The North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS) is delighted to announce that HRH The Prince of Wales is to continue as Patron of the charity for a further five years.
His Royal Highness is renowned for his keen interest in horticulture and, over the last 30 years, has transformed the gardens of his Gloucestershire home, Highgrove, managing them to the organic and sustainable principles that he has long championed. He became Patron of the NEHS in 2010.
The North of England Horticultural Society is a leading horticultural charity established in 1911 to promote gardening in the north. It organises and runs the twice-yearly Harrogate Flower Shows, using profits from the events to support community horticulture across the region.
In 2014 the society funded more than 30 gardening projects, ranging from school veg growing for food banks to the restoration of war memorials. The flower shows also provide an international showcase for hundreds of amateur growers and specialist horticultural societies.
Chairman of the NEHS, Chris Smith, said: “We are honoured to have HRH The Prince of Wales as our Patron and delighted that he has agreed to continue as an ambassador for the society. His knowledge of horticulture and passion for gardening are second to none, and we look forward to working with him to further develop the important role the NEHS plays in supporting and promoting horticulture in the north.”
The Society is also proud to announce that its current President, Lucinda Compton, will also continue in her role for a further two years.
Lucinda, whose family owns Newby Hall and Gardens, near Ripon, became President of the charity in 2013. As curator of both the stately home and its famous grounds, Lucinda has been instrumental in developing the gardens, including the recent rejuvenation of Newby’s renowned herbaceous borders.
Chris Smith added: “Lucinda has done tremendous work in furthering the cause of the NEHS and is a valued member of our team. We are delighted that she has agreed to continue as President for two more years.”
Harrogate Spring Flower Show
Rated Britain’s best gardening event by Which?, Harrogate Spring Flower Show is the first major date in the gardening calendar and next takes place from 23 – 26 April 2015 at the Great Yorkshire Showground. The autumn show will be staged from 18 – 20 September. Visit www.flowershow.org.uk for more details.
