and Harvey

Committee member, Charles Forbes, was Head Gardener to Ebenezer Bird Foster of Anstey Hall. He had exhibited ten years earlier at the inaugural show of the Trumpington and Grantchester Horticultural Society in July 1883 (Cambridge Chronicle, July 1883).

Charles Forbes, a founder of the Society, 20 July 1898.
Charles Forbes, a founder of the Society, 20 July 1898.

The 1898 annual meeting of the Working Men’s Chrysanthemum Society was held in the Schoolroom and Mr T.H.J. Porter presided in the chair. The Secretary reported on the progress of the Society since its formation in 1893, including the information that nearly 1000 entries had been received for exhibition in that period (Cambridge Chronicle, 20 May 1898, p. 8). A few weeks later, Mr Frederick Prime was presented with a handsome writing desk in recognition of the excellent manner in which he had carried out his duties as Secretary. It was felt that Mr Prime had played a large role in the success of the Society (Cambridge Chronicle, 17 June 1898, p. 8).

The annual dinner of the Trumpington Chrysanthemum Society in 1912 was held at the Green Man. The President was Mr T.H.J. Porter; vice-president, Mr P.R. Robinson; hon. treasurer, Mr C. Forbes; and hon. secretary, Mr J.H. Chapman (Cambridge Chronicle, 22 March 1912, p. 8).

From this root, the Trumpington Horticultural Society grew. For many years it arranged very successful annual shows. The 22nd annual show was held in October 1922. This was the first show held by the Society since the First World War: no shows being held in 1915-1921. The officials were: President, Mr C. Forbes; vice president, Mr J.H. Chapman; hon. treasurer, Mr P.R. Robinson; hon. secretary, Mr H.E. Foster; committee, Messrs W. Dann, F.W. Lander, J. Lawrence, Medhurst, J. Pamplin, George Pamplin and G.F. Peters; auditors, the Rev. Moule and Mr T.H.J. Porter (Cambridge Chronicle, 18 October 1922, p. 3).

To stimulate interest in ploughing locally, the first of what was hoped to be a series of annual ploughing matches took place in September 1925 under the auspices of the Trumpington Horticultural Society. A field was lent by Mr F. Tebbit for the contests for double ploughs and for single teams. The judging was undertaken by Mr Charles Edwards, of Cantelupe Farm, and Mr C.H. Rogers, of Red Cross Farm (Cambridge Chronicle, 30 September 1925, p. 6).

When Mr Forbes died in 1926, the Society had a cup inscribed “to perpetuate the memory of Charles Forbes, one of its founders”. This Forbes Trophy was first awarded in 1927.

There was a break during the Second World War. A public meeting was held in the Village Hall on 20 February 1946 at which it was agreed to revive the Society. The following were elected:

President: A.W. Dilley Esq.

Vice President: Rev. T. Young

Hon. Treasurer: Mr A. Medhurst

Hon. Secretary: Mr F.J. Haynes

Committee: Messrs. E. Haynes, Shanks, Chamberlain, Freestone, Mynott, Peachey, Youngs, W. Bass, Raynes and A.W. Bass

Annual shows continued to be held and Mr Harry Collins set the record for winning, with the highest number of points in the show, the Forbes Trophy each year for ten years 1946 to 1955.

Harry Collins - annual winner of the Forbes Trophy with the highest number of points at the Trumpington Horticultural Show for the ten-year period 1946-1955. Photo taken in the Corn Exchange in the 1920s.
Harry Collins – annual winner of the Forbes Trophy with the highest number of points at the Trumpington Horticultural Show for the ten-year period 1946-1955. Photo taken in the Corn Exchange in the 1920s.
Michael Collins and his father, Harry Collins, with their cups, 1956.
Michael Collins and his father, Harry Collins, with their cups, 1956.

Two horticultural shows were held annually in the village for a period from 1956 when the Trumpington British Legion Branch organised a separate event. Ill health prevented Harry Collins from participating but his son, Michael, had obviously benefitted from Harry’s experience and advice. In 1956, at the first British Legion Show, Michael Collins won the Cornwell Challenge Cup for the highest number of points for the whole show, the Saville Peck Memorial Cup and the Loveday Challenge Cup (Cambridge Daily News 4 September 1956). After his death in 1956, Harry Collins was remembered by the Trumpington Horticultural Society by the Harry Collins Cup, awarded for the greatest number of points in vegetable classes.

Trumpington British Legion's first horticultural show held in 1956, Trumpington Village Hall.
Trumpington British Legion’s first horticultural show held in 1956, Trumpington Village Hall.

When the local British Legion branch ceased to organise horticultural shows, they transferred their cups to the Trumpington Horticultural Society in 1969, 1970 or 1971. The Horticultural Society then included special show classes for British Legion members.

In 1980, the Committee, with Honorary Secretary Dr Stephen Brown, decided to increase the activities of the Society by arranging a programme of evening meetings and summer visits. This development was well supported by the keen gardeners of Trumpington. Meetings were held with guest speakers and quizzes.

Over the years the Society took part in community events. It has run plant and produce stalls at events such as church and school fetes.

