Bangalow & District Garden Club Inc. History 1977 – 1987

The Bangalow & District Garden Club came into being in 1977.  Originally, garden competitions in Bangalow were arranged by the Bangalow Community Centre and, following a successful garden competition in 1977, Mr. P. Hart convened a meeting in the Bangalow RSL Hall on November 4^th to promote the possible formation of a Garden Club.  Present at this meeting were:

Mr. & Mrs. P. Hart
Sister A. Young
Mrs. Jan Hulbert
Mrs. B. Gumbleton
Mrs. Fae Flick
Mr. & Mrs. H. Francis
Canon & Mrs. W. Avery
Mr. P. Sheaffe (a guest to assist in formation of a club and also to discuss a garden competition and to offer his view as its judge)

Mr. Hart welcomed all and outlined his views on the benefits to the district and to individuals from the sharing of knowledge and the expansion of education in the fields of gardening.  He said “much could be developed by those with the love of the beauties in horticulture, for the improvement of life in this lovely part of our land”.  Some of the proposed aims were:

• Enhance the district’s beauty
• Improve standards
• Organise tours
• Arrange field days
• Education programme of demonstrations
• Assist in promoting the Community Centre’s Garden Competition
• Nurture friendship by regular meetings together
  After discussion, Mr. Francis moved that the Bangalow & District Garden Club be formed.  Canon Avery seconded, and the motion was carried.  Elected officers were as follows:

President………………………………… Mr. P. Hart
Vice President…………………………..Mr H. Francis
Secretary………………………………….Mrs W. Avery
Assistant Secretary……………………Sister A. Young
Treasurer………………………………….Mrs Gumbleton

Meetings were set down for the first Friday of each month at 8 pm in the RSL Hall, Bangalow.  An annual membership fee of $1.00 was fixed, it was agreed that a cheque Bank account be opened, members were asked to bring along items for discussion at each meeting, and were also requested to participate in a “bring and buy” stall every month.

Then Mr. Sheaffe addressed the gathering on the judge’s findings from the Community Centre’s 1977 garden competition.  He said: “The competition had been a landmark attracting 27 entries, the timing had brought some difficulties for the gardeners, but he had been delighted with the variety and quality in the gardens”.  Mr. Sheaffe advised that he had used the Royal Horticultural Society of N.S.W. Guide Book to assist him in his decision making.  Following Mr. Sheaffe’s talk, it was moved that the new Club seek to purchase a copy of this Guide Book to assist its members.

The very first official meeting of the new Bangalow & District Garden Club was held on Friday, 2^nd December, 1977, at 8 pm in the RSL Hall.  There were eight members in attendance plus three new members.  The Club was already expanding!  It was agreed that the annual membership of $1.00 should be reviewed at every AGM, guest speakers should be obtained whenever possible and that twenty cents should be charged for the tea and biscuits supplied at each meeting.

In 2008 when this history is being written, most of what was set into motion at those first two meetings still continues.  In 1977, the position of Social Secretary did not exist and all members were encouraged to seek venues for members to visit.  Another change, however, has been that the Club has been able to afford to provide tea and coffee to its members for some years and the fee of twenty cents no longer applies!

1978 was an important year for the Club as it was busy laying down the foundations for its garden competitions.  The Community Centre Group was happy that the Garden Club should take over that aspect of their activities.  It was even mooted that a year-round garden competition could be held, with judging done twice a year – approximately September for mid-Spring and March to April for an autumn showing.

Although the first two meetings of the Garden Club were held in the Bangalow RSL Hall, in March 1978 the meetings were moved to the Bangalow CWA rooms.  At this March meeting, there were another seven new members – the Club was growing yet again!  It was at this meeting also that the Club decided to seek affiliation with the Garden Club of Australia at a cost of $5.00 per annum.

At the April meeting, finalisation of the garden competition started to take shape, with judging to be completed by 16^th September.  It was suggested that an entry fee of fifty cents should be applicable to all entrants who were not Club members, that donors be sought for prizes, that a notice of the schedule be posted as soon as possible and that entries be restricted to gardens within a radius of 15 km of Bangalow.  It was not until the May meeting that the final 1978 schedule was set.  Suggested classes included:

• Established garden
• New garden – under 3 years
• Spring garden
• Institutional garden
• Vegetable garden
• Over 70s garden
• Champion Garden
• Reserve Champion Garden
• Footpath garden
• Fernery or Bush house
• Rock or Pebble garden
• Flowering Tree or Shrub

Members were asked to approach local businesses to contribute towards prizes, either in cash or produce.  Although “The Northern Star” newspaper offered to provide pennants for 1978, another supporter (Mrs McKenzie) had already purchased these and the paper assured the Club that it would continue to help the Club with publicity and the annual donation of pennants in future years.  The Club was honoured to receive the gift for perpetual competition of the Alf Smith Memorial Cup, which was generously donated by Mrs. Smith.

