James (Jim) Walker

It is with great sadness that we advise of the death of Jim Walker on Saturday 18th May 2019. Jim had been a mainstay of the Society for many years and had helped enormously in the development of the society into being the success it is today. From a small trading base conducted out of an old air raid type corrugated metal shed, very dark inside, very cold in winter and extremely hot in summer, he became trading secretary and conceived the plan to move into the current trading hut. Subsequently, when other allotment societies became affiliates, the trading operation expanded 6 fold under his stewardship. He became well known and respected by our members who were still enquiring about his well being in the week before he died.

Back in the 1980s he was very involved in the annual Flower Show which was a 2 day event held on ‘The Green’, (Giggs Hill). From helping in the setting up of the huge marquee, arranging overnight security, to calculating the results (no computers in those days, it was all done by hand) he spent many hours in ensuring all went well. He was a great competitor himself and won many prizes. In later years he became President and was fully involved in organising and distributing these newsletters, as well as organising the publicity of the society. The funeral will be at Kingston Crematorium on 14th June at 12.20pm. We hope this newsletter reaches you by then, and ask that you will all remember Jim who did so much for EMGS and spare a thought for his family.

THE BEGINNING

In 1917 the Esher District Allotments and Home Produce Association was founded and continues to this day as the Esher Molesey Garden Society (E M G S) having provided its members with 100 years of continuous service to the local community.

THE MEMBERSHIP

The present membership approaches 700, made up of 400 full members and about 300 affiliate members from several Allotment Associations in the area.

The Society relies on volunteers to run its various activities and events.

The Society is affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society, The National Dahlia Society, the Royal National Rose Society, the National Vegetable Society and the Surrey Horticultural Federation.

Membership

Full membership of the EMGS includes all members of the same household for a yearly subscription of £5.00. Other terms e.g. 5 years and life are available.

Only Full members can enter the draw for Hampton Court Show tickets and have free entry to lectures.

Members of allotment societies which are affiliated to the EMGS are NOT full members of the EMGS and as such may not enter novice classes in the Show and are not entitled to two free entries in the Show. If in any doubt, please ring Tony Speller (020 8398 1774) to check your membership status

LECTURES

Each year eight lectures, one per month February to June and September to November inclusive, are available free to full members. These are very popular and often there is a selection of Trading Depot stock available to buy. Meetings are normally on the first Monday of the month at 8 p.m. in St Nicholas Church Hall, Thames Ditton.

THE NEWSLETTER

Four times a year a newsletter is distributed to all members, mostly by volunteers. These give details of the Society’s activities over the coming months and as appropriate include an annual depot price list or the Show schedule.

Members for whom the Society has an e-mail address are up dated on news between newsletters.

THE FLOWER SHOW

A major event in the Society’s calendar, The Annual Flower Show is now held during August in St Nicholas Church Hall in Thames Ditton. The schedule includes classes for flowers, vegetables, fruit, home-baking and photography with special classes for children. There are stalls selling produce and a wide choice of plants, with tea and cakes also available to complete the afternoon’s enjoyment.

THE TRADING DEPOT

By long tradition the Trading Depot, run by members for members, provides a wide range (some 800 items available) of gardening supplies, often at 25% or more below normal retail prices. Products available include fertilisers, garden chemicals, tools, seeds, onion sets and seed potatoes and if not in stock items can usually be obtained to order.

Located on the Beauchamp Road Allotment site the entrance is between houses 104 and 106 Beauchamp Road, West Molesey. The Depot comprises two buildings forming a self service shop with a store for more bulky materials such as composts and fertilisers. The Depot is open every Sunday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. and during spring and summer on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8pm.

THE FUTURE

The Society always has a very successful stand at Molesey Carnival selling plants and garden sundries.

Other trips/activities are planned each year on an ad hoc basis.

Admin Stuff

Email addresses : updates have been sent to most of those who have given us e mail addresses. But a few were rejected by the system as undeliverable. (enquiries@emgs.co).

At present some 80 members are on this list and it enables information such as the special priced compost etc. to be made available without having to wait for Garden Topics

For Membership Enquiries contact tony_speller@hotmail.co.uk. 15 Riverside Avenue,East Molesey, KT8 0AE. Tel 020 8398 1774

Use the links in the left hand column to access further pages. Garden events describes what is going on at the current time. The annual Flower Show, our major event, merits its own special section. Bargains available at the Depot are described on the Trading page. While the History page will tell you of the origins and the story of the Society upto the present day.