The History and Aims of the Society

Registered Charity no. 283786.

The Society was formed in 1884 originally as the Stoke Poges and Wexham Cottage Horticultural Society. Fulmer village was invited to join in 1885, and in 1923 the name was changed to The Stoke Poges, Wexham and Fulmer Horticultural and Poultry Society. The name poultry was removed in 1932 when the Poultry sections were dropped from the Annual Show and the current title was then adopted.

We are a friendly and active society with some 300 enthusiastic members.  It provides an opportunity for gardeners in the three villages of Stoke Poges, Wexham and Fulmer and surrounding areas, to meet and learn from each other and from speakers at our evening lectures.

Annual Shows for flowers, fruit and vegetables, art and craft, cookery, and photography, are held in the grounds of Stoke Poges School and have been held each year, except during the two world wars. Earlier venues included Stoke Place House, Stoke Green Cricket Club and the grounds formerly owned by the Cement and Concrete Association at Wexham Springs and Fulmer Grange.

The Society was granted a Charitable status in 1983. The Constitution states that 

‘The objects of the Society shall be the advancement of education in the subject of horticulture and the promotion, encouragement and improvement of horticulture for the public benefit.’

The Society is keen to reflect the changing patterns in horticulture and to ensure that the Annual Flower Show offers an enjoyable experience for exhibitors to stage their produce in a keen but friendly spirit. In addition to exhibition classes in the large marquee, the show hosts a Brass Band, a display of Classic Cars, numerous stalls, cream teas and beer tent and various other attractions.

From the outset, high standards were set and whilst the Society has striven to maintain this reputation throughout its history, the Committee’s aim is to ensure that we also encourage newcomers and novices to ‘have a go’ at exhibiting.

Our aim is to promote all aspects of gardening, gardens and plants and in particular, support for gardening in local schools.   Membership is not confined to these villages; all are welcome, both young and not so young, beginner and old hand.  If you are interested in gardening,  or the environment and want to learn more, you are most welcome to join any of our meetings as a visitor or non member ( in these cases for a small fee).

If you just want to come to our meetings, enjoy the talk and refreshment and then go home, that’s fine: if you want to become more involved, wonderful! Come and join us.

You can join the Society at any of the meetings by completing the membership form.

Do have a look round our website, and if you have any questions or comments, please contact our committee via the contacts page.

We are affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society, the National Vegetable Society, Thames Valley Horticultural Federation, the National Sweet Pea Society and the Buckinghamshire Association of Horticultural Societies.