Annual Show in Trumpington Church Hall, 4 July 1987.
Annual Show in Trumpington Church Hall, 4 July 1987.
'Dedication to Duty', Margaret Marrs manning the stall at the Vicarage Garden Party, early 2000s.
‘Dedication to Duty’, Margaret Marrs manning the stall at the Vicarage Garden Party, early 2000s.

Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS), 2002-2023

Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS) logo.
Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS) logo.

In 2003, the Society’s name was changed to the Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS). From 2005 to 2011, the formal Annual Show was replaced by an informal Summer/Autumn show, where Society members had the fun of being both the exhibitors and the judges. Over the years, several cups/trophies were given to the Society and were awarded to winners of various Show categories. A list of cups and winners is given below. At the end of 2011, the Society was mothballed with the intention that the group should restart in the future. Between 2012 and 2023, fifteen TruGS plant sales were held at either local fetes or outside 53 Shelford Road, four coach trips were arranged, and two meetings were held at the Village Hall with invited speakers. These events, however, did not succeed in gathering interested people to form a committee in order to resurrect the Society. In 2023 the caretaker group decided regretfully to wind up TruGS. The bank account was closed and a donation was made to Trumpington Community Orchard, which was fund raising to enable the orchard furniture to be replaced.

TruGS Events, 2007-2023

A record of meetings is available from 1980-2011: Archiveofmeetings

15 March 2007: AGM and Spring Show. Margaret Marrs and Frank Whaley retired from the committee after many years of service and the Society passed on its sincere thanks for all their hard work. They will still be active members of TruGS of course! We also said farewell and many thanks to our Past President, Reg Norman, who will be leaving the Cambridge area.

Spring Show 2007: entries in the 'Basket of Flowers' class. Photo: Stephen Brown.
Spring Show 2007: entries in the ‘Basket of Flowers’ class. Photo: Stephen Brown.
Spring Show 2007: Retiring President, Reg Norman, presenting the Eileen Norman Memorial Cup to Jill Whaley. Photo: Stephen Brown.
Spring Show 2007: Retiring President, Reg Norman, presenting the Eileen Norman Memorial Cup to Jill Whaley. Photo: Stephen Brown.

16 May 2007: Day visit to Helmingham Hall, Stowmarket. Travelling by coach, 33 TruGS members and friends visited the gardens of Helmingham, the home of the Tollemache family since 1487. Lunch was booked in advance for our arrival and the afternoon was spent exploring the many parts of the garden. There was plenty of time to stock up with plants at the shop before departure!

21 June 2007: Evening visit to Balsham Maze. 21 members visited James Potter’s garden at Balsham. We spent a pleasant couple of hours wandering the grounds under guidance and were then entertained in the Manor with wine and nibbles.

20 September 2007: Autumn Show & Quiz. Friendly competition was the theme of the evening, with considerable attention on the sampling of the Victoria Sandwich cakes. Many thanks to Arthur Brookes for devising a challenging quiz.

Autumn Show 2007: members enjoying judging the exhibits Photo: Jenifer Embrey.
Autumn Show 2007: members enjoying judging the exhibits Photo: Jenifer Embrey.

20 March 2008: AGM and Spring Show. This meeting fell immediately before Easter weekend and many regular members sent their apologies for non-attendance. Margaret Marrs was proposed as a Vice President in her absence and the proposal was carried unanimously. The mild winter had encouraged early flowering of daffodils and exhibitors were spoilt for choice when selecting blooms from their gardens! Congratulations to Jill Whaley, who won the Eileen Norman Memorial Cup for the ‘Best Exhibit of Show’ for the 2nd year running.

15 May 2008: Outing to Pensthorpe, Norfolk. By coincidence, TruGS arranged a day visit to Pensthorpe, near Fakenham, just as the BBC producers of ‘Spring Watch’ TV programme were preparing their first series from this new location. We spent a very enjoyable day exploring the grounds and enjoying the plants and birdlife.

19 June 2008: Evening Outing to Russell Smith Farms, Duxford. Following up the February talk by Andrew Nottage on local production of organic vegetables, we visited the Duxford farm. Andrew took us on a trailer round the fields and pointed out many of the features of growing organic vegetables and efforts to encourage wildlife, such as beetle banks.

Evening Outing 2008: Visit to Russell Smith Farms, Duxford. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Evening Outing 2008: Visit to Russell Smith Farms, Duxford. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

20-25 October 2008: Trumpington Village Hall Centenary Exhibition. A display of past and present activities, a quiz and a plant & produce stand was manned by members throughout the exhibition week.

TruGS stand at the Village Hall Centenary Exhibition. 20-25 October 2008. Photo: Stephen Brown.
TruGS stand at the Village Hall Centenary Exhibition. 20-25 October 2008. Photo: Stephen Brown.
History display panel at the Trumpington Village Hall Centenary Exhibition 20-25 October 2008 including item from Cambridge Chronicle 7 April 1883 reporting the formation of the Working Men's Chrysanthemum Society. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
History display panel at the Trumpington Village Hall Centenary Exhibition 20-25 October 2008 including item from Cambridge Chronicle 7 April 1883 reporting the formation of the Working Men’s Chrysanthemum Society. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

19 March 2009: AGM and Spring Show. We had a bumper number of exhibits this year. Daffodils were in abundance. Recent warm weather had brought out the flowers and butterflies! The Eileen Norman Memorial Cup was passed to Wendy Roberts for her floral arrangement. At the AGM it was agreed that, in 2010, the member’s subscription would be increased to £7pa and that the charge for a non-member would be increased to £2 per visit. Officers and Committee:

President: Dr Stephen Brown

Vice Presidents: Margaret Marrs and Pam Milne

Chair: Pam Stacey

Vice Chair and Programme outings: Maureen Graham

Treasurer: Edmund Brookes

Secretary: Wendy Roberts

Programme talks: Janet Hendy, Ruth Truesdale

Spring Show 2009. Pot plants - foliage and flowering. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Spring Show 2009. Pot plants – foliage and flowering. Photo: Wendy Roberts.

