CENTRAL COAST NSW BROMELIAD SOCIETY INC.
Club News.
Formed 1982.
Patron - Ruby Ryde
President - Daryl Ganter
Secretary - Bob Hickel 4382 4233
Treasurer - Glenda Edwards
Editor - Frank Thomas
Contact Bob Hickel, Secretary ......................Tel: (02) 4382 4233
Our Meetings are held on the 4th Saturday of each month (Jan-Nov) commencing at 1.30pm. We have plant
and product sales, Guest Speakers, a Bromeliad discussion section, a Bromeliad Popular Vote competition, Library and raffle.
Meetings are held in the Anglican Church Hall, WYOMING. Vehicle entrance is off Parkhill Rd.
Competition plants need to be in by 1.30pm, plant sales start from 1.00pm on. Meeting starts about 1.30pm and finishes at aprox 4.30pm.
Annual Spring Show : Our Annual Spring Show is held each year in September at the Flora Festival in Kariong on the Central Coast.
Reprints from “The First Fifteen Years” by Fay Hagan.
Copyright Fay Hagan, 1998.
CENTRAL COAST NSW BROMELIAD SOCIETY INC.
The objects of the Society shall be:
TO promote and enhance knowledge of Bromeliaceae culture,
history, cultivation and hybridization and to distribute such knowledge
amongst members and the public at large.
TO carry out research and educational activities.
into all aspects of bromeliaceae.
TO promote good fellowship amongst members of the Society.
TO provide the facilities and environment for social contact
between members and their friends and generally to afford to them
all the usual privileges, benefits and conveniences of a Society.
TO engage in such other activities, whether of a like nature or not,
as may for the time being be permitted by law and determined by the committee.
(From our original Constitution dated 27th July 1985)
OUR FORMATION MEETING
On 27 February 1982 at 2.00 pm the Inaugural Meeting of the Central Coast Bromeliad Society, N.S.W. was held at the Horticultural Research Station Narara. Mr. George Clarke, Interim President, wrote in his mid-year report:
"The idea of forming a Bromeliad Society came to mind whilst returning from the 1st Bromeliad Conference, in a bus half way between Melbourne and Sydney. I discussed the matter with Rob Larnach who was quite enthusiastic. I then tested the feeling of a local bromeliad lover, Louis Forrest. He was that enthusiastic that I decided, (knowing full well the hurdles that had to be overcome), that we should give it a go.
At that first meeting there was an attendance of 52 adults and 4 children, from which the Society gained 32 financial members each paying a subscription of $6.00.
The Interim Management Committee were:
. . . . . Interim President . . . . . . . . Mr. George Clarke
. . . . . Interim Secretary . . . . . . . . Mrs. Yvonnie Arnall
. . . . . Interim Treasurer . . . . . . . . Mrs. Doreen Johnston
Interim Sub-Committee:
. . . . . Mr. Peter Johnston . . . . . . Mr. Robert Larnach
. . . . . Mr. Louis Forrest . . . . . . . Mr. Bill Morris
. . . . . Mr. & Mrs. John Bisset . . . Mr. Robert Riedl
. . . . . Mrs. Beryl Durham
Mr. George Clarke's report goes on to thank those who helped so much in the formation of the Society, as follows:
“It would be remiss of me not to thank the Australian Bromeliad Society in general and Keith and Ruby Ryde in particular for their help and assistance. To each and every member of the Interim Management Committee I say a very sincere thank you. I know it was not easy to travel some 100 km. to attend Management Committee Meetings. I don't think we would have ever got the Society going without your help."
This Inaugural Meeting was a very full one with discussions on the Constitution and By-laws to be drawn up; proposed election of Officers; meeting times and membership fees to be determined. However, there was still time for afternoon tea and THREE guest speakers:
Peter Johnston spoke on the number of genera and species in the bromeliad family. Also on the culture, colour and judging of bromeliads.
Bill Morris spoke on the growing requirements of bromeliads, and Robert Riedl spoke of the history of bromeliads, dating as far back as RAMESES III !