Invitations were sent out to Lismore, Alstonville, Ballina and Byron Bay garden clubs to attend the Presentation Evening to be held following the garden competition judging, with a slide presentation of gardens to be shown on the night.  Each member was asked to provide 2 plates of food towards supper, with the Club supplying tea, coffee, milk and sugar – this practice is still alive in 2008!  Almost 70 people attended that very first Presentation Evening, and the Club’s first garden competition was held to be a complete success with 47 entries in the 10 classes.

The prize for Champion Garden in 1978 was awarded to Mr. and Mrs. P. Hart’s garden at Ewingsdale, whilst Reserve Champion Garden went to Mr and Mrs. R. Hanigan’s garden in Campbell Street, Bangalow.

The Club’s library began in 1978 also.  The first book was called “Knowing, Growing & Showing Roses” by Dr. A. Thomas who had personally given the book to member Mr. Albaker, who then had kindly presented the book to the Club and the book was accordingly inscribed by Canon Avery.
Another big event took place in 1978!  The Club held its first street stall in Bangalow on July 19^th.  The stall made $71.17 from sales and $24.20 from a raffle.  When considering the prices charged for cakes, etc., in 1978 it would have taken a lot of produce to make such a huge profit.
By the time the first AGM took place on November 3^rd, 1978, the Bank account was showing a healthy credit balance of $169.93, and a tea money balance of $16.23.  Although there were 16 members present at this 1978 AGM, it was disappointing that only the President’s position was filled and election of others officers was deferred until the November meeting.  The following people were then elected:

President………………………………… Mr. P. Hart
Treasurer………………………………… Mrs. Boyd
Secretary…………………………………. M. Avery
Auditor……………………………………. Bank of NSW Manager
Patrons……………………………………. Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Wright

It was moved that future AGMs should be held in March each year.

In September 1978, Mr. Artie Prentice (still a member in 2008!) was nominated to discuss with Byron Shire officials the club’s involvement in “Earth Week”, endeavouring to beautify the approaches to Bangalow with (preferably) Bangalow Palms.  With a planned visit to the area by Sir Roden Cutler, Patron of the Garden Club of Australia, the Club voted to be associated with the gift of a tree for planting and maintaining in the Show grounds, this being offered to the Park Trust and Bangalow A. & I. Society.  Another project undertaken was the beautification of the Ex-Servicemen & Women’s Railway Park.  When contacting the Council regarding the Railway Park, Councillor Brown offered a trophy for the Best Street Class in the 1979 garden competition schedule.  Working bees were organised for all activities.  The Club made use of a blackboard in the CWA window to advertise features in its activity programme.

By April 1979, arrangements were already underway for that year’s garden competition, with Mr. P. Sheaffe being appointed as judge.  Although the 1979 schedule had only minor changes from the 1978 schedule, there were now 19 classes for judging and the fifty cents entry fee for non-club members was dropped.  Judging was to take place from 23^rd to 26^th September, with Presentation Night to be held at the RSL Hall on the 27^th.  Gardens were open to the public on September 29^th and 30^th.  The “Northern Star” newspaper provided pennants for 1^st and 2^nd prizes, with prizes being allocated as follows:

1^st Prize………………………………….. $6.00
2^nd Prize…………………………………. $4.00
Established Garden………………….. $3.00 (1^st Prize)                        $2.00 (2^nd Prize)
New Garden…………………………….. $3.00 (1^st Prize)                        $2.00 (2^nd Prize)
Spring Garden………………………….. $3.00 (1^st Prize)                        $2.00 (2^nd Prize)
Vegetable Garden…………………….. $3.00 (1^st Prize)                        $2.00 (2^nd Prize)
Over 70s………………………………….. $3.00 (1^st Prize)                        $2.00 (2^nd Prize)
Fernery or Bush House……………… $3.00 (1^st Prize)                        $2.00 (2^nd Prize)
Garden & Patio…………………………. $3.00 (1^st Prize)                        $2.00 (2^nd Prize)
Street……………………………………… As donated by Councillor P. Brown
Judge’s Choice

Other costs associated with the garden competition included a payment to the judge of $13.50 and $10 given to the stewards to defray their expenses.