4 July 2009: TruGS members ran a successful plant and produce stall at the Fawcett School Summer Fete. Many thanks to all who donated plants, jam, etc. for sale.

Fawcett School Summer Fete, 2009. TruGS plant & produce stall. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Fawcett School Summer Fete, 2009. TruGS plant & produce stall. Photo: Wendy Roberts.

16 July 2009: Summer Show & Photo Quiz. A crowd gathered around the final table as we sampled and judged the home produce of cheese scones, brown bread and Victoria sandwich cakes. This was the climax to an enjoyable show of vegetables, fruit and flowers. Pam Stacey and Janet Hendy were joint winners of the Frank Laver Rose Bowl, Mary Pitman was awarded the E. Saville Peck Memorial Cup for her floral arrangement and Stephen Brown won the Forbes Trophy for the highest number of points gained in the show.

Summer Show 2009. The winner of the Forbes Trophy, the E. Saville Peck Memorial Cup and the joint winners of the Frank Laver Rose Bowl. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Summer Show 2009. The winner of the Forbes Trophy, the E. Saville Peck Memorial Cup and the joint winners of the Frank Laver Rose Bowl. Photo: Wendy Roberts.

18 March 2010: AGM and Spring Show. Spring flowers were flowering about 3-4 weeks later than usual this year due to the exceptionally cold winter and we had a low number of show exhibits as a result. However, members enjoyed the general knowledge quiz and the ‘wild flower identification parade’ quiz, which had been arranged for the evening. The President, Stephen Brown, chaired the AGM.

26 June and 2 July 2010: Summer activity. Plant and planter stalls were set up at the church and school fetes. There could not have been more contrast in the weather on the two occasions: unseasonal cold with periodic pouring rain and unrelenting sunshine and heat! Both events were great fun. Many thanks for all the donated items.

Fawcett School Fete 2010. TruGS plant & planter stall. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete 2010. TruGS plant & planter stall. Photo: Wendy Roberts.

16 September 2010: Despite it being late for runner beans and too early for chrysanthemums, we had an enjoyable show. Stephen Brown won the Forbes Trophy with the highest number of points and Janet Hendy won the Frank Laver Rose Bowl.

17 March 2011: This year there were plenty of daffodils in flower intime for the show. Pam Stacey was presented with the Eileen Norman Memorial Cup. President Stephen Brown chaired the AGM.

Summer 2011: It’s been a busy period – preparing for the fetes. Many of the TruGS members’ donated plants will now be taking root in their new homes in Trumpington! Members have also enjoyed two summer outings: a day visit to the RHS Gardens Hyde Hall and an evening visit to a garden in Fen Ditton.

Church Fete, 2011. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Church Fete, 2011. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete, 2011. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete, 2011. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

15 September 2011: Extraordinary General Meeting. The Autumn Show was held together with a quiz of gardening-related questions. Daphne Bridgeman and Pam Stacey were presented with the Forbes Trophy and the Frank Laver Memorial Bowl respectively. This was followed by an Extraordinary General Meeting. The meeting was chaired by the President, Dr Stephen Brown, who gave a brief history of the Society and then described the problem of continuing our activities. The majority of attending members voted to mothball the Society from the end of the year.

Autumn Show, 2011. Daphne Bridgeman and Pam Stacey, winners of the Forbes Trophy and the Frank Laver Memorial Bowl. Photo: Stephen Brown.
Autumn Show, 2011. Daphne Bridgeman and Pam Stacey, winners of the Forbes Trophy and the Frank Laver Memorial Bowl. Photo: Stephen Brown.

15 December 2011: 33 members and friends enjoyed a Christmas Party at the Village Hall. We were entertained by the lively Barber Shop Singers. The event ended with short speeches by President, Stephen Brown; Chairman, Pam Stacey; and Vice President, Margaret Marrs, expressing their regret at the current suspension of the Society but with the hope that the group will be able to start up again in the near future. TruGS Caretaker group:

Pam Stacey

Edmund Brookes

Wendy Roberts

30 June 2012: Although no meetings were arranged for 2012, we did our best to promote the Society from a plant stall at the Fawcett School Summer Fete. Considering the amount of rain we have had since the fete, the plants we sold should have been well watered into their new locations!

Fawcett School Fete, 2012. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete, 2012. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete, 2012. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete, 2012. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

8 June and 6 July 2013: We held successful plants stalls at the Church Garden Party at Trumpington Hall and the Fawcett PTA Fete at the school field. We were fortunately in the TRA marquee, sheltered from the cool breeze, at the church event and basked in the heat (28 degrees) at the school do. Thank you for all the donated plants. I hope the buyers were pleased with the quality and variety of the plants on offer.