It wasn't until August 1982 that the wording of our name was rearranged to become:
CENTRAL COAST NSW BROMELIAD SOCIETY
MEETINGS - THEN AND NOW
The first year of our Society was a busy one with many decisions to be made. Minutes of 24 April 1982 determined that meetings would be held on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Research Station, Narara, N.S.W. and 'field' (visitation) days be additional to the monthly meetings.
The first Annual General Meeting of the Society was held at Narara on 28 August 1982.
The Society meetings were held at Narara until August 1994 when rules were laid down by the Research Station restricting the introduction of plant material. We just couldn't have a Bromeliad Society Meeting without bromeliads! This meant another venue had to be found. It was through Ern Bailey that we were able to secure the use of the hall at the Holy Family Anglican Church, Wyoming N.S.W., where our meetings are still being held.
Today our meetings follow much the same format as they did in the early years. Tables are set up around the hall for our Library, Plant of the Month Competition, Plant Sales, Stock Sales, Plant for Discussion and our all important Raffle Table.
Guest speakers were first introduced at the Inaugural Meeting and have continued to be an important feature of our meetings since then. There have been too many to mention individually, (from within our Society and other invited guests), but all have contributed greatly with their knowledge and expertise.
Of course, afternoon tea has always been an important social aspect of our meetings, giving members a chance to get to know one another. In the early days of the Society, finances were tight. On 22 May 1982 members were asked for a donation of 20 cents each to cover afternoon tea, with the explanation that the raffle (with such a small membership), was not covering expenses.
Each year since 1982 the Society has been able to include home visits in its busy schedule. Or as they were then called 'field' (or visitation) days. When possible these are held on the fifth Saturday of the month and have proved very popular with members. A great way to visit socially and see other members' gardens! Of course, the visits always include afternoon tea. In 1997 an even more ambitious trial was made with members paying a small fee for barbecue and/or chicken lunches. This proved even more popular, so hopefully will continue.
We couldn't complete this section without mentioning our last meeting of the year (held in November), which is always special. Of course our members go to extra trouble to make our laden afternoon tea table a festive one. Kath Baker's icy fruit punch is always a favourite at that time of the year!
In July 1993 it was proposed by Bryan Ellis that our Society donate a sum of money to charity each year, and Fred Thompson suggested a plant auction to take place at our end of year meeting. This was the start of something BIG! Our auction table is always loaded with plants donated by our generous members. Then with Keith and Ruby Ryde competently running the auction, and Bob Christoffel pencilling in the takings, our members are ready to part with their money, donating $3400 to local charities over the next 5 years.
TROPHIES
The Society has four Perpetual Trophies, two for our competitive Show and two for our Plant of the Month competition.
1 . Silver Tray for Overall Highest Point Scores in a competitive Show, donated by Len Trotman of the New Zealand Bromeliad Society.
2 . Lou Forrest Shield for Best Neoregelia in a Show.
3 . Shield for Plant of the Month Annual Open Point Score winner.
4 . Trophy for Plant of the Month Highest Points score in the Novice Section, donated by Ern Bailey.
There have been too many prize-winners over the fifteen years to mention each one individually, but all results are published in our monthly Bromelia Post.
BROMELIA POST - THEN AND NOW
Although the following events aren't strictly related to the heading above, they are significant.
If things had turned out differently, there may not have been a Bromelia Post, (or a Central Coast Bromeliad Society!)
September 1984 was a month of crisis in the short life of our Society. President George Clarke announced that, due to ill health, he was incapable of continuing his role as President and Secretary. The Minutes show that a decision would be made at the following meeting as to whether the Society would "continue or be closed."
An Extraordinary General Meeting was held on 27 October 1984 which resulted in the resignation of George Clarke from office.
To enable the Society to continue, Enid 0'Loughlin accepted the position of President, with May Russom as Secretary and Myrtle Long remaining as Treasurer.
It was on the back of this significant page of Minutes dated 27 October 1984 that our very first Newsletter was printed. The following 'good advice' was featured in this Newsletter.
PLANT A SOCIETY GARDEN
- First, plant five rows of peas:
Presence
Preparedness
Promptness
Perseverance
Perceptiveness
- Next, plant three rows of squash:
Squash gossip
Squash criticism
Squash indifference
- Now, put in five rows of lettuce:
Let us be faithful to duty.