With 1979 being “The Year of the Child”, the Club proposed a competition in writing be staged for the Primary schools in the district, the subject being “A Garden”.  The work was judged by a teacher and prizes of $3 (1^st prize) and $2 (2^nd prize) were awarded at a presentation night.  Over 100 entries were received from young people in this essay competition.  The Maclean P. & C. Association carried out the job of duplicating the 1979 schedules and a donation of $5.00 was sent to them.

Of significance was the resolution that a letter be written to Mr. Ramsay (1978 judge) seeking consideration of the possibility of forming a panel of judges on the North Coast.  It was felt that age was a real factor with the present competent judges in the field and that steps should be taken to train younger people to carry on the work of judging.  Mr. Ramsay advised that this should be handled at a local zone level, rather than at an Australian level.

 

1980:  The AGM held in March saw 31 members in attendance, with 8 new members being welcomed.  Total Club membership now stood at 38 – 22 of whom had joined during 1979.  The feeling was that the Club had been a tremendous success, an educational medium and an avenue for friendships.  The Club had established itself as a valuable asset, not only to the district and other people but to all its members.  New officers:

President………………………………… Mr. P. Hart
Vice President…………………………. Mr. H. Sheaffe
Vice President…………………………. Mr. Charles Ibbott
Vice President…………………………. Mrs. Pat Gibson
Secretary………………………………… M. Avery
Assistant Secretary………………….. E. Hart
Librarian………………………………… E. Hart
Treasurer……………………………….. Mrs. Daphne Boyd
Auditor………………………………….. Manager of Bank of N.S.W.
Patron……………………………………. Mr. Lyle Wright
Patron……………………………………. Mrs. Margaret Wright
Patron……………………………………. Councillor Mrs. Patricia Brown

Formation of the North Coast Horticultural Judges’ Panel was a priority in 1980, with three Club members being launched as trainee judges.  The Club purchased teaspoons from Garden Club of Australia and these were used as presentations.  The library collection was expanding, as was membership which stood at over 60!  With this increased membership, it was found that the CWA rooms were inadequate and it was decided to accept an offer of $5 per night for use of the RSL Hall.  In 2008, the Club meetings are still being held at this venue.  The practice was continued of exhibiting at the Bangalow Show, with Mrs. Pat Gibson (still a member in 2008!) being one of the very talented ladies who arranged the displays.  Dot Gill (also still a member in 2008) acted as steward.

The garden competition was a big success, with the “Northern Star” printing free of cost the competition schedule and also providing pennants for the winners.  New activities during the year included a Christmas break-up dinner, and a move to awaken interest in Bangalow’s civic pride by urging the Centenary Committee to pursue a beautification programme amongst the residents.  The Club also urged the Garden Club of Australia to be practical in its support of “The International Year of Disabled Persons” to be held in 1981.

The annual garden competition again drew many entries, with the champion garden award being given to Alan and Daisy Dare of Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park.  In 2007, Alan and Daisy were appointed as Club Patrons and in 2008 still regularly attend meetings and outings.

 

1981:

Patrons………………………………….. Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Wright
Patron……………………………………. Councillor Mrs. Patricia Brown
Patron……………………………………. Mr. H. Sheaffe
President………………………………… Mr. P. Hart
Vice President…………………………. Mr. R. H. Johnstone
Vice President…………………………. C. Ibbott
Vice President…………………………. Mrs. Pat Gibson
Secretary………………………………… Mrs. Avery
Treasurer……………………………….. Mr. P. Flower
Social Secretary/Librarian……….. Mrs. P. Smith
Publicity Officer………………………. Mrs. Avery
Auditor………………………………….. Manager of Bank of N.S.W.

At the AGM held in March, the above members were elected to the executive positions.  It will be noted that there were new positions for a Social Secretary and a Publicity Officer.  It was also decided to increase the annual membership to $2.00 per annum and to apply for affiliation with the Garden Clubs of Australia.  During the year, the very important position of Catering Officer was also created – with Mrs. Boyd graciously accepting the position.

The Club undertook to assist the Sports Association with the beautifying of the new sporting complex, while still being involved in maintaining the Governor’s Showground garden.

Two stalwarts of the Club sadly passed away in 1981.  Firstly there was Mr. Harry Aldaker, donor of the Club’s very first library book.  The book “Knowing, Growing & Showing Roses” by Dr. A. Thomas, was suitably inscribed to Mr. Aldaker’s memory.  Secondly there was the passing of Mr. Ossie Jackson who had acted as the Club competition steward for several years.