Church Fete, 2013. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Church Fete, 2013. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete, 2013. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete, 2013. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

28 June 2014: Again, we set up a plant stall at the Fawcett PTA Fete with a wide range of donated plants. Sales were brisk at noon the beginning of the event but by 2pm nature sprang into action and gave our remaining plants a power wash! Our next plant sale will be at the Church Christmas Bazaar on 29 November 2014 in the Village Hall.

Fawcett School Fete, 2014. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Fawcett School Fete, 2014. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

17 July 2014: We had a very successful coach trip to Hever Castle and its Gardens. The weather was beautiful for us to wander around the many different style gardens. The roses were still in full bloom. Pam is already considering a venue for next year’s outing!

Hever Castle and Gardens, 2014. Photo: Pam Stacey.
Hever Castle and Gardens, 2014. Photo: Pam Stacey.

29 November 2014: This was our first venture of offering plants at a winter event and were delighted with the interest shown in both the house and garden plants at the Church Christmas Bazaar.

Church Christmas Bazaar, 2014. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Church Christmas Bazaar, 2014. Photo: Wendy Roberts.

9 April 2015: Speaker, Michael Brown, the Historic Gardener, enlightened the audience about poisonous plants and associated myths and tales of murder with his talk ‘Death in the Garden’. This was the first evening meeting for TruGS since 2011. Plans were discussed for future activities, such as the adoption of the shrub border behind the Village Hall in May and the coach trip to Beth Chatto’s Gardens in July.

'Death in the Garden' talk, 9 April 2015. Speaker: Michael Brown, the Historic Gardener. Chair: Pam Stacey. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
‘Death in the Garden’ talk, 9 April 2015. Speaker: Michael Brown, the Historic Gardener. Chair: Pam Stacey. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
'Death in the Garden' talk, 9 April 2015. Chair: Pam Stacey. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
‘Death in the Garden’ talk, 9 April 2015. Chair: Pam Stacey. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

2015-2020: We maintained the flower border at the rear of the Village Hall on Beverley Way. On 21 May 2015, members contributed plants for the restoration of the flower borders. Many of the plants are bee and butterfly friendly species. Many thanks to everyone who donated plants and to those who helped with the planting.

Evening planting session of the Village Hall flower border, 21 May 2015. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Evening planting session of the Village Hall flower border, 21 May 2015. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Evening planting session of the Village Hall flower border, 21 May 2015. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Evening planting session of the Village Hall flower border, 21 May 2015. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Flower border behind the Village Hall on Beverley Way. Photo: Wendy Roberts, 15 March 2017.
Flower border behind the Village Hall on Beverley Way. Photo: Wendy Roberts, 15 March 2017.
Flower border behind the Village Hall on Beverley Way. Photo: Wendy Roberts, 19 June 2017.
Flower border behind the Village Hall on Beverley Way. Photo: Wendy Roberts, 19 June 2017.
Flower border behind the Village Hall on Beverley Way. Photo: Wendy Roberts, 2018.
Flower border behind the Village Hall on Beverley Way. Photo: Wendy Roberts, 2018.

4 July 2015: We had a plant stall at the first Trumpington Federation PTA Fete held at Trumpington Meadows School.

Trumpington Federation Fete, 4 July 2015. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Trumpington Federation Fete, 4 July 2015. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

16 July 2015: The Beth Chatto Garden was the destination of this year’s successful coach trip. Participants went on a guided walk and then explored the series of distinctive gardens. Several newly acquired plants made the homeward journey!

Beth Chatto Gardens, 16 July 2015. Photo: Pam Stacey.
Beth Chatto Gardens, 16 July 2015. Photo: Pam Stacey.

28 November 2015: We had a stall at the Trumpington Christmas Fair organised by the TRA and hoped that our house plants would make perfect Christmas gifts!

9 July 2016: It was a breezy afternoon for the Trumpington Federation PTA Fete but our plant stall had shelter from the nearby marquee!

Trumpington Federation Fete, 9 July 2016. Photo: Wendy Roberts.
Trumpington Federation Fete, 9 July 2016. Photo: Wendy Roberts.

13 July 2016: Pam arranged a very successful coach trip to Peter Beales Roses and then on to East Ruston Old Vicarage with its 32 acre exotic coastal garden.

12 July 2017: Wrest Park, Silsoe, proved a very good choice for our trip. Well done, Pam! The guided tours, 2 walking groups and one ‘golf buggy’ ride (for those wary of the distance to be covered) were excellent. They gave us an account of the changes in garden design as occurred at Wrest Park during a period of over 300 years and showed us the fruits of recent restoration work. The cloudy start to our visit soon gave way to a sunny day. We enjoyed the cafe refreshments (tempted by cakes) and didn’t resist the urge to purchase just a few more plants for our gardens.

Wrest Park, Silsoe, 12 July 2017. Photo: Wendy Roberts and Pat Werdmuller.
Wrest Park, Silsoe, 12 July 2017. Photo: Wendy Roberts and Pat Werdmuller.