Let us be loyal and unselfish
Let us be true to our obligations
Let us obey rules and regulations
Let us love one another
- No garden is complete without turnips:
Turn up for meeting
Turn up with a smile
Turn up with new ideas
Turn up with a determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile
Turn up on time.
BROMELIA POST
February 1985 would see the first edition of our own separate magazine, in much the same form as it is today.
This first cover was created by Ern Bailey and featured a hand drawn potted Billbergia and the map of Australia.
It was also the very first time that our circular Logo was presented. There would be two similar Newsletters to follow, November 1984 and January 1985; and both of these included copies of cuttings from the Gosford Star, our local newspaper.
Minutes of March 1985 show that the name BROMELIA POST was unanimously voted in for our magazine. Also at that meeting, Ern Bailey accepted the position of magazine Editor, which he would hold for five years.
OUR LOGO
It was Myrtle Long who designed and completed the original artwork for our circular Logo enclosing an Aechmea fasciata, which was first featured on the October 1984 Newsletter.
In March 1985 our second edition of Bromelia Post went to print, this time with Myrtle's circular Logo on the cover. However, close inspection revealed that the Fasciata had grown an extra leaf since its first appearance!
This Logo with the hand printed name surround graced the cover of our magazine until January 1994, when our Logo was upgraded.
Professional printing replaced the handwritten printing of our name and included the abbreviation INC. to denote the Incorporation of our Society.
Something else had changed. Within its upgraded circular surround. Our Fasciata had gained even more maturity with an extra two leaves!! Compare the three Logos shown below:
One of our members, Joan Norden, solved the mystery of the growing Fasciata. It appears her artistic talents were called upon to assist the Society in its quest for a permanent Logo to be used on badges, spoons, letterheads etc. In her wisdom, Joan decided to stay with Myrtle Long's original design, but added extra detail and leaves to enhance the (nearly ten year old!) Fasciata.
In October 1985 our Bromelia Post published a Newsletter for the then recently formed Hunter District Bromeliad Society. Their Newsletter continued to be a regular feature of our Society until January 1987.
Ern's last two years as Editor were carried out in conjunction with his role as President of our Society. The magazine continued to prosper and those early editions are just as interesting to read today.
From 1990 Marjory McNamara took over as Editor until 1992.
Our present Editor, Stan Oakes has been doing a great job since September 1992. Not only the interesting articles, but Stan's now popular back page, (they say laughter is the best medicine!), ensures our Bromelia Post continues to be enjoyed by all. In June 1994 Stan added the finishing touch to our Logo with the endorsement "Formed 1982" and recently re-introduced our map of Australia, which had somehow got lost along the way.
OUR PATRONS
LT. COL. GEORGE CLARKE as our history shows, is credited with the formation of our Society. He was ex-Army and those who knew him, remember him as very much the military man who preferred to be addressed as Colonel. His idea for the Central Coast was a Bromeliad Society entirely independent of all other Societies. Perhaps for this reason, at the Inaugural Meeting he gratefully refused a monetary donation offered by the Australian Bromeliad Society, through its President, Keith Ryde. Colonel Clarke's love of bromeliads and his determination to have a successful Bromeliad Society on the Central Coast, with the help of many others, has been realised. He worked hard as President, (and also as Secretary when needed), from February 1982 to October 1984 when ill health forced him to resign from the Executive Committee. He was made Patron in October 1984 and awarded Life Membership in July 1987.
Lt. Col. George Clarke died in November 1989. Ern Bailey wrote these words -
"George, you left your mark, we will remember you."
LOUIS FORREST was of Polish descent, going to England in his youth. He served in the Royal Navy during World War II, later studying Agriculture and obtaining his degree. With his wife June he migrated to Australia and after arrival in Sydney, was offered a position with the Royal Botanic Gardens. He passed a Horticultural Course with honours and was made Head Propogationist and Curator at the Gardens, where he worked until his retirement to the Central Coast. Lou was always willing to pass on to others the knowledge gained through his horticultural background. His talents, particularly in the art of bromeliad display, are still remembered and used today. Lou was Vice President from 1982 to 1988 He was made Patron in 1990.