One of the Club’s outings in 1981 was a bus trip to a nursery in Cleveland (Brisbane) – at a cost of $4.50 per person for the bus.  This was to be the start of many bus trips to various parts of the country, and which the Club members thoroughly enjoyed.

The “Northern Star” did not print the schedules for free in 1981, and the Club was presented with an account for $50 for 300 schedules.  As the Club’s Bank account was in a healthy position, it was able to cover the cost of these schedules.  A few comments from the judges comments following judging included “the spirit of the competition should not be allowed to become too fierce, entrants should roll up hoses, grow smaller shrubs along pathways, tidy up with no washing left out and that judges should change each year” – words of wisdom indeed!

There were 94 entries in the 1981 garden competition scattered in an area bounded by Broken Head Road, Tintenbar, Friday Hut Road, Eureka, Possum Creek, Ewingsdale to Byron Bay.  The judge was Mrs Maud McDonald from Evans Head who said that the garden of Mr. and Mrs. P. Hart excelled and was awarded the prize of Champion Garden.  Other sections and winners were:

Reserve Champion                                    B. & O. Noble, Eureka.
Runner-up to the Champions                 D &. A. Dare, Suffolk Park.

Established Garden
1^st Prize           P. & E. Hart
2^nd Prize          D. & A. Dare

New Garden
1^st Prize           B. & O. Noble, Eureka.
2^nd Prize          B. Diggins, Newrybar.
Spring Garden
1^st Prize            M. Roberts, Newrybar.
2^nd Prize           W. & M. Avery, Newrybar.
Small Garden  
1^st Prize              Mr & Mrs. F. Hanigan, Bangalow.
2^nd Prize           M. Dingle, Bangalow.
Over 70s Garden 
1^st Prize              Mrs. H. Rose, Possum Creek.
2^nd Prize            Mr. & Mrs. P Noble, Newrybar.
Low Maintenance Garden
1^st Prize              Mr. & Mrs. M. Gibson, Eureka.
2^nd Prize             G. & H. Taylor, Brooklet.
Institutional Garden 
1^st Prize              Bangalow War Memorial Hospital
2^nd Prize            Ex-Servicemen & Women’s Park
Patio or Open Verandah
1^st Prize              B. & O. Noble, Eureka.
2^nd Prize             P. & E. Hart, Ewingsdale.
Vegetable Garden
1^st Prize              D. & A. Dare, Suffolk Park.
2^nd Prize             A.W. Middleton, Bangalow.
Bed of Flowers
1^st Prize               Mr. & Mrs. R. Hanigan, Bangalow.
2^nd Prize              Mr. & Mrs. F. Hanigan, Bangalow.
Rock, Pebble or Bark Garden
1^st Prize               B. & O. Noble, Eureka.
2^nd Prize              Mrs. J. Oliver, Brooklet.
Flowering Shrub or Tree
1^st Prize               P. & E. Hart, Ewingsdale.
2^nd Prize              D. Boyd, Newrybar.
Native Shrub or Tree  
1^st Prize              G. & H. Taylor
2^nd Prize             Elva Hart
Footpath Garden
1^st Prize               J. & R. Hulbert, St. Helena.
2^nd Prize             P. & E. Hart, Ewingsdale.
Fruit Tree  
1^st Prize              D. & A. Dare, Suffolk Park.
2^nd Prize              P. & E. Hart, Ewingsdale.
Flowering Vine
1^st Prize               W. & M. Avery
2^nd Prize              A. & M. Johnston
Child’s Garden
1^st Prize                S. Noble, Eureka (tied)
1^st Prize                N. Hulbert, St. Helena (tied)
Best Street Award                                     Granouille Street, Bangalow.
Special Award (Veg. Garden)                 E. W. Weir
Special Award (Protea)                            M. Brown
Special Award (Ferns)                              F.W. Pearson

After 12 months acting as Provisional Judges, three Club members were elected to the Judges’ Panel, these were: Mesdames B. Noble, J. Hulbert and Mr. P. Flower.

Interest in the Ex-Servicemen’s Railway Park by the Club was severed during the year with the appointment of a full time gardener to the Shire of Byron.  Continuation of beautifying the Sports Association grounds would be carried out if and when requested. The Club endeavoured to bring to the notice of the “Civic Fathers” the fact that 1982 was to be the “Year of the Tree”.