17 March 2018: Pam and Wendy had a plant stall at the first event to be held at the new Clay Farm Centre.

TRA Spring Fair at the Clay Farm Centre, 17 March 2018. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
TRA Spring Fair at the Clay Farm Centre, 17 March 2018. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Newspaper item about the Spring Fair at the opening of the Clay Farm Centre, including a photograph with Wendy Roberts and Pam Stacey of Trumpington Gardening Society, 17 March 2018. Cambridge Independent.
Newspaper item about the Spring Fair at the opening of the Clay Farm Centre, including a photograph with Wendy Roberts and Pam Stacey of Trumpington Gardening Society, 17 March 2018. Cambridge Independent.

7 July 2018: Shade was in short supply on this scorching hot afternoon at the Trumpington Federation PTA Fair held at Fawcett School but the plants were given priority! Thank you to all who supported the plant stall.

Trumpington Federation PTA Fair, 7 July 2018. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Trumpington Federation PTA Fair, 7 July 2018. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

12 July 2018: Speaker, Geoff Hodge, garden writer and local radio broadcaster, took us through a number of ways to make some gardening tasks easier in his talk on ‘Easy Gardening: Low Maintenance Gardens’. Geoff covered innovative gardening tools, suggestions for specific garden planting, plant care and weed control. He also judged our ‘drinking-can’ floral arrangements.

Speaker, Geoff Hodge, with Wendy Roberts and Pam Stacey, 12 July 2018. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Speaker, Geoff Hodge, with Wendy Roberts and Pam Stacey, 12 July 2018. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Jazzy 'Drinking can' floral arrangements, 12 July 2018. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Jazzy ‘Drinking can’ floral arrangements, 12 July 2018. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

6 July 2019: It was our 10th year holding a plant stall at the School Fete and unusually it was a day when our houseplants as opposed to garden plants were in demand.

Trumpington Federation School Fete, Fawcett School, 6 July 2019. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Trumpington Federation School Fete, Fawcett School, 6 July 2019. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

21 September 2019: Although it was later in the growing season and we had fewer plants in bloom, we still had a wide variety of plants on display at this September event, which was celebrating 10 years since the rebuilding of the Pavilion.

Pam Stacey at Trumpington Pavilion 10th Anniversary Celebration, 21 September 2019. Photo: Andrew Roberts.
Pam Stacey at Trumpington Pavilion 10th Anniversary Celebration, 21 September 2019. Photo: Andrew Roberts.

5 October 2019: Plant sale outside 53 Shelford Road.

4-20 September 2020: Plant sale outside 53 Shelford Road.

30 September 2023: Plant sale outside 53 Shelford Road, final TruGS plant sale.

Bearded iris ‘Black swan’ plants, in the final plant sale for the Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS). Photo: Wendy Roberts, 30 September 2023.
Bearded iris ‘Black swan’ plants, in the final plant sale for the Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS). Photo: Wendy Roberts, 30 September 2023.
Bearded iris ‘Black swan’ plants, in the final plant sale for the Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS). Photo: Wendy Roberts, 30 September 2023.
Bearded iris ‘Black swan’ plants, in the final plant sale for the Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS). Photo: Wendy Roberts, 30 September 2023.

The Winners of Society Cups, Presented at the Shows from 1927 to 2011

Over the years, a number of cups were given to the Societies, to be awarded at Annual Shows.

Trumpington Horticultural Society (Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS)) cups. Photo: Andrew Roberts, 4 May 2022.
Trumpington Horticultural Society (Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS)) cups. Photo: Andrew Roberts, 4 May 2022.
Trumpington Horticultural Society (Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS)) cups: Fred Morris; Loveday Challenge; Cornwall Challenge; Eileen Norman; Children’s Shield. Photo: Andrew Roberts, 4 May 2022.
Trumpington Horticultural Society (Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS)) cups: Fred Morris; Loveday Challenge; Cornwall Challenge; Eileen Norman; Children’s Shield. Photo: Andrew Roberts, 4 May 2022.
Trumpington Horticultural Society (Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS)) cups: Jescot Perpetual; Sidney Freestone Memorial Challenge Trophy; Instant Bio; Frank W. Laver Memorial Bowl. Photo: Andrew Roberts, 4 May 2022.
Trumpington Horticultural Society (Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS)) cups: Jescot Perpetual; Sidney Freestone Memorial Challenge Trophy; Instant Bio; Frank W. Laver Memorial Bowl. Photo: Andrew Roberts, 4 May 2022.
Trumpington Horticultural Society (Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS)) cups: Forbes; Rotherham; Alpha; Ladies; Harry Collins. Photo: Andrew Roberts, 4 May 2022.
Trumpington Horticultural Society (Trumpington Gardening Society (TruGS)) cups: Forbes; Rotherham; Alpha; Ladies; Harry Collins. Photo: Andrew Roberts, 4 May 2022.

