The roots of our Gardening Club can be traced back to the first ever Village Flower Show which was held in September 1885. It was held in a tent pitched on what was the quoit ground at the back of the Institute, the house now called ‘The Old Rectory,’ so it must have been on land which is now the children’s playground. It was organised by managers of the Horringer and Ickworth Village Club and Institute or what is now known as Horringer Sports and Social Club.
The Rector, Rev. J. Giddens, acted as secretary and Lord Bristol donated a sum of money to help with prizes and expenses.
Now, some 137 years on the Annual Flower Show is still the main event of our year. The show schedule has over 50 classes covering fruit, vegetables and flowers together with sections on floral art, crafts, cookery and photography. There are several trophies to be won.
Today the Club has around 65 members all of whom enjoy gardening, fresh air and fun. A number of speaker meetings are held during the year normally on the second Monday of the month on a range of topics of interest to gardeners and ‘outdoor’ people. In summer visits are organised to gardens of interest in the locality and beyond.
Our Annual General Meeting is usually held in the first quarter of the year. Annual subscription to the Club costs £6 paid annually in January.
New members are always welcome. You don't have to be an avid or knowledgeable gardener, just someone interested in a wide range of gardening and allied topics, although you need not be a member to come to our meetings or exhibit at the Flower Show.
The admission charge is normally £2.00 for members and £4.00 for Guests. Refreshments are available by way of donations. In addition, there is a monthly raffle and on occasions the opportunity to buy plants and produce.
ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO ALL, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER BUT DIFFERENT CHARGES APPLY AT ENTRY TO THE MONTHLY MEETINGS
The Community Centre is situated on the A143 from Bury St Edmunds along a small road on the north side of the village green. It is signposted off the main road. The post code of the community Centre is IP29 5RU. There is ample car parking at the front of the Centre.There is ample car parking at the front of the Centre.