 

1982:  Miss A. Young again took the chair at the AGM to conduct the appointment of the new executive committee.  The following were elected:

Patrons………………………………….. Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Wright
Patron……………………………………. Councillor P. Brown
Patron……………………………………. Mr. H. Sheaffe
President………………………………… Mr. P. Hart
Vice President……………………….. Mrs. P. Gibson
Vice President……………………….. Mr. A. Dare
Vice President……………………….. Mr. R. A. Johnstone
Vice President……………………….. Mr. C. Ibbott
Secretary……………………………….. Mrs. W. E. Avery
Treasurer……………………………….. Mr. P. Flower
Social Secretary/Librarian…….. Mrs. E. Hart
Publicity Officer……………………. Mrs. Avery
Auditor………………………………….. Manager of Bank of N.S.W.
Catering Officer…………………….. Mrs. Watts

The Byron Shire Council proved to be very generous in offering to Bangalow the amount of $2,000 to go towards the planting of trees to mark “The Year of the Tree”.  The Shire’s official gardener offered advice of possible ways to carry out the beautification.  A poster competition depicting “The Year of the Tree” was conducted with the Club donating prizes in the three divisions of High School pupil, Primary school 10 years and over, and Junior Primary school under 10 years of age.  Prizes were $2 for 1^st prize, $1 for 2nd prize and 50 cents for 3rd prize.

Bus trips to both Mt. Coot-tha Festival of Flowers and Wiangarie State Forest were highlights for the year, with the 1982 garden competition being a big success with 102 entries received and, for the first time, three of the Club’s judges gained experience in judging the gardens of nearby clubs.  The club again paid for the printing of the schedules, but many members and non-club members donated trophies.  A new inclusion to the schedule was the Novice Section for those who had not previously won a prize.

 

1983:  The Club’s membership had grown to 73 at this stage, with 52 attending the AGM – the Club must have been doing something right!  At the AGM, Mrs. Boyd chaired the election of officers, with the result bein

President………………………………… Mr. P. Hart
Secretary……………………………….. M. Avery
Treasurer……………………………….. Mr. P. Flower
Vice President……………………….. Mrs. Pat Gibson
Vice President……………………….. Mr. C. Ibbott
Vice President……………………….. Mr. A. Dare
Vice President……………………….. Mr. M. Riches
Patrons………………………………….. Mr. & Mrs. L. Wright
Patron……………………………………. Councillor P. Brown
Patron……………………………………. Councillor C. James
Patron……………………………………. Mr. H. Sheaffe
Patron……………………………………. Miss A. Young
Social Secretary…………………….. Mrs. P. Hart
Librarian……………………………….. Mrs. Beth Noble
Tea Lady……………………………….. Mrs. J. Watts
Auditor………………………………….. Mrs. D. Boyd
Publicity Officer……………………. Mr. P. Hart

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Scarabellotti were welcomed to the Club as new members in March 1983, and they remained devoted members until their resignation from the Club in 2002.  Frank Scarabellotti died at the age of 109, just a month short of his 110^th birthday in 2007.

Difficulties with the Panel of Judges was being experienced at this time, and the Club decided to directly contact all nearby clubs seeking their views with regard to the formation of a District Council.  Not all clubs supported this proposal.
It was again decided to make minor changes to the garden competition schedule, this time deleting the section for a small garden and including a section entitled “Garden by lady living alone”.  It was also decided to increase the main trophy prizes to $10, with 2^nd prizes staying at $5.  Mrs. Jan Scott began her training as a Provisional Judge, and many members contributed to the Garden Page in “The Northern Star”.  Of huge credit to the Club was the fact that seven of the eleven district garden competitions had been judged by Bangalow Garden Club members!  The Club had an outing to Springbrook, and 11 members joined the Alstonville Garden Club on their bus trip to Toowoomba.

At the completion of the 1983 Garden Club annual competition, a local newspaper carried an article entitled “Friendships and gardens nurtured”.  In this article, Mr. P. Hart (President of the Club) congratulated all who had taken part in the competition and complimented members on their achievements and the pride taken in their own gardens.  At the AGM, Mr Hart told the meeting that the club was proving invaluable in the nurturing of friendships and gardening.  In 2008, this still holds true!

The date for the 1984 AGM was changed from March to February, so that there would be more time allowed for the scheduled March guest speaker.  There did not ever seem to be a shortage of guest speakers and, at every meeting, discussions were held on gardening problems and helpful tips.  At the Christmas break-up dinner, 51 members and two patrons enjoyed an excellent evening at the Bowls Club.