Trumpington Horticultural Society. The Forbes Trophy. To perpetuate the memory of Charles Forbes one of its founders

1927 W. Bass; A. Medhurst

1928 G.R.C. Foster

1929 A. Medhurst

1930 A. Medhurst

1931 G.R.C. Foster

1932 W.J. Bass

1933 G.R.C. Foster

1934 A. Medhurst

1935 Miss Jessie Watson

1936 Miss Jessie Watson

1937 W.W. Pemberton

1938 W.W. Pemberton

1946 Harry Collins

1947 Harry Collins

1948 Harry Collins

1949 Harry Collins

1950 Harry Collins

1951 Harry Collins

1952 Harry Collins

1953 Harry Collins

1954 Harry Collins

1955 Harry Collins

1956 B. Aylett

1957 A. Medhurst

1958 B. Aylett

1959 E.C. Peacock

1960 E.C. Peacock

1961 E.C. Peacock, L.H. Jacobs

1962 C. Galley

1963 C. Galley

1964 L.H. Jacobs

1965 E.C. Peacock

1966 L.H. Jacobs

1967 G. Elsey

1968 G. Elsey

1969 G. Elsey

1971 E.C. Peacock

1972 E.C. Peacock

1973 E.C. Peacock

1975 C.P. Galley

1977 E.C. Peacock

1978 E.C. Peacock

1979 E.C. Peacock

1980 C.P. Galley

1981 Mrs T.O. Parsons

1982 A. Seekings

1983 S.J. Brown

1984 S.J. Brown

1985 S.J. Brown

1986 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1987 W.S. Gray, R.F. Norman

1988 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1989 W.S. Gray

1990 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1991 Mrs M.S. Brown

1992 J.S. Newell

1993 R.F. Norman

1994 Mrs M.S. Brown

1995 Mrs M.S. Brown

1996 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1997 Mrs J.B. Whaley

1998 Mrs M.S. Brown

1999 Mrs M.S. Brown

2000 S.J. Brown

2001 S.J. Brown

2002 S.J. Brown

2003 S.J. Brown

2004 S.J. Brown

2005 S.J. Brown

2009 S.J. Brown

2010 S.J. Brown

2011 Mrs D. Bridgeman

Trumpington Horticultural Society. Rotherham Cup for the best exhibit of chrysanthemums

1951 C. Stubbings

1952 C. Wilson

1953 C. Wilson

1954 C. Wilson

1955 C. Galley

1956 C. Galley

1957 C. Galley

1958 C. Galley

1959 G.W. Kingswell

1960 C. Galley

1961 G. Elsey

1962 C. Galley

1963 C. Galley

1964 C. Galley

1965 G.W. Kingswell

1966 G.W. Kingswell

1967 G.W. Kingswell

1968 C. Galley

1971 C. Galley

1972 C. Galley

1973 C. Galley

1975 C. Galley

1977 C.P. Galley

1979 C.P. Galley

1980 C.P. Galley

1981 S.J. Brown

1982 C.H. Bull

1983 S.J. Brown

1984 C.H. Bull

1985 S.J. Brown

1987 Mrs P.M.A. Horton

1988 Mrs J. Tudor

1989 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1990 Mrs P. Bainbridge

1991 Mrs P. Bainbridge

1992 Mrs P. Bainbridge

1993 Mrs H. Keys

1994 Mrs R. Breen

1995 Gemma Keys

1996 Mrs T. Thistlethwaite

1997 S.J. Brown

1998 Mrs R. Breen

1999 Mrs M.O. Marrs

2000 K.C. Rolfe

2001 Mrs R. Breen

Trumpington Horticultural Society. Alpha Cup

1954 D. Stubbings

1955 M.R. Collins

1956 B. Aylett

1957 Mrs D. Johnson

1958 G.W. Kingswell

1959 W. Coxall

1960 W. Coxall (Mrs)

1961 G. Elsey

1962 Miss M. Elsey

1963 G.H. Seekings

1964 Mrs G. Elsey

1965 E.C. Peacock

1966 Miss B. Elsey

1967 Mrs E.C. Peacock

1971 C. Napthen

1977 J. Pratt

1982 C.H. Bull

1992 C.H. Bull

2002 Mrs S.M. Betts

2003 Mrs S.M. Betts

2004 Mrs S.M. Betts

2005 Mrs C.M. Radford

Trumpington Horticultural Society. The Ladies Cup. Presented by Councillor F.C. Woolfenden. 1954

