The Seaford and District Horticultural Society in East Sussex have now published the second edition of the book" The History of the Seaford and District Horticultural Society". The original version was first published in 1997 leading up to the centenary year of the founding of the Society. After further research by the authors, Mike and Shirl Parker, the book has now been enlarged, updated and covers the years 1899 to 2006. The Society must be one of only a few Horticultural Societies that has preserved all its records for the past century. The collection of documents has now been presented to the East Sussex County Archives Office. The book explains the circumstances that lead to the formation of what was originally the Seaford Allotment Society in the late 1890's. It goes on to cover the activities during the first war of 1914-1918 and the contribution made by members and their families during the last war 1939-1945.

Mike, who chairs the society says "When you read the minutes of the early committee meetings it's surprising how things have hardly changed over the years. Most of the classes are still the same with one or two exceptions. Before the first war there were many large houses and estates in Seaford all of which employed gardeners. This was reflected in show classes that were divided into those for professional and amateurs. Women were not allowed to show vegetables, which were the prerogative of men, but had their own classes for flowers, crafts and domestic cookery with items such as bread and mashed potato".

The book will now be on sale at all Society social events during the year including the Society's Annual Horticultural Show at the Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, East Sussex on Saturday 29th July 2006. Copies of the book cost £2.00 plus 37p postage

For further information on the society or to order a copy of the book contact Mike Parker (Chairman) on 01323- 898733