 

1984:  Sixty-one members attended the AGM held on 3^rd February, including 12 new members.  Mr. Alan Dare (now a Life Member in 2008) took the chair to conduct the election of officers

Patrons………………………………….. Mr. & Mrs. L. Wright
Patron……………………………………. Councillor C. James
Patron……………………………………. Mrs. Patricia Brown
Patron……………………………………. Miss A. Young
Patron……………………………………. Mr. H. Sheaffe
President………………………………… Mr. P. Hart
Vice President……………………….. Mrs. M. Gibson
Vice President……………………….. Mr. A. Dare
Vice President……………………….. Mr. C. Ibbott
Vice President……………………….. M. Riches
Secretary……………………………….. M. Avery
Social Secretary…………………….. Mrs. E. Hart
Treasurer……………………………….. Mr. P. Flower
Caterer…………………………………… Mrs. Watts
Librarian……………………………….. Mrs. B. Noble
Publicity Officer……………………. M. Avery
Auditor………………………………….. Mrs. D. Boyd

Another busy social calendar was proposed for Club members, including a bus trip to Mt. Coot-tha in Brisbane.  It was again recommended that there should be changes to the competition schedule, with the following being included:

• Urban sized garden
• Flowering Shrub (excluding Australian Native)
• Australian Native
• Vegetable and/or flower bed by child

Mr. Sheaffe was again appointed as judge for the Club’s September competition and affiliation with the Judges’ Panel was to continue.  The library was becoming well-stocked with wonderful gardening books, either bought by the Club or donated by generous members.  The Club teaspoons were proving popular as gifts for those who hosted garden visits, and another supply was ordered for the Club.
A new practice of recording meeting Apologies came into being on the suggestion of Mrs. Beth.  Rather than the attending members giving verbal apologies for those not present, members were asked to record these apologies in the Attendance Book that circulates at every meeting – a simple but easy way!  It still works in 2008!
Now was the time to purchase a 50-cup urn!  Until now, members had been taking their own thermos flasks on home garden visits.

As 1984 was Bangalow’s Centenary Year, the Club decided to involve pupils of the Primary Schools in an essay competition in conjunction with the garden competition which almost coincided with the Centenary festivities, and this essay competition was run on similar lines to the competition held in 1979.  An ex-teacher judged the entries, with a 1^st prize of $4 and a 2^nd prize of $3.  These prizes were awarded to the winners on Presentation Night when there were 120 people present, with 7 clubs being represented.  Winners were:

• Over 10 years……………… “What a Garden Means to Me”:

1^st Prize……………………… Laichy Lane
2^nd Prize…………………….. Jenny Brady
Special Mention………… Joanne Addison

• 10 years and under……… “My Favourite Garden”
  1^st Prize……………………… Seonie Robst
  2^nd Prize…………………….. Yani Mitchell

Judge Percy Sheaffe (Brunswick Heads) and Associate Judge Mr. Henry Gill from Bogangar, took two days to review the 33 classes and 91 entries, declaring the following to be winners:

Champion Garden…………………. P. & E. Hart, Ewingsdale.
Reserve Champion……………….. B. & O. Noble, Eureka.
Runner up to Champions………. D. & A. Dare, Suffolk Park.
Established Garden……………….. 1^st Prize……… P. & E. Hart, Ewingsdale.
………………………………………………. 2^nd Prize…….. B. & O. Noble, Eureka.
New Garden………………………….. 1^st Prize……… Mrs. M. Beadman, Fernleigh.
………………………………………………. 2^nd Prize…….. Mrs. M. Walker, Clunes.
Spring Garden……………………….. 1^st Prize……… Mrs. M. Roberts (Newrybar).
………………………………………………. 2^nd Prize…….. Elwyn Weir (Clunes).
Garden by Lady…………………….. Miss J. Butler (Clunes)
Over 70s Garden…………………… 1^st Prize……… Mrs. J. Oliver (Brooklet)
………………………………………………. 2^nd Prize…….. Mrs. C. Noble (Newrybar)
Low Maintenance Garden…….. 1^st Prize……… G. & H. Taylor
………………………………………………. 2^nd Prize…….. Mr. & Mrs. J. Barrett (Booyong)
Institutional Garden………………. 1^st Prize……… Bangalow Motel
………………………………………………. 2^nd Prize…….. Bangalow Bowling Club
Novice Garden………………………. 1^st Prize……… B. & D. Pilcher (Eureka)
………………………………………………. 2^nd Prize…….. Mr. & Mrs. C. Leeson (Fernleigh)
Suburban-sized Garden…………. 1^st Prize……… F. & N. Scarrabelotti (Bangalow)
………………………………………………. 2^nd Prize…….. J. & S. McAnelly (Bangalow)
Patio or open Verandah………… D. & A. Dare (Suffolk Park)

Garden Clubs of Australia advised that all garden clubs had to individually attend to insurance cover for their members whilst on visits – this was initially left in abeyance with no action being taken by the Club.  Apologies were sent to GCA for non-attendance by Bangalow at the GCA AGM in South Australia, although the Club did register negative proxy votes for suggestions to alterations to cheque payments and restricted terms for President and Vice President.
The Club applied to the Dept of Agriculture for exemption from the Regulation regarding sale of plants, and this was approved.  Members continued to provide beautiful exhibits for the Bangalow Show as well as maintaining the Governor’s Plot at the Showground.