1954 Mrs Whitfield

1955 Mrs L. Shanks

1956 Mrs A.M. Woolfenden

1957 Mrs B. Tindale, Mrs A.M. Woolfenden

1958 Mrs E.C. Peacock

1959 Mrs A.M. Woolfenden

1960 Mrs E.C. Peacock

1961 Mrs E.C. Peacock

1962 Mrs S.J. Newell

1963 Mrs E.C. Peacock

1964 Mrs E.C. Peacock

1965 Mrs E.C. Peacock

1966 Mrs S.J. Newell

1967 Mrs E.C. Peacock

1968 Mrs S.J. Newell

1969 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1971 Mrs S. Newell

1972 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1973 Mrs E. King

1975 Mrs H. Burrell

1977 Mrs E. King

1978 Mrs S.J. Newell

1979 Mrs E. King, Mrs S.J. Newell

1980 Mrs Shirley Brown

1981 Mrs Shirley Brown

1982 Mrs E. King

1983 Mrs M.S. Brown

1984 Mrs M.S. Brown, Mrs A.L. King

1985 Mrs M.S. Brown

1986 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1987 Mrs M.S. Brown

1988 Mrs A.L. King

1989 Mrs M.S. Brown

1990 Mrs M.S. Brown

1991 Mrs M.S. Brown

1992 Mrs M.S. Brown

1993 Mrs M.S. Brown

1994 Mrs M.S. Brown

1995 Mrs M.S. Brown

1996 Mrs M.S. Brown

1997 Mrs M.S. Brown

1998 Mrs M.S. Brown

1999 Mrs M.S. Brown

2000 Mrs M.S. Brown

2001 Mrs M.S. Brown

2002 Mrs M.S. Brown, Miss M.G. Stokes

2003 Mrs J.B. Whaley

2004 Mrs M.S. Brown

2005 Mrs M.S. Brown

The Harry Collins Cup

1958 B. Aylett

1959 J. Curtis

1960 J. Curtis

1961 L.H. Jacobs

1962 C. Galley

1963 L.H. Jacobs

1964 L.H. Jacobs

1965 G. Elsey

1966 L.H. Jacobs

1967 G. Elsey

1968 G. Elsey

1969 G. Elsey

1971 E.C. Peacock

1972 C. Galley

1973 C.P. Galley

1975 C.P. Galley

1977 C.P. Galley

1978 E.C. Peacock

1979 C.P. Galley

1980 C.P. Galley

1981 Mrs T.O. Parsons

1982 C.P. Galley

1983 S.J. Brown

1984 A. Seekings

1985 S.J. Brown

1986 T.O. Parsons

1987 R.F. Norman

1988 W.S. Gray

1989 S.J. Brown

1990 J.S. Newell

1991 J.S. Newell

1992 J.S. Newell

1993 R.F. Norman

1994 Mrs O. Colbeck, Miss J.B. Arnott

1995 Mrs O. Colbeck

1996 J.S. Newell

1997 F.H. Whaley

1998 J.S. Newell

1999 F.H. Whaley

2000 S.J. Brown

2001 S.J. Brown

2002 D. Fox

2003 S.J. Brown

2004 S.J. Brown

2005 S.J. Brown

Jescot Perpetual Cup

1958 E. Peacock

1959 E. Peacock

1960 E.C. Beaumont

1961 E. Beaumont

1962 E. Peacock

1963 E. Peacock

1964 E. Peacock

1965 E. Peacock

1971 E.C. Peacock

1972 J.H. Scriven

1973 H.A. Trett

1975 J.H. Scriven

1977 C. Bull

1978 H. Zobel

1979 H.A. Trett

1980 Mrs E. Graveling

1982 C.H. Bull

1984 C.H. Bull

1985 Mrs E. Norman

1986 C.H. Bull

1987 Mrs E. Norman

1988 C.H. Bull

1990 C.H. Bull

1991 C.H. Bull

1992 C.H. Bull

1993 J. Harris

1994 J. Harris

1996 J. Harris

1997 J. Harris

1998 M.R. Collins

2000 M.R. Collins

2002 C.H. Bull

2004 C.H. Bull

Sidney Freestone Memorial Challenge Trophy

1971 F.G. Willson

1972 C. Galley

1973 D.D. Cowlishaw

1975 D.D. Cowlishaw

1977 C.P. Galley

1978 C.P. Galley

1979 D.D. Cowlishaw

1980 C.P. Galley

1981 C. Napthen

1983 A. Seekings

1984 M.J. Thornton

1985 Mrs M. Pitman

1986 C.H. Bull

1987 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1988 C.H. Bull

1989 W.S. Gray

1990 Miss J.B. Arnott

1991 C.H. Bull

1992 Mrs I. Dawson

1993 J. Harris

1994 J. Harris

1995 Gemma Keys

1996 F.H. Whaley

1998 S.J. Brown

1999 F.H. Whaley

2000 Mrs R. Breen

2001 R.F. Norman

2002 S.J. Brown

2003 Mrs C.M. Radford

2004 Mrs C. Kendon

2005 S.J. Brown

Trumpington Horticultural Society. The Instant Bio Cup

1982 S.J. Brown

1983 S.J. Brown

1984 S.J. Brown

1985 S.J. Brown

1986 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1987 W.S. Gray

1988 S.J. Brown

1989 S.J. Brown

1990 J.S. Newell

1991 S.J. Brown

1992 S.J. Brown

1993 S.J. Brown

1994 J. Harris

1995 S.J. Brown

1996 S.J. Brown

1997 J.S. Newell

1998 F.H. Whaley

1999 F.H. Whaley

2000 J.S. Newell

2001 S.J. Brown

2002 S.J. Brown

2003 S.J. Brown

2004 S.J. Brown

2005 F.H. Whaley

In Memory of E. Saville Peck Cup

1956 M. Collins

1957 B. Aylett

