Welcome to Newdigate Horticultural Society!
We are based in the lovely Surrey countryside just south of Dorking and celebrate plants, gardens, allotments and all things horticulture!
Newdigate Horticultural Society is an active society that encourages and promotes gardening and horticulture. We welcome first-time gardeners, experienced “old hands”, those with container gardens, large gardens, wildlife gardens, allotments and even no gardens but who are passionate about plants!
Each year we run a number of events to share ideas, plants and visit other gardens for new inspiration, whether within the village or further afield.
Run by a Committee, we welcome anyone to volunteer with us on our events as we really believe more hands make light work and we certainly couldn’t do all that we do without the willing hands of our members.
The Society has been in existence for over 125 years, initially as a combined Society with Capel and South Holmwood.
Membership Benefits
- Participation in organised events and shows throughout the year
- Discounted tickets at some events run by the Society
- 10% discount at Buckland Nurseries (Reigate Road, Buckland) on presentation of a membership card (excluding gift vouchers, special orders and deliveries)
- Access to RHS membership card for reduced entry fee at all of the 5 RHS Gardens
- Information on events being hosted by our local gardening clubs and societies
- Gardening advice – the committee will endeavour to answer any gardening questions you have, though we cannot promise to always have an answer!
Joining
Our membership year runs from 1st January to 31st December each year and we have both single person and joint/family memberships available. The annual subscription fees for 2026 are:
- Single membership: £7
- Joint/family membership: £10
- Junior membership (Under 16): free
Volunteer
Our Society is completely run by volunteers and we are always happy to welcome new people!
You don’t have to be an expert gardener or be actively involved all year long – a few hours every now and again can make a huge difference to our events and activities. If you do fancy being more involved though, do consider joining the Committee.
Activities to get involved in include amongst others:
- Maintenance of planted areas around the village, including the planters outside Bob’s Shop and Doctor’s surgery
- Growing plants for the Plant Sales
- Set-up and take down of the Shows
- Baking cakes for cake sales
- Being an extra pair of hands in the kitchen at events
- New plantings around the village
Committee
The Society’s Committee is made up of up to 12 people each year. For 2026 the Committee is:
- President: Anne Mitchell
- Chairperson: Sandra Cabral
- Secretary: Jen Warans
- Treasurer: Julia Maynard
- Membership Secretary: Susie Smith
- Show Secretary: Ian Macro
- Julia Parker
- Judith Perdue
- Ralph von Kaufmann
- Joel Witz
- Annie Berriman
- Clara Sewell-Knight
Joining the Committee
The Committee meet approximately 8 times a year. We work as a group and all support the various activities and events that we organise. There are a number of names roles that have additional responsibilities: Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Secretary and Show Secretary. All committee members are asked to:
- attend as many meetings as possible
- take on responsibility for an event each year, such as a garden visit or village activity and help out at other events
- help to publicise events through word of mouth
The Committee is formed each year at the Annual General Meeting and each person can stay in role for up to 3 years. However, they can be returned for longer if no other committee member wishes to take on the role.