 

1985:

The seventh AGM of the Garden Club was held on 1^st February in the RSL Hall.  There were now 90 members in the Club, with 24 new members joining during the previous year.  The income for the 12 months amounted to $2,298.54, and the Bank Account showed a credit balance of $803.71 at the time of the 1985 AGM.  Mrs Boyd presided over the election of office bearers:

President……………………… Mr. P. Hart
Vice President…………….. Mr. M. Riches
Vice President…………….. Mr. A. Dare
Vice President…………….. Mrs. B. Noble
Secretary…………………….. Mrs. M. Avery
Treasurer…………………….. Mr. P. Flower
Social Secretary………….. Mrs. P. Hart
Librarian…………………….. Mrs. A. Dare
Caterer………………………… Mrs. A. Dare
Publicity Officer…………. M. Avery
Auditor……………………….. Mrs. D. Boyd

As the Club was in such a healthy financial position, $500 was put into an Investment Savings Account at the Westpac Bank.  Another $100 was allocated for improvement of the library and more gift teaspoons were purchased from GCA!  $100 was also donated to the Sports Association to help in beautifying the grounds at their Complex.  This money went towards providing “native trees to constitute a windbreak to protect the open area adjacent to the D. Stewart Block not only to beautify but act as a much needed comfort to patrons”.  The Eryldene Trust in Gordon (Sydney) was also a recipient of donations from the Club

1985 saw Club members on a bus trip to O’Reilly’s Lookout as well as their usual visit to members’ gardens.  With the camphor board fence around the Governor’s Plot in the Showground needing repairs, a decision was taken to remove the fence and clean up without putting in a new fence.  The cost to put in a new cyclone wire fence would be over $200.
In conjunction with the annual garden competition, an Art Competition for both Primary and High School children was run, with prizes of $5 for 1^st prize and $4 for 2^nd prize.  The topics were “A Spring Garden” for 10 years and under, and “A Secret Garden” for over 10 years, with High School students to do a design for a garden.  This competition attracted 360 entries!
Fifteen members attended the Garden Club of Australia’s North Coast Zone Conference, and it was felt that before too long there would be the formation of a North Coast Regional Council.  It was finally voted in to take out insurance overage through GCA.
The 1986 AGM was set down for March instead of February.

1986:

The eighth AGM of the Club was held on March 7^th in the RSL Hall with 57 members present.  Income for the 12 months was now at the staggering figure of $4616.19, with an expenditure of $4,446.00 – what a big year!!  Councillor C. James chaired the meeting for the election of new executives:

Patrons……………………….. Mr. & Mrs. L. Wright
Patron…………………………. Mrs. P. Brown
Patron…………………………. Miss A. Young
Patron…………………………. Mr. H. Sheaffe
Patron…………………………. Councillor C. James
President……………………… Mr. P. Hart
Vice President…………….. Mr. A. Dare
Vice President…………….. M. Riches
Vice President…………….. Mr. F. Scarrabelotti
Secretary…………………….. M. Avery
Treasurer…………………….. Mrs. D. Boyd
Assistant Treasurer……… Mr. P. Flower
Social Secretary………….. Mrs. P. Hart
Librarian…………………….. Mrs. Thelma Riches
Catering………………………. Mrs. A. Dare
Auditor……………………….. Mr. E. Gough
Publicity Officer…………. M. Avery

This year saw a change to the Judges’ point scoring system for the garden competition, this information having been previously available to members at no cost.  However, it was felt that photo copies of the scoring sheet should be done and members charged 20 cents per copy.  The Club certainly took every opportunity to make money!  Income was also earned from stalls held at garden visits as well as 20 cents per person for supper following meetings.
A change of venue for meetings and Presentation Nights was considered during 1985, the alternate venue being the Memorial Centre.  However, this did not eventuate and the meetings have continued on in the RSL Hall until this day (2008).
Forty-two Club members enjoyed an excellent trip to Armidale in April and, despite evidence of drought conditions, they were impressed with the beauty of the autumn tonings and the city’s other highlights.  Other visits included members’ home gardens, Beau Farm and invitations from Alstonville Club to join two of their planned activities.  Members continued to attend the Presentation Nights for nearby Clubs as well as Regional Zone Conference.  Bangalow Club put a resolution to the Zone Conference for “the possibility be investigated of the staging of a competition between the region’s Champion Gardens to establish the Grand Champion Garden of the Far North Coast”.  This resolution received support and the feeling of those attending the conference was that a sponsor could help with a prize for the “Champion of Champions Garden”.

