THE ROYAL Horticultural Society of which Jamaica is one of the oldest affiliate members, stages the annual Chelsea Flower Show which is dubbed "the greatest show on earth", in May 2005. Jamaica has had the distinction of being a participant for the last 10 years. The show is of a very high standard and is governed by strict rules and regulations.
Jamaica has been invited to participate in the 2005 show, and the exhibit will be mounted under the name of Jamaica Horticultural Society (JHS), which is the umbrella
organisation of garden and horticultural clubs throughout Jamaica. The team members are drawn from the JHS, the Manchester Horticultural Society and the St. Andrew Flower Arrangement and Garden Club.
SELECTED NAMES
The names of the persons selected from the wider group to travel to London in May to mount this year's exhibit were announced recently at a
fund-raising dinner held at
the picturesque premises of Guardsman Headquarters on Old Hope Road, Kingston.
Those selected are Mrs. Carice Wright, Mrs. Lucille Levene, Mrs. Cynthia Walters, Mrs. Georgia Byles, Mrs. Juanita Feurtado, Mrs. Cicely Tobisch and Mrs. Gladys Hakansson as coordinator. Each member has been involved in horticulture and floral design for many years and most have attended the Chelsea Show before. Some members have also participated in international shows and are members of the Jamaica Panel of Judges of Floral Art and Horticulture.
PREPARATION
Preparation for the show begins as early as July of the year preceding the show in which various fund-raising events are staged. During this time, the wider committee convene meetings to plan the event which, includes selecting the theme and making plans for staging the exhibit.
Through participation in the show, Jamaica is exposed to 75 media houses internationally and the over 220,000 visitors to the show.
The involvement in mounting an exhibit for Jamaica, especially at such a renowned show requires expertise, commitment and the ability to work as a team. The members are determined to continue the tradition of doing Jamaica proud.