Louis Forrest died in September 1990. Ern Bailey wrote these words -
"Louis was nature's gentleman, a man we were privileged to have known."
ERN. BAILEY joined the Society in October 1982. He was Editor of our Bromelia Post from 1985 to 1989. President from 1988 to 1994 and Vice President from 1995 up to the present time. To help the Society, Ern used the printing and copying facilities at his place of business (Valley View at Lisarow N.S.W.), and continued to do so until August 1997. He has always worked tirelessly for our Society and is still enthusiastically participating at our Meetings and Shows.
Ern Bailey was unanimously chosen as our Patron in August 1995.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
The following paragraphs record the progression of our Society since its formation in 1982.
AFFILIATION: On 28 January 1984 it was proposed and carried that our Society join the Bromeliad Society International, U.S.A. We have been affiliated with the BSI since then.
RESELLERS' REGISTRATION: On 24 November 1984 the Minutes record the decision to apply for registration with the Department of Agriculture for a Resellers' Licence.
CONSTITUTION: On 27 July 1985 the Minutes show the acceptance of our Constitution, and a vote of thanks was given to Ern Bailey for his involvement in the preparation and presentation of this Constitution.
AFFILIATION: On 24 August 1985 it was proposed and accepted that our Society join the Garden Club of Australia, and we have been affiliated with them since then.
Our Public Liability Insurance Policy No. 47 F604639 LIA is effected through the Garden Club of Australia with NZI Insurance.
INCORPORATION: In February 1993 it was proposed and seconded that executive be empowered to implement the Incorporation of our Society as soon as possible.
The Minutes of March 1993 record the following motion approved and seconded:
"That this presently unincorporated Association be taken over by an Association to be incorporated under the Associations' Incorporation Act to be known as - CENTRAL COAST N.S.W. BROMELIAD SOCIETY INCORPORATED"
The Incorporation was finalised by 23 October 1993. Our registered office address lodged with the N.S.W. Business and Consumer Affairs is Valley View Poultry Pty. Ltd.. Lisarow N.S.W.
EARLY MEMBERS
ERN & JEAN BAILEY: Ern, our Patron, was first introduced to bromeliads when his wife Jean purchased one for him, for fifty cents, from a Church Hall sale at Lisarow N.S.W. This of course grew on beautifully. When our Society had its first display in the Imperial Centre, Gosford N.S.W. in 1982, Ern went in to have a look. After talking to George Clarke and Lou Forrest at the display, he joined up there and then. Anybody who has seen Ern's bromeliad collection, and followed his prize winning career through our many Shows, will appreciate just what can be achieved from such a humble fifty cent purchase. Ern has always worked tirelessly and enthusiastically for the Society, and the details of his working record are featured many times throughout the pages of this history.
ERN BAILEY WAS AWARDED LIFE MEMBERSHIP IN 1995.
ERIC & KATH BAKER joined our Society in 1987 after seeing a notice in one of the local newspapers, and subsequently attending one of our meetings. Kath Baker went on to become Hostess in 1990, and still continues this work, helping also with our Raffle and Attendance Book. Eric Baker took over our Stock Sales Table in 1992 where he continued to work tirelessly as Trader Eric. Eric was always generous with his time and his plants, donating regularly to our raffle and auction. His Billbergias in flower were always a talking point at our Shows.
Sadly Eric passed away suddenly in April 1998.
IAN & AUDREY CAMPBELL: Ian's first bromeliad, (a Cryptanthus grown by George Clarke), was a gift from his mother purchased at one of our Shows. A Neoregelia carolinae tricolour purchased at Lake Cathie during their travels, was the beginning of a love of bromeliads for both Ian and Audrey. They visited Lou Forrest's Nursery at Wyee N.S.W. once a week building up their collection. They joined our Society in 1985. Both Ian and Audrey have been enthusiastic members and workers, both on our Committee and in other areas since then. (The details of their positions in office are featured in other sections of this history). Ian is always ready to share his knowledge and years of experience with others, as Guest Speaker or at our Discussion Table.
