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Ewell
Horticultural Association (EHA) has been serving the gardeners of Ewell and
Stoneleigh since 1865. Currently, the Association has approximately 2200 members
and is thought to be amongst the oldest and largest Association of its type in
England. The
earliest records available date from 1899 and show that admission to the Annual
show in the grounds of The Grove, cost one shilling (5p). Membership at that
time totalled 91. Manuscript notes indicate that there were “vegetables
stolen” and “policemen must remain in tent until close of show”. The
balance sheet for that year details payments of fourteen shillings (70p) to the
police and £5.00 for the band. Generally prize money ranged from three
shillings (15p) to ten shillings (50p) – a great deal of money in those days. However,
the Association in those early days was really a body providing a service for
the head gardeners of the many large houses in the area vying with each other to
impress the locals. Whilst the records for the period before and after World War
l cannot be found, it is thought that activities of the Association ceased
during the hostilities. The
Association continued to serve the gardeners’ needs until 1939 and the
outbreak of World War ll. A committee meeting minute dated 30th
September 1939 indicated the closing down of the Association with notices to
this effect in the local press. On 25th July 1942 it was proposed and
seconded that the assets of the Association should be transferred to the
“Ewell & Ewell Court War Allotment and Garden Association”. These assets
amounted to £33-3-9 (£33.18) plus nine cups and medals. The title of the EHA
was to be incorporated and carry on its work after the war. 29th
May 1946 saw the effective re-emergence of EHA under the Chairmanship of Mr R S
Judd, albeit with under two dozen members! In 1947, three flower shows were held
at Ewell County Primary School in West Street. Admission was free to members,
but non-members were charged 6d (2.5p) By
1961 membership had risen to 1232. Flower shows were a regular feature of the
Associations activities attracting a total of 1781 entries and a large number of
local retailers giving discounts to EHA members. Sales of a limited range of
fertilisers were arranged with ‘volunteers’ making deliveries to members. The
100th anniversary in 1965 was marked by quite low-key celebrations.
The usual four flower shows were held at the Drill Hall in the T.A. Centre,
Ewell. To commemorate the occasion, the Association presented a tulip tree to
the council. This was duly planted in the grounds of Bourne Hall by the Mayor
(Alderman Mrs L M Woodcock) During
1980, the Associations trading centre (known as The Potting Shed) moved to its
current location at Ewell Court, having previously been at The Mill. Although
this move was unavoidable since the Mill site was being redeveloped, the greater
space at Ewell Court was needed to meet the growing requirements of the needs of
the members. (Currently 2345) By
contrast, the celebrations for the 125th anniversary were much more
upbeat. Glyn house was hired for 18th August 1990 and about 2000
enjoyed a show that took, as it’s main theme, ‘the history and development
of local skills, handicrafts and horticulture since 1865’. Councillors Don and
Nancy Shearly planted a commemorative red chestnut tree in the grounds. Since
it’s foundation back in 1865 the aims of the EHA have not changed – namely
‘to promote and enjoy horticulture’. It is still run by an enthusiastic
group of volunteers and is, of course, non-profit making. Any member visiting
the Potting Shed on one of the Sunday openings and needing advice is assured a
warm welcome, a sympathetic ear, and in all probability a solution to their
particular problem. (January 2002) |
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Ewell Horticultural Association exists for the encouragement and enjoyment of Horticulture. © Ewell Horticultural Association 2010 |