The library was still expanding, despite the fact that some members were recalcitrant with returning books they had borrowed and a call was made for outstanding books to be returned.  The borrowers of the books that had not returned books within six months were to be held responsible for replacing the misplaced book at his/her own cost.  Many books were returned!  Unwanted library books were sold and the money returned to the Library fund for the purchase of new books.
In May, the $500 invested with the Westpac Bank stood at $550 and this money was transferred to a Fixed Deposit account for four months at 14% interest.

Minor alterations were made to the competition schedule, and prize money was increased to $15.00 for 1^st prize and $7.50 for 2^nd prize.  Yet again, an art competition (judged by Mrs Maggie Wilson) was arranged for Primary school children:

Infants………………………… “In My Garden”
Grades 3 and 4……………. “My Favourite Garden”
Grades 5 and 6……………. “Garden of the Future”

Both the garden competition and the art competition were huge successes, yet again!  The garden competition attracted 102 entrants in the 42 classes, and there were 174 entries in the children’s art competition.
The first discussions took place on incorporation for the Club.  In late 1986, it was felt that incorporation was not warranted.

 

1987:

The year started with a balance of $314.83 in the Club’s bank account, and the investment account stood at $600.23.  The 1987 AGM was held in March and the President welcomed 40 members.  Elected members:

Patrons……………………….. Mr. & Mrs. L. Wright
Patron…………………………. Miss A. Young
Patron…………………………. Mrs. P. Brown
Patron…………………………. Councillor C. James
Patron…………………………. Mr. H. Sheaffe
President……………………… Mr. P. Hart
Vice President…………….. Mr. A. Dare
Vice President…………….. Mrs. D. Bensley
Vice President…………….. Mr. D. Legge
Secretary…………………….. Mrs. M. Avery
Treasurer…………………….. Mr. John McAnelly
Assistant Treasurer……… Mrs. Shirley McAnelly
Social Secretary………….. Mrs. E. Hart
Librarian…………………….. Mr. Col Steele
Caterer………………………… Mrs. D. Dare
Auditor……………………….. Mrs. P. Hart

The Social Secretary had a busy calendar arranged with visits to Dorrigo, Tweed Heads, home gardens and Coffs Harbour, with the always popular Christmas dinner break-up.  Following the competition, the President escorted members from Ocean Shores Club on a tour of Bangalow’s winning gardens.
Discussion on the competition schedule revealed that members were finding it difficult to choose the correct section in which to enter – this still happens!  However, help was available then – and is now readily available to everyone also.

The growing need for incorporation was again discussed and it was felt that “it could be great wisdom for this Club to look further into the matter”.  Mr. Theo Martin who had successfully launched Alstonville Club into incorporation kindly offered a copy of his investigations and findings to Bangalow Club, and it was found that costs were roughly $70-$80, and the Club would continue to use GCA for its insurance.
Following a notice of motion regarding incorporation at the ordinary meeting of September 4^th, 1987, the President (Mr. P. Hart) called a special meeting of the Club for 2^nd October, 1987.  Thirty-five members attended this meeting wherein a full survey was conducted of the Constitution of the Alstonville Garden Club Inc., and adjustments were made to prepare a Constitution that would be applicable to the Bangalow & District Garden Club.  Mr. Hart was elected as the Club’s first Public Officer.
The committee of the Club then met quarterly to ensure that all necessary actions were being taken and put into place for the Club to go forward with its move to being an incorporated body.  This incorporation provided guidelines relevant to insurance, tax, membership, fees, etc.  Following months of necessary paperwork, incorporation of the Bangalow & District Garden Club became official on the 1^st June 1988.

The Club returned all of the 250 art entries to the district schools and their children, as well as making a gift of books to the Rosebank Primary School library as, although this school did not receive any prizes, they had contributed a great number of entries.  In the garden competition, there were 77 entries in the 31 venues.

The 1988 AGM was set down for February instead of March, prior to incorporation when the AGM would be held in October of each year.