BRYAN ELLIS was studying Horticulture at Ryde College when an illustration of a Tillandsia caught his attention. He was so intrigued with this particular plant, he decided there and then to learn more about it - AND SO HE HAS! Inevitably his interest in Tillandsias led him to our Society, and in 1983 he first visited one of our meetings.
Bryan tells of the visible reaction shown on the faces of the members when this dark haired, bearded newcomer entered the hall. He joined our Society that year, and members soon came to appreciate Bryan's willingness to help out when needed. He is always ready to pass on his knowledge and love of Tillandsias to others, and has featured many times as Guest Speaker at our Meetings. Bryan was Society Librarian for three years, and spent one year as Publicity Officer, (detailed in the Committee lists).
PETER & DOREEN JOHNSTON: Peter and Doreen were present at our Inaugural meeting in 1982 and have been members since then. At that first meeting Doreen became Interim Treasurer and Peter, Interim Sub-Committee Chief Judge and Convener. Doreen was Secretary for the year 1983/84 while Peter took over as Caretaker President in 1984, due to the ill health of President George Clarke. The following is an excerpt (worth repeating) from Peter's end of year report:
"As you all know I am not one for things formal, so if I have overlooked the seconding of Minutes or similar, please accept my apology. What I tried to do was encourage all members to talk, not about each other, but about your plants and your fellow members' plants and in so doing learn something about Bromeliads from each other. Even the newest member is capable of contributing something to such discussions."
PETER & DOREEN JOHNSTON WERE AWARDED LIFE MEMBERSHIP IN 1988.
ROB LARNACH: Rob is a foundation member of our Society, and as a member of the Interim Management Committee, was very involved in the early years of its formation. He contributed with his knowledge and experience, officiating as Show Director in our first Show at the Imperial Centre, Gosford N.S.W. in October 1982. Members have also enjoyed his many interesting and informative talks as Guest Speaker. Rob is presently working as Greenhouse Manager in a Tissue Culture Laboratory on the Central Coast, N.S.W. When last speaking to him, he was involved in the processing of 300,000 PINEAPPLE plants !
ROB LARNACH WAS AWARDED LIFE MEMBERSHIP IN 1992.
About two years ago Rob Larnach and Bill Morris started up a training school for Judges in Sydney, which was in operation for about two years. Unfortunately Bill Morris was unable to continue, but Rob Larnach is still passing on his judging skills to others.
BILL MORRIS was present at our Inaugural Meeting in February 1982. This was not the first time he had been present at a Bromeliad Society formation meeting, and he was able to pass on the knowledge gained through this to our newly formed Society. Bill served as a member of the Interim Management Committee and contributed in many ways during the Society's early years. He gave his first informative talk to our Society at its Inaugural Meeting, and many more have followed since then. It was Bill who, in April 1994, suggested that our Society's history should be recorded.
BILL MORRIS WAS AWARDED LIFE MEMBERSHIP IN 1992
EDNA MOORE was living at Gorokan when she admired the bromeliads in her neighbour's garden. Her neighbour was Mil Baskerville, a member of our Society and she persuaded Edna to attend one of our meetings. Edna loved the Tillandsia Cyanea she purchased there, and joined our Society in 1985. A couple of years later Edna was talking to Lou Forrest at one of our meetings, and he suggested that she would make a good Secretary. And she did. Edna was Secretary from 1987 to 1990, then again from 1992 to 1995. A lot of years of hard work for the Society.
CLIFF & JOAN NORDEN have been members since 1983 and in the early years were regular attendants at our meetings. As well as Joan's involvement in the artwork for our Society Logo, she has also contributed poetry to our Bromelia Post. Joan's artistic talents were on display at some of our earlier Shows, when members tell me she would circulate among the visiting public wearing her hand painted apron featuring (of course!) a bromeliad, and handing out plates of pineapple pieces. Joan served as a Society Hostess during the year 1984/85.
KEITH & RUBY RYDE were of particular help to George Clarke prior to the formation of our Society, and were present at our Inaugural Meeting. Keith was then President of the Bromeliad Society of Australia Inc. They are both active members of our Society, participating in our Shows where Ruby's potting demonstrations are always popular.
