The Hampshire Federation of Horticultural Societies

• It publishes a List of Speakers, with regular updates, which is of considerable help to Society Secretaries in preparing annual lecture programmes.
• It publishes a List of Show Judges, consisting of both National Society-accredited judges and also more local judges who have either passed the Federation’s own judging test or have been recommended by another Federation or Judges Guild. This is regularly updated.
• It publishes a quarterly Bulletin giving details of Federation activities and other items of general interest.
• It hosts an Annual Judges and Show Organisers Conference or lecture of general interest at Sparsholt College in February.
• It runs an Annual Allotment Competition judged by Federation-approved Judges.
• It runs an Annual Garden Competition judged by Federation-approved Judges.
• An Inter-Society Quiz with a Final held on the Annual Federation Day at Sparsholt College.
• Based on the guidelines previously used for the Show of the Year Awards, assessment of individual society’s shows can be arranged on request.
• It runs this Federation Website containing information provided by member societies.

All publications issued by the Federation are for the use of Affiliated Societies only and must not be passed on to other organisations or authorities without the written approval of the Management Committee.

Prospective Speakers and Judges.  The Federation would be interested to hear from anyone, preferably with previous experience, who can give talks or demonstrations on horticultural or allied subjects to our member societies. Similarly people with experience of judging any classes in local horticultural shows are also required. Experienced exhibitors who are interested in becoming a judge can accompany approved judges for training purposes if necessary. If approved by the Management Committee, generally by recommendation, details of new speakers and judges are added to the appropriate list for member societies to make direct contact as required. Anyone interested in becoming a Federation speaker or judge should contact the Secretary (address details below) in the first instance.

Joining the Federation.  Any horticultural society in Hampshire or the surrounding counties is welcome to join the Federation. Membership fees depend on the number of members in the society and range from £12 to £30 a year as indicated on the Affiliation Application Form. Annual Subscriptions are renewable on the 1^st January each year.

On joining, societies are sent a copy of the Federation Directory, containing contact details of Federation Officers and Organisers and of all member societies, and Judges and Speakers Lists; these are regularly updated and revised. Thereafter, a set number of free copies of the Federation’s Bulletin, notification of Federation-organised activities and other appropriate leaflets are distributed quarterly. Additional copies of the Bulletin can be purchased if required.

To join the Federation, please click on Affiliation Application Form, print and complete the form and send it, with the appropriate fee, to the Secretary at the address shown below.