2009

With the Society in it's first year the awards for 2009 were made by each of the two amalgamated Societys. The descriptions below are extracts from the original Citations that were given at the awards ceremony at the Inaugral Meeting in March 2009

The Lady Astor Presidents Cup

Nominated and Approved by the BPGS Executive Council.

The Award for 2009 went to David Taylor. David served as Editor of the BPGS journal for three years and was a member of the Acting Management Committee that helped establish the new Society. David gives a number of talks around the country each year spreading the word and runs his own Pelargonium Nursery from his home in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire.

Below: David Taylor with the Lady Astor Presidents Cup.

The May Rushbrook Trophy

Nominated by Mr Derek Lee and supported by Gwen Ward, Andrew Simmons and Steve Pollard. Approved by the BEGS Executive Committee.

The Award for 2009 was awarded to John Thorp. John was given the award for his outstanding contribution to the plant family Geraniaceae, in particular the Pelargonium Group, and his contribution to both of the former national Society's. John ran his own Pelargonium Nursery from his home in Wokingham near Reading for over 25 years before his retirement in 1993. John's Nursery released many new cultivars that are still big sellers today including Ian Gillams 'Vancouver Centennial' that is still sold in Garden Centres all over the country.

Below: John Thorp being presented with the May Rushbrook Trophy by Mary Spink.

The BEGS Fellowship Award

Nominated by Members of the Midland and South Eastern Region of BEGS and Approved by BEGS Executive Committee.

The Award for 2009 went to John and Miriam Green. John was instrumental in setting up the Wisbech and District Fuchsia and Pelargonium Society. He is a keen hybridiser with many of his new Angel varieties being released by Sulmans Nursery. John was on the BEGS Council for 5 years prior to the amalgamation and more recently has been involved with the smooth running of the National shows and is now working on setting up future shows for the new Society. John is a man of ideas and with his wife Miriam in the 'engine room', success is guaranteed.

Below: John and Miriam Green with Mary Spink.