Ruby has always loved bromeliads, species in particular. On Keith's retirement they were able to travel to South America on 'collection' trips. Over the years our members have enjoyed their stories and slides covering these trips, and gained benefit from Ruby's vast knowledge of her beloved broms.
FRED & PHEOBE THOMPSON joined our Society in 1985. Fred tells of purchasing his first bromeliad from the Sydney Markets when he was looking for potted plants to start a collection for a 'retirement' hobby. Not long after, they both saw a bromeliad display in a shopping centre at Parramatta N.S.W. and were really impressed with the variety and beauty of the plants. One of Fred's favourite plants is the Cryptanthus, and his talks and demonstrations to members over the years have been very helpful. Sadly, Pheobe passed away in March 1995. Fred continues to attend our meetings whenever he can.
ERN BAILEY, our Patron has worked constantly for the Society, first joining the Committee as Editor in 1985. He was elected President in 1988 until 1995, and has served as Vice President since then. His many contributions towards the growth of our Society are detailed throughout this history.
CAROLE LILLIE is in her second year as President of the Society. She was elected Vice President in 1995 and before that served as Tea Lady in 1994. Carole has always been enthusiastic about bromeliads and about our Society, and during her term as President, has worked very hard in her own special way to foster that enthusiasm in others.
IAN CAMPBELL has been a constant worker for the Society. He was Publicity Officer in 1986, then Vice President from 1989 to 1995, elected President in 1996 and served as Vice President again in 1997.
AUDREY CAMPBELL has worked diligently for the Society first as Publicity Officer in 1988/89 then afterwards served as Hostess for two years. It was in 1991 that she was elected Treasurer, a position held by her until 1995. After a two year absence from the Committee, Audrey returned as Treasurer in 1997.
STAN OAKES has worked faithfully for the Society as Editor since 1992. This is not an easy job, but Stan manages to get it all together in time for us to receive and enjoy our Bromelia Post each month.
FAY HAGAN was Assistant Tea Lady in 1993, then served on the Plant of the Month Table from 1994 to 1996. From 1996 she began her duties as Secretary and still occupies this position on the Committee up to the present time.
BILL NEVILLE joined our Society in 1991 and has been our smiling Librarian since 1992. The Library had grown sufficiently by 1985 to require an elected Librarian, and has gone on and on since then. Currently, our library has a stock of 74 books as well as editions of various Bromeliad Society magazines from here in Australia and overseas. The Library has copies of the Minutes and Bromelia Post from the beginning of the Society, available to our members.
CONCLUSION
I hope this condensed fifteen year history of our Society conveys to you (as it has to me) the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of members commencing from that very first meeting. I feel that these three qualities have been the corner stones on which our Society has grown and will continue to grow.
It is said "What goes around, comes around" and I would like to record what I think is a very appropriate conclusion to these pages.
Just before this history was completed, our Society received a donation from a former member, of his full collection of bromeliads which included many of Lt. Col. George Clarke's original plants. We were also given George Clarke's personal collection of bromeliad books for our Library.
George Clarke was the founder of our Society, and now his bromeliads and books are back with us for all to enjoy.
I think he would be pleased.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I couldn't have completed this history without the help of many people, and some in particular I need to thank.
Firstly, a big thank you to my husband Alan for his understanding over these past, many months when so much of my time was spent isolated in my 'office'. Also for his patience with me during those not so good days (and there were quite a few), when nothing would go right. He never complained.
Next I would like to thank our Editor, Stan Oakes and Assistant Editor Di Hill for their technical advice and help.
My old computer and I are not always in complete agreement. Whenever anything went wrong during these past months (and it frequently did), advice from my eleven year old grandson, Grant Tychonenko, would resolve the problem. Thanks for all your help Grant. The final special thank you goes to my son-in-law, George Tychonenko. With his computer know-how and state of the art equipment, he managed to convert my scrambled pages into the "Fifteen Year History" presented here. I couldn't have done it without you George.
Fay Hagan Secretary
Updated 04/11/08