RADCLIFFE Horticultural Society is to fold after 89 years.

The Society has gone to seed because of declining membership and falling interest.

"It's very disappointing, but hardly surprising. Society's like ours have gone out of fashion," said chairman Mr Keith Nuttall.

At one time the Society could boast 400 members. Now it has just a handful.

The Society used to hold three shows a year which attracted many exhibitors and visitors.

"The shows were funded by weekend horticultural sales, but we couldn't compete when garden centres started Sunday openings."

Although the Society owns a hut on Knowles Street, it cannot hold shows there because there is no electricity or services.

"Last year we held our August show at St Phillip's Community Centre and our September show, which has turned out to be the Society's last, at Golden Days Garden Centre which did not charge a fee," said Mr Nuttall.

But even with the free use of such venues, the lack of interest in the Society makes it pointless to continue.

Back in 1966 it had 700 visitors to its August show. Last year there were only 11 exhibitors.

Mr Nuttall said: "It is a very time-consuming business, which tends to put people off getting involved. On top of that there is no young blood to replace elderly members when they die."

He added: "We are in the process of winding up our affairs. The only way to save the Society now is for new members to come forward but I don't hold out much hope of that."

If you could help breathe new life into the Society you can contact Mr Nuttall on 797 0067.

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