Wessex Fuchsia Group

The group was formed in 1969 and was one of the first in the South West. Membership was and still is spread over a wide area. It was also the efforts of the members to instigate the first British Fuchsia Society South Western Show and from this the advent of many new societies in the region. The group can boast that many of its members go on to become officers and committee members of the British Fuchsia Society.

Not everyone realises that the Devizes district, our HQ, had then assumed such an important "centre" for fuchsias. One of the most famous fuchsia figures emanated in the district, James Lye, head gardener at Clyffe Hall, Market Lavington was a prolific hybridiser and grower of massive plants. Lye was perhaps responsible more than anyone else for exhibiting these fine specimens at shows and bringing them to the attention of the public. It was therefore no surprise that the group adopted him as their mascot, gaining much information about him. The group's badge is of Amy Lye.

Three fuchsias have been hybridised and are named after the society, Wessex Belle, Wessex Hardy and Wessex Jubilee.

We hold our monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month except July, August and December. January is our Annual Dinner at a local hostelry, commencing at 7.45pm. Our Annual Show is held at the Seend Community Centre (same address) usually on the second Saturday in July, open from 1 - 4pm. Usually in April (Sunday) we have a trip to a specialist fuchsia nursery to purchase plants and in May we hold our annual Plant Sale, venue to be confirmed. We encourage members to hold a  "Fun with Fuchsias" evening at their homes during the season, where members can ask questions and see different grower's gardens and their techniques.

 We are a happy and friendly group who enjoy and have fun with their fuchsias with many members able to give their knowledge to newcomers. Based in the heart of Wiltshire.

Membership is £4 per person and £2 children, commencing in January each year.