1958 B. Aylett

1959 E.C. Peacock

1960 E.C. Peacock

1961 E.C. Peacock

1962 E.C. Peacock

1963 J. Malyon

1964 J. Malyon

1965 E.C. Peacock

1971 E.C. Peacock

1972 E.C. Peacock

1973 E.C. Peacock

1975 Mrs M.O. Mutch

1977 C.H. Bull

1978 C.H. Bull

1979 C.H. Bull

1980 C.H. Bull

1981 Mrs B.A. Bull

1982 C.H. Bull

1983 Mrs M. Pitman

1985 Mrs B.A. Bull

1986 Miss M.R. Smith

1987 Mrs M. Pitman

1988 Mrs A. King

1989 Miss J. Arnott

1990 Mrs E. Newell

1991 Mrs H. Keys

1992 Mrs B. Bull

1993 Mrs B. Bull

1994 Miss J. Arnott

1995 Miss Jean Arnott

1996 Mrs Barbara Bull

1997 Mrs B. Bull

1998 Mrs Claire Kendon

1999 Mrs B. Bull

2000 Mrs B. Bull

2001 Mrs B. Bull

2002 Miss J. Arnott

2003 Mrs Jill Whaley

2004 Mrs Claire Kendon

2005 Mrs B. Bull

2009 Mrs Mary Pitman

Frank W. Laver Memorial Bowl

1985 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1987 Mrs S.J. Scott

1988 Mrs J. Tudor

1989 Mrs S. Scott

1990 R.F. Norman

1991 Miss J.B. Arnott

1992 R.F. Norman

1993 J. Harris

1994 J. Harris

1996 F.H. Whaley

1997 J. Harris

1998 M.R. Collins

1999 S.J. Brown

2000 J. Harris

2002 Mrs P.F. Milne

2003 Mrs P.F. Milne

2004 Mrs J.A. Hendy

2009 Mrs J.A. Hendy, Ms P.M. Stacey

2010 Mrs J.A. Hendy

2011 Ms P.M. Stacey

Fred Morris Cup. Junior Classes

1982 Matthew Brown

1983 Amy Keys

1984 Jonathan Bull

1985 Jonathan Bull

1986 Rachel Thompson

1987 Gemma Keys

1988 Jonathan Bull

1989 Rebecca Foreman

1990 Fiona Foreman

1991 Jordana Learmonth

1992 Jordana Learmonth

1993 Josephine Keys

1994 Josephine Keys

1995 Josephine Keys

1998 Ryan Collier

1999 Sam Tester

2000 Ryan Collier

2001 Henry Holms

2002 Taranne Kendon

2003 Ryan Collier

2004 Nicky Savill

2005 Kit Westlake

The Loveday Challenge Cup presented by the Branch President

1956 M. Collins

1957 E. Peacock

1958 A.E. Smith

1959 E.C. Peacock

1960 E.C. Peacock

1961 E. Peacock

1962 E. Peacock

1963 E. Peacock

1964 J. Malyon

1965 E.C. Peacock

1971 E.C. Peacock

1972 A. Seekings

1973 E.C. Peacock, A. Seekings

1975 S.J. Newell

1977 E.C. Peacock

1978 A. Seekings

1979 A. Seekings

1980 A. Seekings

1981 A. Seekings

1982 A. Seekings

1983 A. Seekings

1985 A. Seekings

1986 S.J. Newell

1987 W.S. Gray

1988 W.S. Gray

1989 K.M. Chapman

1990 K.M. Chapman

1991 K.M. Chapman

1992 S.J. Newell

1993 Mrs K.M. Chapman

1994 K.M. Chapman

1995 Mrs K.M. Chapman

1996 S.J. Newell

1997 J. Harris

Cornwell Challenge Cup

1956 M. Collins

1957 E. Peacock

1958 A.E. Smith

1959 E.C. Peacock

1960 E.C. Peacock

1961 E. Peacock

1962 E. Peacock

1963 J. Malyon

1964 J. Malyon

1965 E.C. Peacock

1971 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1972 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1973 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1975 S.J. Newell

1977 E.C. Peacock

1978 E.C. Peacock

1979 E.C. Peacock

1980 Mrs E. Graveling

1981 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1982 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1983 Mrs K.M. Chapman

1984 Mrs W.O. Peacock

1986 S.J. Newell

1987 W.S. Gray

1988 S.J. Newell

1989 K.M. Chapman

1990 K.M. Chapman

1991 K.M. Chapman

1992 K.M. Chapman

1993 J. Harris

1994 K.M. Chapman

1995 Mrs K.M. Chapman

1996 J. Harris

1997 Mrs K.M. Chapman

1999 Mrs M.F. Ginz

2000 J. Harris

Trumpington Horticultural Society. Eileen W. Norman. Chairman 1991-93

1994 Mrs J.A. Hendy

1995 Mrs J.B. Whaley

1996 Mrs J.B. Whaley

1997 Mrs J.B. Whaley

1998 Mrs E. Newell

1999 Mrs J.V. Bennett

2000 Mrs J.B. Whaley

2001 Mrs J.B. Whaley

2002 Miss J.B. Arnott

2003 Mrs R. Breen

2004 Mrs B.A. Bull

2005 S.J. Brown

2006 Mrs J.V. Bennett

2007 Mrs J.B. Whaley

2008 Mrs J.B. Whaley

2009 Mrs F.W. Roberts

2010 Mrs F.W. Roberts

2011 Ms P.M. Stacey

Children’s Shield

1991 Jenny Slatter

2001 Ryan Collier

2002 Ryan Collier

2003 Tim Savill

2004 Taranne Kendon