SURREY CHRYSANTHEMUM & DAHLIA SOCIETY WELCOMES YOU
Who We Are
Surrey Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society was founded in 1964, we are affiliated to
The Royal Horticultural Society
The National Dahlia Society
The National Chysanthemum Society
The N.C.S. Southern Group
We are a friendly enthusiastic group of Chrysanthemum and Dahlia growers based in Surrey with members through out the Home Counties and South East England. Our committee has many years experience and is ably led by our chairman Mr Fred Austin.
We hold 5 shows each year, all shows have free admission for the general public; so why not come along and see our wonderful blooms, or better still enter some yourself; either way you will be made most welcome.
We also hold plant sales at various locations through out Surrey. A wonderful way to obtain top stock plants at very reasonable prices. To find out when and where our next plant sale is please use the "Get in Touch" link below.
Why not join us, membership is just £5 a year.
1964 - 2024
Diamond Anniversary
Celebrate with us.
To mark our Diamond Anniversary we have added special classes to our Main and Late Shows. Prize money is also being increased for many classes across this years shows.
Anniversary Classes
Main Show 8th September
Class D1 - Dahlias One vase - 5 Blooms, One Distinct Variety, Any Classification
Class D2 - Dahlias One vase - 5 Blooms, One distinct Variety, Any Classification. Class D2 is restricted to exhibitors growing less than 200 plants. An exhibitor may enter only one of the above classes D1 or D2 (but not both)
Class C1 - Chrysanthemums- One vase - 5 blooms or 5 Stems Sprays. One Distinct Variety, Any Classification
Late Chrysanthemum Show 3rd November
Class LC - One vase - 5 Blooms or Stems, One distinct Variety, any Classification
Prizes for Anniversary Classes
Classes D1 and D2: !st £25 and NDS Bronze Medal. 2nd £15 3rd£10
Classes C1 and LC: 1st £25 and NCS Bronze Medal. 2nd £15 3rd £10
1964 - 2024
OUR HISTORY
Surrey was formed in 1964 by a group of enthusiastic Chrysanthemum and Dahlia growers in the Worcester Park, Sutton and Cheam area. The group was led by Sid Cornelius and his nephew Paul Cornelius. People interested in joining the Society were asked for ten shillings and sixpence (half a guinea) just over 50p in present money. 86 people signed up to become Founder Members of the Society. In 2024 we still have one Founder Member namely Dave Spencer.
The first show was held in September 1965 at the T.A. Drill Hall Sutton. The Society had many years at the Hall and also held meetings and the AGM in an upstairs room. In 1980 we moved to the Diamond Riding School for the Disabled at Carshalton. We used the indoor riding arena. The only problem was the surface was sawdust based and we had to level every table with pieces of wood to make sure they wouldn't tip. From 1986 we held our Main show at Epsom High School before moving to W.S.Atkins in 1989. we used the Restaurant and had many successful shows there. In 2002 we mover to Toyota H.Q. at Epsom Downs. This was a unique site as the show was basically held in their showroom. In 2021 we moved to our present venue, The Arbor Centre at Pyrford, Woking.The 1st Late Show was held in 1968 with the 1st August Members Show held in 1969. These shows were followed by the 1st September Members Show in 1970. Our 1st Spring Show was in 1997 until 2021.
Our Chrysanthemum Growers have been successful showing at the NCS National with the highlight being winning the Championship of Great Britain 3 years in a row 1976, 1977 & 1978. Our Dahlia Growers have also been successful winning the Herbert Brown in 1978 at the NDS National. Our Daffodil Growers have also been successful in many Inter Society Championships.
2024 Schedule of Shows & Events-
Saturday 23rd March General meeting and tuber/early plant sale.
Friday 10th May Plant Sale. at West Byfleet.
Saturday 3rd August Single Dahlia Bloom Show.
Sunday 18th August Members Show.
Sunday 8th September Main Show.
Sunday 22nd September Members Show.
Sunday 3rd November Late Chrysanthemum Show.
Date T.B.A. A.G.M. & Social.
2024 Plant Sales
We will be holding a tuber and early plant sale for members on the morning of 23rd March at the Arbor, Pyrford. There will also be a limited amount of general sundries for sale.
We will only be holding one external Plant Sale this year.
The Plant Sale will be held on Friday 10th May 2024 and will take place outside Le Nails & Beauty, Old Woking Road, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14 6LG. 10.00 to 12.30. as usual there will be a good range of quality plants at reasonable prices, not only dahlias and chrysanthemums but also seasonal bedding, herbaceous and vegetable plants.
Single Dahlia Bloom Show
Saturday 3rd August 2024
Entries on the day - staging 9.00-9.45 a.m.
Judging commences 10.00 a.m. - show closes 11.45 a.m.
News & Views
Breaking News
Travelling to the Diamond Jubilee Show from M25/A3 be aware that Upshott Lane Pyrford is CLOSED. Follow the diversion. Ignore the Road Closed sign as you enter Pyrford, when travelling on the diversion route.
Contact Surrey Chrysanthemum & Dahlia Society
Get in touch with Surrey Chrysanthemum & Dahlia Society to learn more about our shows, plant sales and becoming a member.
