"It is quite time a Begonia Society should be formed. There can be no question about the success. The Society should have several shows a year, under auspices which would bring lovers of this flower together, and influence their friends to become growers. They could not withstand the inducement, ocular demonstration of the beauty, and advantages this flower has over all others for decoration as well as bedding".

C.A.Farini wrote the above in his book published in 1895, but it was over 50 years later that the first seeds were born.

1945 a Mr Burgess visited a Mr Simpson and on seeing the magnificent display of begonias in the latter's greenhouse in Birmingham suggested that they form a society ( he was probably not aware that The Scottish Begonia Society had been formed a few years previously). The idea slowly gained impetus and in 1948 an inaugural meeting was held, it was agreed that the Society should be known as THE NATIONAL BEGONIA SOCIETY OF ENGLAND AND WALES. Mr L.A.Simpson was appointed Chairman and Mr F.Burgess Secretary/Treasurer. The annual subscription was set at 10/6d. Later that year Mr F.J.Bedson was appointed as the Society's first President, Mr Burgess resigned and Mr Simpson was appointed Secretary.

1949 The first Annual General Meeting was held at the R.H.S rooms London, membership was reported at 76. That same year Mr Simpson staged a group of begonias at the City of Birmingham Show. An enrolment form was completed by a Mr F.J. Martin - this gentleman was to play a major part in the Society's activities for many years to come.

1950 Mr Bedson resigned as President and was superseded by Mr M.W.Beer. Mr J.Woolman.VMH appointed Chairman. The first Annual Show was held in September, at the City of Birmingham Show. Membership stood at 108.
Mr W.Hudson organised a decorated advisory bureau at the Southport Show, and continued to do so for over 25 years.

1951 Mr Bedson produced the first multi-paged bulletin (single sheet newsletters had been produced prior to this).

1956 Mr Martin appointed Secretary/Treasurer.

1957 Mr Simpson appointed President.

1959 Title of the Society changed to THE BRITISH BEGONIA SOCIETY. This resulted in a protest from The Scottish Begonia Society and in 1960 THE NATIONAL BEGONIA SOCIETY was adopted.

1960 Membership 352.

1961 Mr Martin awarded Gold Medal.

1962 The Society's first Annual Show in London.

1966 Annual subscription raised to 12/6d. Membership 493.

1969 At the 20th Annual National Show 258 pots and 333 cut blooms were exhibited. Membership 564.

1973 The first Annual Show at Southsea. Annual Subscription raised to £1.

1975 The Secretary/Treasurer Mr F.J. Martin passed away. Membership 1250.

1976 Dr E.Catterall appointed Secretary. Subs. raised to £1.50

1979 Membership 883.

1984 Mr V.A.Spurr appointed Chairman.

1990 Membership 900

1991 The City of Ballaarat in South Australia donated their first special award to the Society for the best un-named new variety submitted by an amateur . First award presented to Mr J.Allely for his seedling named "Yellow Elegance"This award is different each year and retained by the winner.

1993 Subs. raised to £3.

1995 Subs. raised to £5.

1996 Dr Catterall passed away. Mr C.Nicklin appointed Secretary. Subs raised to £6. Membership 600.

1998 Mr C Welsh appointed Chairman. Mr Spurr awarded Gold Medal.

1999 Subs. raised to £6.50.

2000 Mr M Webb appointed President.

2002 Mr A Harris appointed Secretary.

2011 Subs raised to £15 George Rushforth, Derek L Telford & Brian Simmons awarded Gold Medals.

This historical information has been supplied by
Alan Harris